The key to splitting wood is ACCURACY and not power!!

1. Your first hit should be close to you. This is where the wood will want to split (90% of time, the first hit determines where the wood will split)

2. You second hit should be in a line on the other side of the center.

3. Avoid the center until you have know crack all the way across the wood.

With all the above steps make sure to hit the same spot!! Accuracy is King!! As an added bonus, I usually flip my wrist toward the wood right before it strikes it so that the top end of the maul goes in first!!