Cornhole is a fun outdoor game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. It’s a game that requires skill, strategy and a little bit of luck. There are many basic strategies that can help you improve your corn hole game, but what happens when you’ve mastered these basic strategies and want to take your cornhole game to the next level? In this blog post, we’ll explore some advanced strategies for winning at cornhole that will help you take your skills to the next level.
Master the Slide Shot
The slide shot is an advanced cornhole strategy that involves sliding the bag onto the board rather than just tossing it. This technique can help you score more points and is a great way to get around any obstacles on the board. To master the slide shot, you need to practice getting the right amount of force and accuracy. It’s important to keep your wrist straight and use a smooth motion to slide the bag onto the board. Remember to aim for the bottom of the board to have the most control.
Perfect the Air Mail Shot
After mastering the slide shot, the next advanced strategy to conquer is the 'Air Mail' shot. This technique involves tossing the bag in such a manner that it lands directly inside the hole, bypassing the board entirely. It's a high-risk, high-reward shot that can score big if executed accurately. However, it requires immense precision and control. While practicing this shot, aim to get a high arc on your throw, which will allow the bag to drop down into the hole without sliding off the board.
Be Proficient with the Block Shot
Another important strategy to elevate your cornhole game is the 'Block Shot'. This technique is used to create a barrier on the board, preventing your opponent from landing their bags in the hole. The aim is to land your bag at the front of the board, creating an obstacle for the other player. This shot not only requires accuracy but also strategic foresight to predict your opponent's moves. Remember, the goal here isn’t necessarily to score, but to prevent your opponent from scoring.
Utilize the Skim Shot
The skim shot is an advanced technique that requires you to throw a bag at an angle so that it skims across the board into the hole. This strategy allows you to control your bag more and prevents it from bouncing off the board. To get the most out of this strategy, aim for the upper corners of the board. This will give you a greater chance of landing your bag in the hole because there is less surface area to cover.
Focus on Your Stance
Your stance is a crucial aspect of your cornhole technique. It ensures that you're stable, balanced, and poised to make an accurate throw. Whether you prefer standing with both feet flat or taking a step as you throw, ensure your stance is comfortable and consistent. Consistency in your footing will lead to consistency in your throws.
Develop a Consistent Grip
The way you hold the cornhole bag can significantly impact your throw. A consistent grip is key. Some players hold the bag flat in their hand while others prefer clutching a corner. Experiment with different grips to find the one that gives you the most control and comfort.
Understand the Scoreboard
A solid understanding of the scoreboard is crucial in high-level cornhole play. Knowing when to go for the hole (referred to as an "airmail") or when to just land on the board can be the difference between winning or losing a close match. Having a clear understanding of the scoring can help you make strategic decisions during the game.
Experiment with Different Pitches
Just like in baseball, different pitches (or throws) can bring different results in a cornhole game. A bag thrown with a spin might behave differently when it lands on the board compared to a bag thrown flat. Experimentation during your practice can help you discover new throwing techniques and expand your skill set.
Take Advantage of Wind Conditions
If your next game is outside, one way to take it to the next level is by taking advantage of wind conditions. If there’s a strong wind blowing across the board, use this to your advantage by aiming your shots into the wind. This will give you a greater chance of controlling the bag and landing it in the hole. You can also use this technique to disrupt your opponent’s shots, as strong winds can throw off their accuracy.
Watch and Learn from Others
One of the best ways to improve your game is to watch and learn from other experienced players. You can pick up new strategies, find out how they handle pressure situations, their throwing techniques, and how they respond to different game scenarios.
Mental Agility
Cornhole is not just a physical game—it's a mental one as well. Being able to quickly adjust your strategy based on the current state of the board, understanding your opponent's strategy, and making rapid decisions can give you a significant advantage in the game. Practicing mental agility can enhance your performance in cornhole.
Just like any game, the more you play cornhole, the more you understand the nuances and strategies that go into it. Keep experimenting with different strategies and techniques, learn from your experiences, and most importantly, remember to enjoy the game.
Know Your Opponent’s Weaknesses
The best way to win a cornhole game is to know your opponent's weaknesses and play to them. If your opponent struggles with the slide shot, focus on using that technique to your advantage. Learn their tendencies and adjust your strategy accordingly. If they’re left-handed, try to block their left side of the board and force them to play to the right.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Like any sport, the key to success in cornhole is practice. The more you practice, the better you will become. Set up a cornhole board in your yard and practice different techniques. Record your games and analyze what works and what doesn’t. Cornhole is a game that requires both physical and mental skills, so hone your skills inside and outside the game.
Control Your Emotions
Corn hole can be an emotional game. It’s important to stay calm and focused during a game. Don’t let missed shots or a string of bad luck affect your game. Focus on your strategy and execute with precision. Keep a positive attitude and celebrate each score, no matter how small.
Start Winning at Cornhole Today
Cornhole is a fun game that requires skill, strategy and practice. With these advanced strategies, you can take your game to the next level and become a cornhole champion. Master the slide shot, focus on the air mail strategy, know your opponent’s weaknesses, practice, and control your emotions. These techniques will help you win more games and have more fun playing cornhole.