In the world of cornhole, preparation is key to success. We had the opportunity to sit down with Rico Krull, ZÜCA Ambassador and professional cornhole player, to uncover the secrets behind mastering the game and preparing for tournaments.

Rico shared his insights on everything from getting started with cornhole to managing the pressure during intense competitions. Here's what he had to say. Read & learn!

How did you get started playing cornhole and what led you to the sport?

I learned about cornhole at a tournament about 6 years ago. Two years later, I built two boards. During the Corona period, I played more often and realized that I was talented and wanted to get better. So I trained diligently for the first Europe Open 2022 in Rotterdam. My blind draw win with the American professional Justin Stranger was my first real success in cornhole and motivated me even more. I love the duels with an opponent on the board and the versatility of the game. Always having to find solutions makes it incredibly exciting.

What are some of the most important aspects of preparing for a cornhole tournament?

It is very important to train as often as possible and to repeat your throw over and over again to stay in the rhythm. I almost always train with eight, sometimes even twelve bags. All possible game situations must be trained in order to be prepared for all possible eventualities. Stamina and mind are also very important. The tournaments often last very long. It's important to stay focused. A training session can therefore sometimes last three hours.

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How important is it to have the right equipment and accessories for a cornhole tournament, and how do ZÜCA products contribute to the preparation process?

Alignment is like a player's clothing. Everything has to be stored in one place, easy to transport and as small and compact as possible. Of course you look good too. All of this includes a ZÜCA cart. What's particularly great is that you can also sit on it. Playing cornhole standing up all day is very tiring. You take advantage of every opportunity to sit down for a moment.

What are some of the most common mistakes beginners make and how can they avoid them?

A common mistake is putting too much pressure on yourself. There are many good players. You shouldn't be so upset about defeats. Rather try to learn from your mistakes and continue to work on yourself. Nobody should be underestimated either. A supposedly weaker player can also throw good rounds and things can quickly come to an end in cornhole.

Can you tell us about one of your most memorable cornhole tournament experiences and what you learned from it?

The blind draw win with Justin Stranger in Rotterdam in 2022 was particularly nice. It was a pleasure to watch these American professionals throw. Above all, I have learned to give myself more time for a throw. Many players throw quickly. It's not for nothing that they say strength lies in calm.

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How do you deal with fear and pressure during a tournament?

That's very difficult. I also had difficulties with this. It gets better the more tournaments you play. It is very important to ignore everything around you and just concentrate on your own throw. Self-confidence and relaxedness are basic requirements for a safe execution of your own throws. Headphones with your favorite music can help.

Do you have any other tips or advice you would like to give to aspiring cornhole players preparing for their first tournament?

Always believe in yourself. There will always be regressions, even in training. Sometimes things go better, sometimes unfortunately also worse. However, you will always see progress in yourself. Good preparation is half the job! Go to a cornhole tournament in an organized and stylish manner with a ZÜCA cart.