How to Play Cornhole Better

As with any competitive endeavor, cornhole players develop and tune their own technique. We'll talk about the one technique that's common across every competitive bagger, then talk about the areas in which you'll need to figure out what works best for you. A good place to start is by watching this ESPN "Sports Science" breakdown of the game, featuring California state champ Nick Renevitz:

Job 1: Throw a Flat, Spinning Bag

While many backyard players wad the bag up in their hand and throw it willy-nilly so it tumbles through the air, virtually all experienced cornhole players hold the bag flat in their hand and give it a little spin so it flies through the air "flat."  Like rifling on a bullet, that spin improves the aerodynamics of the bag for more consistent flight. Second, landing the bag flat on the board reduces the unpredictability associated with coming in all crazy. And maybe most importantly, a flat spin means the bag will always land on whatever side was facing down when you released it. That's critical because good cornhole bags are sticky on one side and slick on the other. More on that in a bit.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Generally speaking, cornhole players throw bags with their feet staggered — one foot at the front edge of the board, the other behind them. Most right-handed players throw with their left foot forward, and lefties with their right foot forward. That said, but plenty of people throw "goofy footed" with their dominant side's foot forward. Experiment and see what works for you!

To Step, or Not to Step?...That is the Question!

Some players stand fixed in their throwing position, with their weight over their front foot. Others start with their weight on their backfoot and shift forward as they throw. The other common technique is to stand with both feet together toward the back of the board, and step forward as part of the throw, almost like an abbreviated bowling approach. Try 'em all and figure out what works for you!

Stick and Slick Strategy

Quality cornhole bags are sticky on one side and slick on the other. Combined with the ability to throw a bag that flies "flat," that lets you throw a bag that slides along the board, or that stops near where it lands. You'll want to throw your cornhole bag with the slick side down when you're trying to slide the bag the length of the board, or to push a bag that's already on the board into the hole. You'll want to throw the bag sticky side down as a "blocker" to deny your opponent a clean line at the hole.

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