Are you just starting out with cornhole, or looking for ways to really improve your game? There are some easy ways to make small changes or make a little extra effort to really take your game to the next level.
It seems so simple to play a game, but these cornhole tips might just help you excel at the game. Check them out!
Start with the Stance
One of the most important elements of an advantage in cornhole is to have a really great stance. You’ve got to get your stance down before you can truly improve any other aspect of your game play.
The stance is the physical foundation behind every other part of your game. Your stance will define your toss, and ultimately help you to be successful. You can stand still, take a step, or use both types of stances, as long as you stay in your pitcher’s box.
Take Aim for Success
The next most important element of your game is learning how to take aim. It’s much easier to aim once you get your stance down. Developing your toss is also helpful. However, your toss will be much improved if you have really great aim in the first place.
Most of the best players recommend aiming at the center of the board, slightly below the hole, rather than directly at the hole. This way, you can slide it in, rather than accidentally overthrowing it.
Get the Hold Down
You can’t just hold your bean bags any old way. If you want a good throw, the way you hold the bag on the toss makes a difference. We’re not referring to some strong grip on your bag, either. We’re just referring to the way you hold your bean bag before you make the toss.
There are different ways to hold it, but the key behind all of them is to have control so that your toss results in a nice arc, glide, and landing. Holding it flat in the palm of your hand is really the best.
Put Some Spin on It
As you get more comfortable with the game, you can start adding some flair to your throws. Adding a little bit of spin is a hard skill to master, so make sure you take the time to practice it before you suddenly decide to try it at a tournament.
A little bit of spin could give your cornhole bags just the right momentum to land and then slide smoothly right through the hole, gaining the point advantage in some cases.
A Touch of Arc on the Throw
Here’s another tip for your throw to keep in mind. When you’re tossing, you don’t want to just line drive the bean bag. This will likely be too hard of a throw and could cause you to miss.
Instead, toss it gently, arc it in the air just slightly so that you can land a hole in one, or hit the board just right to score.
Slide to Score
A lot of people think that you need to throw your bean bag in such a way that you get a “hole in one,” sinking right into the hole without ever touching the board. While that’s certainly great if you can accomplish it, it’s very hard to do.
The best thing that you can do is learn to toss where you land ON the board, just below the hole, and then slide up and into the hole. You’re far more likely to have success getting the hole consistently this way.
We All Have Different Throwing Styles
Don’t compare your throw to the person next to you. The truth is that we all have our own throwing styles. While you want to learn the technique, you also want to perfect the style that helps you be the most successful.
The most common toss styles include frisbee, sling, and overhand tosses. While you might use these for inspiration, find the best hold and movement that works for you.
Learn Different Types of Throws
While every toss is unique, there are some types of throws that you can learn to help change up or strategize your cornhole game. These are the four types of throws that most cornhole players use:
- Slider: Bag lands on the board and slides into the hole
- Airmail: Usually a toss with an arc that lands smoothly right in the hole
- Blocker: Block the hole by landing on the board where an opponent can’t slide into the hole without hitting your bag
- Push: pushing the opponent’s bag out of the way to get your bag where you want it to go
If you’re just playing occasionally for fun, that’s no big deal. But if you want to gain the advantage and really hone your skills, it requires practice. From getting your stance right to perfecting your toss and learning different throws, practice is the only way to really make it happen.
Consistency is Key
It’s so easy to get caught up in trying to mimic what everyone else does. Maybe Joe Smith has this really cool toss that always scores points, and you want to do it too. You might not be able to do the exact same thing, though, because you and Joe are different.
You need to learn how to be consistent with your own approach. The more you learn to perfect your style and your toss, the better off your game will be. Find what works for you and then perfect that. You will continue to improve over time.
Enjoy The Game with Customized Cornhole Sets
If you’re getting into cornhole or looking for a great gift, try a custom cornhole set. These cornhole tips can be put to use on any board. Skips Garage takes great pride in creating high-quality boards that you can depend on. If you are interested, give us a shout to learn more!