Throw a Cornhole Every Time!

The game of cornhole is pretty simple. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to learn the terminology is also lacking in complexity. For example, if you toss the bag through the hole, you have successfully learned how to throw a cornhole.

Since a cornhole earns the most points, players are obviously drawn to mastering the technique of throwing a cornhole. However, being able to throw a cornhole consistently requires a certain finesse.

Practice Makes Perfect

Players have different preferences in the game, from which way they like to stand to which cornhole bag filling is superior.

These inclinations develop over time. As you practice, experiment with the following techniques to see what works for you.

Remember that consistency is key for throwing a cornhole; once you find what works, be sure to stick with it.

1. Form

There are multiple ways to toss the bags. No matter which way you prefer to throw, you should remember to hold your form. If you have poor form, then your bags will not fly straight and steady.

Just as bowlers with poor form usually get gutter balls, cornhole players with poor form regularly miss the board completely.

Pay attention to your body as you practice throwing. For example, if you consistently curve to the right, check your body’s motion to determine what is causing the bag to veer off.

You may also want to enlist a seasoned player to watch you toss so that he or she can give you tips to improve cornhole tossing form.

2. Arc

With proper form, your bags should arc slightly during the toss. The ideal arc will take the bag from your hand to the board with a gentle slide upon contact.

If you have too much arc, your bag is more likely to go off course due to longer air time. Plus, it will not slide well if it does make contact with the board.

If you have too little arc, chances are that your bag will simply flop into the grass or even slide off of the board.

3. Slide

Mentioned in the previous tip, the slide factor is important if you want to throw a cornhole. Most cornholes happen as a result of the bag sliding into the hole, not from the bag landing exactly in the hole.

Your bag’s ability to slide depends on factors such as the board material and the bag’s filling. If you are playing with a new cornhole set, you may want to throw a few practice bags to get used to the different materials.

Remember that you can adjust your form slightly to compensate, but you should not make major alterations to your technique.

4. Counterweight

The benefits of holding another bag in your non-throwing hand as a counterweight is greatly contested in the cornhole community.

Some players find that holding a second bag in the non-throwing hand messes up their form. What happens when you toss your last bag? You don’t have one left to hold!

Other players find that a counterweight increases their accuracy. They actually bring an extra (fifth) bag to hold during the last toss.

5. Bag Blockage

After the first or second toss, chances are there will be bags on the board blocking the hole. This will reduce your ability to use the aforementioned slide technique.

If this is the case, you have two options. You can push your opponent’s bag in the hole by sliding your bag in. Once both bags go in, the points are neutralized. Or, you can choose to throw your bag over the blockage into the hole like a basketball going into the net.

You may want to use bag blockage to your advantage by using your own bags to block the hole. That way your opponent will face the same dilemma and may end up pushing your bags in without being able to neutralize the points.

Also, being the first to throw slightly reduces your chances of being on the receiving end of a bag blockage attempt.

6. Rinse and Repeat

Throwing a cornhole every time is a difficult task, but getting your bag in the hole most of the time is a reasonable goal. Doing so requires a bit of research and lots of practice.

Remember that you should practice as you play, so be sure to have good form while practicing. Every time you throw a bag, you refine your muscle memory, and you want to be sure that your muscles are learning properly.

7. Get Better Gear

The cornhole equipment you use could be affecting your toss.

Boards need to have a smooth, polished finish to ensure the bags slide. If your board has become warped or the surface is rough, you need an upgrade. And if you get a new set of boards, you should obviously get them from us!

Over time, corn-filled bags become lighter. The dust leaks, changing the feel of the bags. If you’ve had yours for a while, you might need new bags that are standardized in weight. Naturally, you should check out the selection of bags we have available.

Do you have any other recommendations that will help readers throw a cornhole consistently?