STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® discipline Standing Block Chop
This discipline simulates the felling of a tree with an axe. A vertically anchored block of wood must be cut through as quickly as possible from both sides. Precise axe strokes and a powerful swing are decisive for success in this discipline.
In a nutshell
The Standing Block Chop simulates felling a tree. A block of wood is anchored vertically in a metal stand and has to be chopped through from both sides as quickly as possible. Precise blows with the axe and a powerful swing are essential for success in the Standing Block Chop. Top athletes complete this discipline in under 13 seconds. The Standing Block Chop counts as one of the more advanced disciplines and new athletes usually learn this as the fourth discipline.
Competition formats in which the discipline is featured:
Standing Block Chop features in all competition formats, including the Individual, Rookie, Intermediate, Women’s, Team and Trophy competitions.
- Exceeding the time limit
- False start
- Cutting the block only from one side
- Wrenching (using the axe to wrench the block in two instead of cutting it)
- Slabbing (this can be prevented by adding scrubs or nails into the top portion of the block during preparations)
- Failing the required protection measures (foot and leg protection)
- Precise cuts
- Powerful swings
- High hitting frequency
- Racing axe
- Spare axe
- Chainmail socks
- Pro: 30 cm
- Intermediate/Rookie: 27 cm
- Women: 25 cm
- Trophy: 27 cm
- Team competition: 30 cm
Pro records
Top-Athletes
Rundown of a heat
The athletes stand on one side of the block. At the starting signal, they start to cut from one side. Once they have cut halfway through the block, they run around to the other side and cut the remaining wood. When the block is severed, the clock stops. Most athletes also bring a spare axe on stage to save time in the event that their axe breaks.
Ferry Svan at the 2019 Individual World Championship in Prague during the Standing Block.
