About Cornball
Cornball is a new paddle sport played on your backyard cornhole boards with elements of Table Tennis and Pickleball.
Invention of the Sport
The group of friends who created Cornball are a close-knit group of sports enthusiasts. They were always looking for new and exciting ways to stay active and challenge each other, and that's what led them to invent Cornball.
The creators of Cornball are Larry, Maude, Glen, and Samantha. Larry was a former college tennis player and brought his love of racket sports to the group. Maude was a former gymnast and brought her agility and coordination to the table. Glen was a huge fan of Cornhole and always willing to bring his favorite past time game to new horizons. And Samantha was a former badminton player who loved the fast-paced nature of racket/paddle sports. Together, these four friends combined their interests and skills to create Cornball.
The first official game was played on a beautiful summer day in a local park. Friends and family were gathered for a day-long picnic and had brought Cornhole and Pickleball equipment. After lunch Glen and Larry were rallying the wiffle ball back and forth when Samantha suggested they incorporate the Cornhole boards. It didn’t take long for the larger group to gather round to watch and play the new game. Everyone had a blast, and it was clear that Cornball was going to be a hit.
As for the name, the game was originally called Squatball because new players tended to squat down low to play. However, the group quickly realized that this name was not very catchy or memorable, so they decided to change it to Cornball. This name better reflected the use of cornhole boards and provided numerous puns (check out lingo).
First Tournament
The first Cornball tournament was held in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, known for its stunning landscapes of cranberry bogs, pine forests, and sprawling cornfields.
There were over 30 participants who entered the tournament. Players known as "Huskers" were all eager to show off their skills and compete for the title of first Cornball champion. The tournament was played over two days and featured a double elimination format. On the final day of the tournament, the competition was fierce as the remaining players battled it out for the championship. In the end, it was Larry and Samantha, two of the creators of Cornball, who faced off in the final match. The match was a back-and-forth battle, with both players displaying their incredible skills and determination. In the end, Samantha emerged victorious and was crowned the first ever Cornball champion. Her mastery of the game, combined with his years of experience as a badminton player, made her the clear winner.
Worth mention, Stoney, a late entrant who had never played the Sport before won the third-place prize. Stoney has since become the Sport’s biggest cheerleader and creator of the Play Cornball website.
The Pine Barrens of New Jersey will always hold a special place in the history of Cornball, and the first tournament will always be remembered as the moment when this exciting new sport was officially born.
Coming Soon
Beach Cornball Open
The next step for Cornball is to grow the sport and make it even more accessible to players of all skill levels and interests. Currently, Cornball is played as a singles game, but rules for doubles are under development and will be available soon. This will allow players to compete in teams and will bring a whole new level of strategy and excitement to the game.
The next big event for Cornball is a beach tournament at the New Jersey Shore. The Play Beach Cornball tournament will be especially exciting for a number of reasons. Firstly, playing Cornball on the beach adds a new element of challenge to the game. The sand can be uneven and the wind can affect the flight of the ball, making it more difficult to get the ball into the hole. Secondly, the beach tournament will allow players to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand while competing in a fun and exciting tournament. It's a chance for players to get away from their usual routines and experience the sport in a completely new and unique setting. Finally, the beach tournament will bring the sport to a new audience, introducing more people to the fun and excitement of Cornball. With its combination of elements from tennis, badminton, and cornhole, Cornball has something to offer everyone, and the beach tournament is the perfect opportunity to showcase this to a wider audience.
In short, the beach tournament at the New Jersey Shore is an exciting opportunity to grow the sport of Cornball, challenge players with a new and unique playing surface, and bring the sport to a new and wider audience. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, the beach tournament is not to be missed!
Dates and entry information to be determined.
