How to Throw a Flat Cornhole Bag (Like the Pros Do)
How to Throw a Flat Cornhole Bag: The Foundation of Consistency
Throwing a flat bag is one of the most essential skills in cornhole. Whether you're new to the game or competing at a high level, a consistent flat throw gives you control, accuracy, and reliable scoring. It’s the foundation every serious player builds on. This guide outlines proven mechanics used by today’s top players, along with the grip options that support a clean, stable throw.
What Is a Flat Bag and Why It Matters
A flat bag spins horizontally and evenly in the air. It doesn’t tumble, wobble, or flutter. A true flat throw allows the bag to land softly and slide predictably across the board. This is crucial for executing controlled slides, blocks, push shots, and airmails. With modern bags becoming faster and more responsive, clean mechanics are more important than ever. A flat bag is no longer optional—it’s standard.
Grip Options for a Flat Throw
Elite players today overwhelmingly rely on two primary grip styles: the corner pinch grip and the flat palm grip. These are the most trusted grips in competitive play.
Corner Pinch Grip
Used by many top-level pros, this grip involves holding one corner of the bag between your thumb and fingers. The bag hangs naturally with aligned seams and balanced fill. It’s simple, consistent, and supports clean spin.
Flat Palm Grip
The bag rests flat across your fingers, with your hand open and relaxed. The thumb rests lightly on top. This grip emphasizes feel and timing, making it popular among players who throw with a smooth, controlled motion.
Modified Butterfly Grip
While the traditional butterfly grip is no longer widely used, a modified version still appears in competitive circles. In this variation, the top corners of the bag are lifted slightly while keeping the body of the bag flat in the hand. Some players use this grip for extra tilt control, especially with faster bags, but it requires precise mechanics to avoid wobble. It's not common, but it's still relevant.
All of these grips, when paired with proper form, can produce a flat, repeatable throw.
Throwing Mechanics: Step-by-Step
No matter which grip you use, the mechanics behind a flat throw remain the same. Here's a breakdown of the motion top players rely on.
Step 1: Set Your Stance
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your body square to the board. Relax your shoulders and allow your throwing arm to hang naturally at your side.
Step 2: Align the Bag
Grip the bag using a style that keeps it flat and balanced. Make sure the seams are aligned and the bag feels stable in your hand. Avoid twisting, bunching, or over-gripping the fabric.
Step 3: Swing Straight
Bring your arm back, then forward in a smooth, pendulum-like motion. Avoid crossing your body or twisting your torso. Keep the motion vertical and directed at your target.
Step 4: Release Smoothly
Let the bag come off your fingers with relaxed, natural spin. Do not flick your wrist or force the rotation. A clean release creates clean rotation.
Step 5: Follow Through
Finish with your hand extended, palm-up, and pointed toward the hole. A full, square follow-through reinforces accuracy and rhythm. Hold your finish briefly to build muscle memory.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
If your bag is wobbling, tumbling, or kicking when it lands, the problem likely lies in one of three areas: grip, swing path, or release. Wobble often results from an unbalanced grip or a swing that pulls off-line. Flipping or tumbling usually means you’re forcing the spin or releasing too late. Side kicks can happen when your follow-through breaks off path or your shoulder dips. The fix is to simplify. Use a clean grip, keep your swing straight, and release with relaxed timing. Review slow-motion footage if needed. A consistent flat bag is built through small adjustments and repetition.
Final Thoughts
The flat bag is the foundation of competitive cornhole. It’s not a trick or a style choice—it’s a standard. It opens the door to every other shot in the game and builds confidence in your mechanics. Start with a clean grip. Swing straight. Release with feel. Follow through with purpose. Throw flat. Repeat.
