Ever since their invention, Cornhole mats and pitching pads have been a must-have for serious Cornhole players. However, very few people know of them and much less how to use them.
Cornhole mats, or pitching pads, are wide rectangular mats that are placed beneath Cornhole boards to:
- Keep the tossing bags clean
- Prevent the Cornhole board from slipping
- Provide secure footing for tossing
Although Cornhole mats seem simple and easy to use, there are a few useful tips that can increase the life span of your launchpad as well as help you improve your game.
These mats are very low maintenance for the number of benefits they provide and are a great addition to family game nights and events. Well discuss exactly what their purpose is, how to use them, and give you a few recommendations for good pitching pads.
What Are Cornhole Mats or Pitching Pads?
Cornhole mats (also called pitching pads or launch pads) are mats designed to go underneath the Cornhole board to give several benefits to the players. These mats are usually made with latex on the bottom for a better grip, and polyurethane, a flexible foam, that helps lessen the fatigue of standing.
Cornhole mats are useful for:
- Keeping the tossing bags clean, preventing them from falling in the dirt and dust underneath
- Preventing the Cornhole board from sliding around during the game
- Providing relief for the player’s feet, giving them cushioning underneath
How to Use Cornhole Pitching Pads
Pitching pads are pretty easy to set up, however, there are a few tips can increase the lifetime of the mat as well as make sure it is used to its maximum potential. Pitching pads are just like most mats, you just roll them out in a specific location when they are needed.
These three easy steps can be used for any launch pads anywhere:
- Find a flat, stable location for the mat (ideally not grass, but it can be done)
- Roll out the mat (if the mat is on the carpet, secure with some cloth tape)
- Place Cornhole board(s) on the mats
See, easy! Maintenance, however, requires a little more work than the actual set up.
Maintaining Your Cornhole Mat
Here are a few extra steps you can take to maintain pitching pads:
- If the surface of the mat is made of polyurethane, wiping it down with a wet cloth after each use and hanging it up to dry avoids moisture build-up.
- The occasional baking soda mix will provide deep cleaning and remove all dirt from the surface.
- When storing, make sure it is in a cool area and that the mat isn’t folded (folds cause cracks to form).
- Avoid getting wet (Hang up to dry if that is the case).
- Avoid storing where there is direct sunlight or hot places (heat and prolonged, direct sunlight can cause the mat to breakdown faster)
With these simple tips, you can keep your Cornhole mat in good shape for years.
Here’s a quick video to better show what a cornhole pitching pad looks like:
Popular Cornhole Pitching Pads
When it comes to how long a mat will last and how comfortable it is, it all depends on quality. Some mats might be more expensive than others, but that also means they are better quality. However, if the mats are only going to be used a few times a year, a cheaper mat might be a better option.
Here are some of the top-ranked pitching pads on the internet, where to find them, and what is so amazing about them:
- West Georgia Cornhole, a company that specializes in Cornhole customizations, offers custom-made Cornhole mats at a fair price. Whether you want to have them in matching colors or add a logo, they can do it.
- Addicts Pitch Pad, by Cornhole Addicts, boasts a five-star review and comes with free shipping. It is one of the most popular mats on the market and comes in a variety of colors.
- If there are any athletes or sports fan who know The Jersey Guy and their custom-made jerseys, you’ll be pleased to know they also have Cornhole mats for sale. The Jersey Guy Branded Pitching Mat is one of the best prices you can find for a mat of this quality.
- ACO, or the American Cornhole Association, is another Cornhole mat seller that is highly ranked. They are known not only for their mats but for everything Cornhole, including tournaments—and they even created the official Cornhole rules. Their ACO pitch pads can be found on their website along with events, membership, and other products.
With Cornhole gaining popularity, companies have rushed to create great items to make sure that families can enjoy playing this classic game. Those are some of the top pitching pads on the market.
How Cornhole Mats Up Your Game
With a surer grip and a less tiring position, players will be able to focus more on the game then on being comfortable. They help with discomfort, meaning your aim will improve and you won’t be sore for hours after playing. This is a great way to ensure adults and kids alike enjoy a few games of Cornhole without having to deal with sore feet the next day.
The pitching mat turns any outdoor terrain into a nice, flat area to play Cornhole on. For the most part, these mats are primarily made of polyurethane, which is the same material used to make anti-fatigue mats that can be placed in classrooms or offices.
Additionally, the grip provided by the mat not only ensures secure footing for players but for the Cornhole board as well. One of the most annoying things that can happen while playing Cornhole is a wobbly board. Launching pads have provided a solution to those little tilts that could change the course of the game.
Consistency of board placement is key for a fair game of Cornhole!
Not only does adding this simple item to make the game fairer and more fun for everyone, but it also helps with comfort and keeping the tossing bags clean. It is an investment that is worth nabbing for all Cornhole lovers!
More Ways to Improve Your Game
If you already invested in the pitching mat to improve your game, you should think about making a few more purchases to get the best experience. You can improve the quality of the game and your throws by using better quality tossing bags, which give you superior control over your aim.
Here are a couple bestsellers:
- Weather Resistant Cornhole Bags
- YAADUO (also weather resistant, and comes in a pack of 8)
These bags can easily be found anywhere, and you don’t have to make a dent in your wallet to get one of good quality. This is yet another easy and inexpensive way to up your Cornhole game—and gets you the reputation of being the cool adult at the family event!
Cornhole Pitching Mats: A Must-Have
Cornhole had always been easy and fun from the start, however, with the added pitching pad, Cornhole just got a lot easier but still just as fun. You don’t need to be a pro to take advantage of the many benefits a proper Cornhole pitching pad lends.
The few extra minutes it takes to pack up the bag and set it up are worth it and make for an amazing activity to do as a family. Cornhole mats:
- Keep the tossing bags clean
- Prevent the Cornhole board from slipping
- Provide secure footing for tossing
Overall, picking one up for your next family BBQ, or to practice your skills for the ACL, is a no-brainer!