Cornhole Technique & Throws – learn to throw & score better

Cornhole seems simple: pick up the bag, throw, and aim for the hole. But as soon as you play more often, you’ll notice how big the difference is between “just throwing” and throwing with real technique.

The right stance, release, throwing technique, and bag type determine how much control you have over your bag and how many points you score. In this guide you’ll learn step by step how to improve your throw and apply different techniques – from slide shots and blocks to airmails and roll shots.

The basics of a good Cornhole throw

A consistent, repeatable throw starts with three key points:

• stance
• grip (how you hold the bag)
• release & arm movement

Once these three are solid, you can easily add variants like slide, block, and airmail.

Stance

Stand stable, with your feet slightly apart and parallel to the board. Make sure your body weight is evenly distributed. Be sure to stay behind the front of the board – this is your foul line.

Grip & bag position

• Hold the bag relaxed
• Don’t squeeze or “choke” it
• Bag horizontal in your hand for a stable flight
• Palm facing the target during release

Underhand throw (underhand swing)

The basic throw in Cornhole is always underhand:

1. Arm smoothly backward
2. Fluid swing forward
3. Release while your arm is pointing slightly upward
4. Let your hand naturally follow through

No jerks or snatching. A smooth motion creates a more stable path.

Release & Follow-Through – the secret to stability

The moment you let go determines whether your bag:

• drops too early,
• flies too high,
• or lands perfectly on the board.

Ideal timing: just before your arm reaches the highest point of the swing.

Common mistakes

• Releasing too early: bag lands short
• Releasing too late: arc too high, uncontrollable
• No follow-through: bag flies crooked

Tip: record yourself with your phone. Small corrections make a huge difference.

Throw variations & techniques – from beginner to pro

Advanced players don’t use just one throw, but variations: depending on obstacles, board conditions, or tactics. Below are the most commonly used shots:

1. Slide Shot

Goal: have the bag land in front of the hole and slide in under control.

• Use the fast side of the bag
• Aim for the upper half of the board
• Throw softly enough so it doesn’t slide off the back

2. Block Shot

Goal: have the bag stop in front of the hole to hinder your opponent.

• Use the slow side (stick side)
• Have the bag land short
• Perfect to use in scoring strategies

3. Airmail

Goal: throw the bag straight into the hole without landing on the board first.

• Higher arc
• Use a compact grip and resin bags
• Ideal when the board is crowded

4. Roll Shot

Advanced throw where the bag rolls behind or over other bags with spin.

• Works best with resin-filled bags
• Small forward lifting motion
• A favorite among pro players

5. Push Shot

Use your bag to push a previously thrown bag toward the hole.

• Heavier bags with a slow side work better
• Great combo with block shots

Materials & Speed Ratings: their impact on your technique

Bags differ greatly in how they behave. Pro players choose bags that match their play style.

Slow side (stick)

Fabrics with a lot of grip (such as suede). Perfect for block shots and controlled stopping.

Fast side (slide)

Synthetic fabric with a high glide factor. Ideal for scoring runs toward the hole.

Want to learn more about materials? Check out our Cornhole Bags Guide.

Training drills – improve quickly

You build technique through repetition, conscious correction, and drills. Below are proven training methods used by tournament players.

1. 50-Throw Routine

Throw 50 bags in a row at the same spot on the board. Goal: repeatability.

2. Target Zones

Place tape or markers on the board: left, center, right. Try to land 5 throws per zone.

3. Perfect Release Drill

• Record yourself from the front and the side
• Check: horizontal bag, fluid swing, follow-through

4. Pressure Play

Play with a score. Every throw counts. Train mental calm under pressure.

Common mistakes (and how to fix them)

• Over-rotation: prevent it by keeping the bag flat
• Throwing too high: improve your release timing
• No follow-through: always let your arm swing out
• Wrong bags: match your shot technique with the material

Check our Cornhole bag collection for the right bag types.

Technique + Strategy = winning games

The best players adjust their throw to the situation. Examples:

• Crowded board? → Airmail or roll shot
• Opponent scores easily? → Place a block shot
• Want to pull ahead? → Slide series toward the hole

Material choice per throw

FAQ

How do I get better at Cornhole?

Train consistency: repeat the same throw hundreds of times, analyze your release, use markers on the board, and choose bags that fit your throw.

What is best for an airmail?

Resin bags with a compact profile and stable flight. For example, check out our Pro bags.

Which throw do most pros use?

A mix of slide (for points) and block (as defense). And when needed: airmail for direct scores.

Conclusion

Good technique is the key to higher scores, more control, and more fun. Build your fundamentals, practice variations, and choose the material that supports your game.

Want to keep learning? Take a look at:

• Guide: Cornhole bags & materials
• Board sizes & distances
• Official game rules