To give provide a definition, a sport is considered “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” So, by this definition, cornhole is surprisingly a sport.

What is usually seen as a leisurely backyard activity has transformed into a competitive and quickly growing sport across the country, not to mention, a possible Olympic sport. Though one may not see cornhole as an activity that involves extreme physical exertion, and that may be correct to a certain extent, it is challenging in regard to muscle memory and the mental aspect used in higher, more competitive games of cornhole. Anyone who has been to a professional cornhole competition has seen the great skill it takes to throw a bag accurately.

Furthermore, competitive cornhole requires a serious aptitude for tunnel vision focus and pinpoint accuracy. Not only does one need to be skilled at keeping perfect form when competing, but one also needs to be able to throw the bag accurately almost thirty feet away. And yes, cornhole is entertaining to some. The lengthy, difficult games the players partake in are both engaging and impressive. They practice tirelessly to create the best, most accurate throws.

Though most of us have never seen a real cornhole competition, these games are much more complicated than one may think and definitely more intense than the usual outdoor family gathering pass-time. Professional competitions are, like the usual backyard game, always played between two opposing teams of individual players or two teammates. Players take turns throwing bags filled with corn. A bag that goes through the hole is worth three points, and a bag on the board is worth one point. Cornhole also uses a net scoring system so only 1 team receives points for each round, and the game is played until a team reaches 21 points.

So, why do some people not consider cornhole a sport? Well, oftentimes they don’t realize just how much work is put in by the players and teams. Most would say that this is more of leisurely activity rather than an intensive sport. They often don’t know about the practice time it takes to develop muscle memory and mental serenity. Cornhole fits the definition of a sport, so why say it’s not?

Just because it doesn’t involve a ball does not mean it’s not a sport. Just because you don’t like it does not mean it’s not a sport. Just because it’s not always rightfully appreciated does not mean it’s not a sport. The sooner you accept it, the sooner you can learn to appreciate it: cornhole is a sport.