New player, who dis?
Many moons ago I decided I would help my other half launch a bag making company, but what you might not know is that I had no idea what playing cornhole actually meant. All I knew is this wickedly cute dude thought I was smart and savvy with a business sense so I thought why not?! I’ll be a cornholer!
Being a new player is not for the faint of heart and you definitely learn how to get thicker skin or shoot shots of tequila quick enough that you don’t care what others are saying. There were a few things I learned in the beginning that made my initiation into the cornhole world a little easier but definitely not any less awkward. When you’re new you want to fit in, right? Here’s what you don’t do, don’t find the cutest skirt or sun dress and then proceed to parade around while the eyes of bystanders laser beam into your soul. What you should do is dress comfortably, and remember, you’re there for you! Not anyone else. Yeah, that whole section sounded like it was for a woman, right? Well for the dudes, don’t come in your tennis or golf wear. Holers are relentless and you’ll never live it down. Just don’t do it.
Another thing to watch out for is the excuses…. Sorry Bud, it’s not the board. Or the bag. Or the gravitational pull that made you suck today. It was you. Don’t be sad, just own that shit and move on. When you’re new it is super easy to want to be good or blame something for why you sucked but it’s not cute, and if you’re playing someone like me, you’re going to get called out for it. You might actually find it helpful to chat with your partner and go over what was working and what wasn’t, it’s how we lift each other up without being total asses.
On that note, when you’re an experienced player and you draw the new guy, please don’t be THAT GUY. Avoid making grunts or groans about how you’re going to lose, or how you’re happy to have donated your entry fee. Again, not cute, and if anyone has any kind of backbone they’re going to tell you to knock it off. Now, here is what you can do! When you have that new player coming out to their first league night, you’re going to notice them quickly. They will be the person sitting away from everyone holding onto their bags(if they have them), and will have a deer in the headlights look as they watch everyone else know one another and wonder just how they are going to fit in with all of this happening. Welcome them, and ask if they have ever played aside from that day and what they would like to throw. If they say “I just have these”, and don’t specify what type of bag they are, take the time to explain their bags and then yours as well. They may not even know that there are more types of bags on the market, let alone how to use them, so use this time to break the ice.
While you’re playing and you notice maybe they have lost their spark or excitement while playing, give them some quick positive reinforcements! You all know we love people to cheer us on, so give your partner some of that love too. I can tell you it can make someone’s whole night to know they didn’t let you down. I used to beat myself up when I would think I lost the game for me and Casey, but one day he took me aside and said that I could throw all of the bags on the ground but as long as I didn’t give up that was what mattered. Why? Because there would be more games and chances to get better. In all honesty, if you can keep that kind of mindset going through all of your levels of advancement, you’ll always be willing to accept that you’re a work in progress and won’t be shut down just because of a bad game. Keep searching for that hole guys! Until next time!
-Jensie
