Cornhole: Slide, Airmail, Block or Push
Cornhole doubles where, before every bag, you must choose and call one of four named shots. It turns an aiming game into a decision game based on what's on the board.
How to play
- Four named shots: slide (lands short of the hole and slides in), airmail (goes straight in without touching the board), block (left in front of the hole to cover it) and push (hits one of your own bags to knock it in). Reminder: on the board 1 point, in the hole 3, and both teams' points cancel out (5 min).
- Guided practice: four bags of each type per student from about 6 m, setting up the situation on the card first (8 min).
- 2-on-2 game to 21 or until time runs out: before each bag, the partner calls the chosen shot and the scorekeeper records whether it worked (12 min).
- Review: which shot scored the most? Which block changed an inning? Each pair writes its decision rule for when the hole is covered (5 min).
Rules
- Throw underhand with feet behind the board line.
- Nobody walks to the board until every bag in the inning has been thrown.
- Facing boards are at least 3 m from any other court.
- The scorekeeper calls the inning's points out loud before bags are removed.
Variations
Easier
Slide and airmail only, from 4–5 m.
Standard
Four named shots, called in advance, and a game to 21 with cancellation scoring.
Harder
Each pair may use only two airmails per inning and must try at least one block.
Adaptations
- Wheelchair users: throw from the chair at the same or a slightly shorter distance; cornhole works great seated.
- Visual impairment: the partner claps above the hole and describes where bags are using clock positions.
- Low confidence: the student starts as scorekeeper and joins the game halfway through.
Learning goals
- Know and perform four tactical cornhole shots.
- Pick a shot based on the board situation.
- Apply cancellation scoring correctly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cornhole boards or cardboard boxes: 6
- bean bags: 48
- masking tape: 1
- situation cards: 12
Teacher tip
A regulation board is 2 ft x 4 ft with a 6-inch hole; a large tilted cardboard box with a hole cut out is fine to start. If bags won't slide on cardboard, wrap the box in packing plastic. The typical mistake is throwing airmail every time: limit it in the harder variation.
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