Cornhole Throwing Techniques: 7 Essential Shots, Pros & Cons, and When to Use Them

If you've ever watched experienced cornhole players compete, you've probably noticed something interesting: they don't throw every bag the same way.

One shot slides smoothly up the board and drops into the hole. Another flies directly into the hole without touching the board. A third lands in front of the hole, creating an obstacle for the opponent.

These aren't lucky accidents. They're different cornhole throwing techniques, each designed for a particular situation.

Learning when and how to use these shots can transform your game from simply trying to score points into a strategic competition.

Whether you're a backyard player looking to improve or a competitive player developing a more versatile throwing game, understanding these techniques can help you make smarter decisions on the boards.

In this guide, we'll break down seven important cornhole shots, explain their advantages and disadvantages, and share practical tips for learning each technique.

Understanding the Difference Between a Throwing Style and a Shot Type

Before exploring individual techniques, it's helpful to understand two important terms.

Throwing style describes the physical mechanics of your throw, including your stance, grip, arm swing, release, and follow-through.

Shot type describes what you're trying to accomplish with the bag.

For example, a player might use the same basic underhand throwing motion for both a slide shot and a blocker. The difference is the intended landing position and how the bag behaves after hitting the board.

Some advanced shots require changes in release angle, rotation, or trajectory.

The best cornhole players develop a consistent throwing motion while learning to adjust their shots to different game situations.

1. The Slide Shot: A Fundamental Offensive Technique

The slide shot is one of the most common and useful shots in cornhole.

It involves throwing the bag so it lands on the lower or middle portion of the board and slides toward the hole.

When executed correctly, the bag travels along the board's surface before dropping into the hole or stopping nearby.

How to Throw a Slide Shot

1. Start with your normal throwing stance.

2. Hold the bag comfortably and prepare for a relatively flat release.

3. Aim for a landing zone below the hole.

4. Use a smooth underhand throw with a controlled trajectory.

5. Allow the bag to contact the board and slide toward your target.

6. Observe how far the bag travels and adjust your next throw.

The ideal landing position depends on the bag's fabric, speed, board surface, and playing conditions.

Advantages of the Slide Shot

• A relatively accessible shot for beginners to learn.

• Can produce consistent scoring opportunities.

• Works well when the path to the hole is open.

• Allows players to take advantage of faster bag fabrics.

• Can be used to push certain bags already on the board.

Disadvantages of the Slide Shot

• A bag can slide off the back of the board.

• Blocking bags may prevent a clear path to the hole.

• Sliding distance changes with bag speed and board conditions.

• An overly low throw may strike the front edge.

When Should You Use a Slide Shot?

The slide shot is often a strong choice when the area between your landing zone and the hole is relatively clear.

It's also useful when you need a reliable offensive shot rather than a more difficult direct airmail.

Practice tip: Place a small visual marker beside the board to identify your intended landing zone. Throw several rounds and observe where the bags finish.

2. The Airmail Shot: Go Directly for the Hole

Few cornhole shots are as exciting as a perfectly executed airmail.

An airmail is a throw intended to enter the hole directly from the air rather than sliding up the board.

It's especially valuable when other bags are blocking the normal route to the hole.

How to Throw an Airmail

1. Focus on the hole rather than a lower landing zone.

2. Use a controlled underhand throwing motion.

3. Adjust your release and trajectory to carry the bag toward the hole.

4. Maintain a consistent bag orientation.

5. Follow through smoothly.

6. Watch the result and adjust your distance control.

A successful airmail depends on accurately controlling both the bag's flight path and its arrival at the hole.

Advantages of the Airmail Shot

• Can bypass bags blocking the front of the hole.

• Provides a direct opportunity to score three points.

• Can be useful when a slide shot isn't available.

• Adds an important offensive option to your game.

Disadvantages of the Airmail Shot

• Requires precise distance and trajectory control.

• Misses may land beyond the hole or off the board.

• Can be difficult to repeat consistently.

• May be a lower-percentage choice than an open slide shot.

When Should You Use an Airmail?

Consider an airmail when the hole is blocked and a direct throw offers a better opportunity than trying to move the obstruction.

It's also useful when you need to score aggressively late in a game.

Practice tip: Don't judge your progress only by bags that go through the hole. First work on landing consistently near the hole with the intended trajectory.

3. The Push Shot: Move Bags Into Scoring Position

A push shot uses the impact of your thrown bag to move another bag already on the board.

One common example is pushing your own bag through the hole to score additional points.

Depending on the position and force of contact, a push can also move an opponent's bag.

How to Throw a Push Shot

1. Identify the bag you want to move.

2. Choose a landing path that leads toward it.

3. Throw with enough controlled momentum to make contact.

4. Aim to transfer energy in the desired direction.

5. Avoid excessive force that could send your bags off the board.

Push shots require an understanding of how bags interact after contact.

Advantages of the Push Shot

• Can turn an existing bag into a three-point score.

• May create multiple scoring opportunities.

• Can clear or change crowded board positions.

• Offers a useful alternative to throwing directly at the hole.

Disadvantages of the Push Shot

• Requires precise contact and speed control.

• May accidentally improve an opponent's position.

• Can send bags off the board.

• Becomes more difficult when several bags are clustered together.

When Should You Use a Push Shot?

A push shot is particularly useful when one of your bags is sitting just below the hole.

Instead of attempting a direct airmail, you may be able to push the existing bag into the hole while positioning your thrown bag advantageously.

Practice tip: Place one bag several inches below the hole and practice contacting it with controlled momentum.

4. The Block Shot: Play Defense

Not every cornhole shot needs to go into the hole.

Sometimes, the smartest move is placing a bag where it makes your opponent's next throw more difficult.

This is called a block shot, or simply a blocker.

A blocker is typically positioned in front of the hole to interfere with an opponent's preferred sliding path.

How to Throw a Block Shot

1. Identify the area your opponent is likely to target.

2. Choose a position in front of the hole.

3. Use a controlled throw designed to stop in that area.

4. Adjust your landing zone and bag speed to reduce excessive sliding.

5. Evaluate how effectively the bag obstructs the hole.

Advantages of the Block Shot

• Can interfere with an opponent's slide shot.

• Forces the opponent to consider airmails, pushes, or other techniques.

• Helps control the available scoring paths.

• Can be useful when protecting a lead.

Disadvantages of the Block Shot

• A poorly placed blocker may obstruct your own shots.

• Opponents may push it into the hole.

• Experienced players may throw over or around it.

• Defensive positioning doesn't guarantee a scoring advantage.

When Should You Use a Block Shot?

Blockers can be valuable when facing an opponent who consistently slides bags into the hole.

They're also useful when you want to change the rhythm of a game or force a more difficult response.

Practice tip: Try placing three consecutive bags in a designated area below the hole without letting them slide through.

5. The Roll Shot: Navigate Around Obstacles

The roll shot is a more advanced technique that uses the bag's orientation, rotation, and landing behavior to create a rolling or flipping movement.

Unlike a traditional flat slide shot, a roll shot is intended to move in a way that may help it travel past or around certain obstacles.

Successful roll shots require considerable control and practice.

How to Practice a Roll Shot

1. Begin with a consistent throwing motion.

2. Experiment with a controlled change in bag orientation or rotation.

3. Observe how the bag contacts the board.

4. Adjust the release to produce a repeatable rolling action.

5. Practice around stationary blocking bags.

Different players use different roll-shot mechanics, and bag construction can affect the result.

Advantages of the Roll Shot

• Can create scoring opportunities around certain blockers.

• Provides another option on crowded boards.

• May be difficult for opponents to anticipate.

• Expands your range of advanced techniques.

Disadvantages of the Roll Shot

• Difficult to execute consistently.

• Sensitive to bag construction and playing conditions.

• Can produce unpredictable bounces or movement.

• Requires more practice than a basic slide shot.

When Should You Use a Roll Shot?

Roll shots can be useful when conventional sliding paths are blocked and the board layout offers an opportunity for controlled rolling movement.

For most beginners, this should be a later skill to develop.

Practice tip: Master your flat release and basic landing zones before spending significant time on roll shots.

6. The Flop Shot: Get Over a Blocker

A flop shot is an advanced throw designed to help a bag get over or past an obstacle and settle into a useful position.

Players may use variations in bag orientation, trajectory, and landing behavior to create the desired result.

Terminology and execution can vary among players.

How to Practice a Flop Shot

1. Place a blocking bag in front of the hole.

2. Identify the area where your thrown bag needs to land.

3. Experiment with a controlled higher trajectory or altered landing orientation.

4. Try to clear the obstacle without sending the bag off the back.

5. Repeat until the landing behavior becomes more predictable.

Advantages of the Flop Shot

• Can provide an option when the direct sliding lane is blocked.

• May help position a bag beyond an obstacle.

• Adds flexibility to advanced offensive play.

Disadvantages of the Flop Shot

• Requires precise control.

• Results can vary with bag materials and board conditions.

• An unsuccessful throw may leave the bag in a poor position.

• Often less reliable than a familiar basic shot.

When Should You Use a Flop Shot?

Consider it when a blocker prevents your preferred shot and you have practiced a reliable way to clear the obstacle.

For casual players, learning airmails and push shots first may provide more immediate benefits.

7. The Traditional Underhand Toss: Build a Consistent Foundation

The original article referred to this as a sling shot.

However, underhand toss is a clearer description of the basic throwing motion used by most cornhole players.

It isn't a separate scoring shot like an airmail or blocker. Instead, it's the fundamental motion from which many different shots are developed.

How to Develop a Consistent Underhand Throw

1. Establish a comfortable stance.

2. Hold the bag securely without excessive tension.

3. Use a relaxed backswing.

4. Swing forward smoothly.

5. Release the bag toward your intended target.

6. Follow through naturally.

7. Repeat the same routine on your next throw.

Some players remain stationary, while others use a small step or weight shift.

The best approach is one you can repeat comfortably and legally.

Advantages of a Consistent Underhand Throw

• Provides a foundation for most common cornhole shots.

• Helps develop accuracy and repeatability.

• Can be adapted to different trajectories and targets.

• Works for beginners and experienced players alike.

Disadvantages and Limitations

• A basic toss alone doesn't teach advanced board strategy.

• Developing a consistent release requires practice.

• Changing shot types may require adjustments to trajectory and rotation.

When Should You Use It?

Every time you practice your fundamentals!

Before mastering complicated shots, focus on building a throwing motion that produces consistent results.

For a complete explanation of stance, grip, release, and follow-through, read our beginner's guide to How to Throw Cornhole Bags.

Cornhole Throwing Techniques Compared: Pros and Cons

Here's a quick comparison of the seven techniques.

Technique	Main purpose	Biggest advantage	Main challenge
Slide shot	Slide into the hole	Reliable offensive option	Controlling slide distance
Airmail	Enter the hole directly	Bypasses blockers	Precision and trajectory
Push shot	Move another bag	Can create multiple scores	Controlled contact
Block shot	Obstruct an opponent	Defensive board control	Can be pushed or bypassed
Roll shot	Navigate obstacles	Advanced shot versatility	Consistent rotation and landing
Flop shot	Clear an obstacle	Alternative to a direct slide	Predictable landing
Underhand toss	Basic throwing mechanics	Repeatable foundation	Requires practice and consistency

Important: There is no universally best cornhole shot.

The most effective choice depends on the bags already on the board, your skill level, the playing conditions, and the score.

How Cornhole Bag Speed Affects Different Throwing Techniques

The bag you use can influence how your shots behave.

Many competitive cornhole bags feature different fabrics on their two playing sides.

One side may slide more quickly, while the other offers greater resistance.

Faster Bag Fabrics

Faster sides can be useful for:

• Slide shots

• Certain push shots

• Situations requiring more movement after landing

However, they may also increase the risk of sliding beyond the hole or off the back of the board.

Slower Bag Fabrics

Slower sides can be useful for:

• Block shots

• Controlled placements

• Situations where you want less movement after landing

What About Airmails?

An airmail depends primarily on flight accuracy, but bag shape, filling, fabric, and landing behavior can still influence the result.

Do Speed Ratings Matter?

Manufacturers often use numerical speed ratings to describe how quickly their bag fabrics slide.

These can be helpful comparisons, but ratings aren't necessarily standardized across all manufacturers.

A bag rated 5/8 by one brand may not behave exactly like a 5/8 bag from another.

Explore different Cornhole Bags to find the styles and speed profiles that suit your game.

How to Choose the Right Cornhole Shot During a Game

Knowing how to throw different shots is only half the battle.

The other half is knowing when to use them.

Before each throw, consider these questions.

Is the Path to the Hole Open?

If the path is clear, a familiar slide shot may be a strong option.

Is There a Bag Blocking the Hole?

Consider whether you can push the blocker, throw an airmail, or use another practiced technique.

Are Your Bags Already in Scoring Position?

A push shot might allow you to improve your score without attempting a difficult direct shot.

Are You Ahead or Behind?

Your scoring situation may influence how much risk you're willing to take.

A player protecting a lead might prefer a reliable placement, while a player needing a comeback may choose a more aggressive shot.

What Are the Board Conditions?

If your bags are sliding unusually fast or stopping early, adjust your landing zones and shot selection.

Which Shot Can You Execute Consistently?

This may be the most important question.

A simple shot you make regularly can be more valuable than an impressive advanced technique you rarely execute successfully.

Five Common Mistakes When Learning Advanced Cornhole Shots

1. Attempting Airmails Too Early

Airmails are exciting, but beginners should first develop reliable distance control and board accuracy.

2. Using Too Much Force on Push Shots

More power doesn't always produce a better result.

Practice controlled contact rather than simply throwing harder.

3. Blocking Your Own Path

A defensive bag can become an obstacle for your next throw.

Think about how the board might look after your opponent responds.

4. Ignoring Bag Speed

Different fabrics can produce different landing and sliding behavior.

Learn how your preferred bags react before making large adjustments.

5. Practicing Only One Shot

A consistent slide shot is valuable, but learning additional techniques gives you more options during competitive play.

Cornhole Practice Drills for Every Shot Type

Here's a simple practice routine that helps you develop several skills.

Drill 1: Slide Shot Accuracy

Goal: Improve your ability to land bags in a consistent zone.

Throw 20 bags toward a selected landing area below the hole.

Track how many finish on the board and how many go through the hole.

Drill 2: Airmail Challenge

Goal: Improve direct-hole accuracy.

Throw 20 bags while aiming to enter the hole directly.

Track successful airmails separately from bags that score after contacting the board.

Drill 3: Push Shot Practice

Goal: Improve controlled bag-to-bag contact.

Place one bag below the hole.

Throw 10 bags while attempting to push it into the hole.

Record successful pushes.

Drill 4: Blocker Placement

Goal: Develop defensive accuracy.

Choose an area in front of the hole.

Throw 20 bags and count how many stop in your selected zone.

Drill 5: Obstacle Challenge

Goal: Practice selecting the right shot.

Place one or more bags in front of the hole.

Attempt different solutions, such as a push, airmail, or another technique you've practiced.

Record which approach works most consistently.

Track Your Results

Keep a simple practice log.

Over time, compare your success rates for each shot.

This can help you understand which techniques are ready for competitive games and which still need work.

How to Build a More Versatile Cornhole Game

The best approach isn't necessarily learning every advanced shot immediately.

Instead, build your skills in stages.

Beginner Level

Focus on:

• Comfortable stance and grip

• Consistent underhand release

• Board accuracy

• Basic slide shots

Intermediate Level

Add:

• Controlled blocking shots

• Push shots

• Airmail practice

• Adjustments for bag speed and board conditions

Advanced Level

Explore:

• More consistent airmails

• Roll shots

• Flop shots

• Complex board situations

• Strategic shot selection under pressure

Every player progresses differently.

Don't rush to advanced techniques before your fundamentals are reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornhole Throwing Techniques

What are the different types of cornhole shots?

Common cornhole shots include slide shots, airmails, push shots, and blockers. More advanced techniques include roll shots and flop shots.

What is the easiest cornhole shot for beginners?

A basic underhand throw that consistently lands on the board is the best starting point. Learning a controlled slide shot is a useful next step.

What is an airmail in cornhole?

An airmail is a shot intended to enter the hole directly through the air rather than sliding along the board first.

What is a push shot in cornhole?

A push shot uses a thrown bag to move another bag already on the board, often attempting to push it into the hole.

What is a blocker in cornhole?

A blocker is a bag deliberately positioned to interfere with an opponent's preferred scoring path.

What is a roll shot in cornhole?

A roll shot uses a controlled landing orientation and rotation to create rolling or flipping movement that may help navigate obstacles.

What is a flop shot?

A flop shot is an advanced technique intended to clear or move past an obstacle and land in a useful position. The exact mechanics can vary among players.

Should you throw cornhole bags flat?

A relatively flat, controlled release is common among experienced players because it can support predictable flight and landing behavior.

Which cornhole shot scores the most points?

A bag through the hole scores three points, whether it enters directly through an airmail or reaches the hole by sliding or being pushed. The round's actual score is determined using cancellation scoring.

How do I get better at advanced cornhole shots?

Practice one technique at a time, use consistent equipment, track your results, and gradually introduce more difficult board situations.

Final Thoughts: Master the Shots That Fit Your Game

Cornhole is about much more than throwing a bag toward a hole.

As your skills improve, you'll discover that different situations call for different approaches.

The slide shot provides a reliable offensive foundation. The airmail helps you attack a blocked hole. Push shots can turn existing bags into scoring opportunities, while blockers allow you to control the board defensively.

And advanced techniques like roll shots and flop shots can add even more versatility.

But remember: you don't have to master every cornhole shot to become a better player.

Start with the fundamentals, develop a few reliable techniques, and expand your game as your confidence grows.

At CornholeBags.com — The Cornhole Superstore, we make it easy to explore different bag brands, fabrics, and speed profiles.

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