Crokinole Training 101: The Ultimate Drills to Improve Accuracy and Control

Crokinole is a game of precision, strategy, and finesse- and, if you want to grow your skills in the game to a point where you can take a run at the top spots at tournaments such as the World Championships, you need to practice! Here are some of the main drills you can use to improve your crokinole skills! 

1. The Hanger Twenty Drill

Nearly everyone takes some time to practice open twenties; however, a fundamental skill that often gets overlooked is the hanger 20 (a.k.a the backboard 20)! While this shot is simple, practice makes perfect! 

How to  Perform the Drill:

1. Setup: Place a disc partially over the 20-hole, simulating a near-miss shot.
2. Objective: Flick your disc to knock the hanger off the board, and have your shooter drop into the 20
3. Repetition: Repeat this setup from various angles to build confidence in different scenarios. For example, see if you can make the hanger heavier, or try setting the hanger up on an angle so you have to shoot up the sides of your quadrants. 

For a visual demonstration and further explanation on why you should practice this skill, check out the Crokinole Skills Tip 1: The Hanger Twenty.

2. The Brian Cook Drill

Named after one of the greatest to ever do it in the great game of crokinole, this is a more advanced way of practicing your hogan’s alley shot! 

How to Perform the Drill:

1. Setup: Place two stacks of three discs each behind the far pegs from your side of the board- they should be placed in such a spot that you have to shoot through hogan’s alley to get to them. 
2. Objective: Take turns shooting at each stack. You should knock the bottom disc of the stack out, and have the rest of it drop down nicely in the same spot. You’ll most likely lose your shooter, and that’s fine! As long as you cleanly remove the bottom disc. 
3. Repetition: As you get better at this, try to hide the stack of discs further behind the posts, making your shooting line thinner as you go. 

Watch the Crokinole Skills Tip 9: The Brian Cook Drill for visuals and more in-depth explanation! 

3. The Far Side Drill

This drill enhances your ability to navigate the pegs and execute successful takeouts from challenging positions. 

How to Perform the Drill:

1. Setup: put 8 opponent discs on the board, all of them tucked behind the posts from where you are sitting- the discs should be touching or just a millimeter behind the posts. 
2. Objective: With 8 shots, try to clear all opponent discs off the board, and score as many points as you can!
3. Repetition: Try to work up to clearing all the opponent discs as quickly as you can, and getting the highest score possible!

Jeremy does this drill alongside some friends, as a friendly competition: to better understand the drill, watch this video- Crokinole Skills Tip: The Far Side.

4. The All-In Drill

Similar to the previous drill, the all-in exercise is a unique challenge because it creates highly cluttered and chaotic scenarios that challenge your ability to handle situations creatively! 

How to Perform the Drill:

1. Setup: Place eight opponent discs in the 15 point region, each one posted on a different peg. The disc should be touching the post, and be centered and in-line with the 20 hole. 
2. Objective: Like the last drill, your goal should be to clear all opponent discs, and then score as high as possible. You get 8 shots, so make them count! 
3. Repetition: Work up to clearing all the discs with the shots you have, and then maximize your score! 

Learn more about this drill in the Crokinole Skills Tip: All In.

Additional Tips for Effective Practice

• Consistency: You’re probably noticing a theme here, which is PRACTICE! Not just on your 20s skills, but on everything: take outs, doubles, the list goes on. If you truly want to be the best. 
• Analyze Your Technique: Don’t let your mistakes get overlooked. If you mess up a shot, think about why: did you put too much strength into your shot, did your hand move, did you rush? Taking a moment to reflect and adjust can take you a long way into improving your game overall. 
• Stay Relaxed: Remember our last blog- people play a lot better when they’re chillin! If you find yourself getting frustrated while you’re at the board, consider taking a break and coming back to it with a fresh mind.
• Join a Community: There is so much wisdom out in the crokinole world, and neat tips and tricks that work for various people. You can learn so much from how other people play, so get involved! 

These are just a few of the many crokinole skills drills that we have to help improve your crokinole prowess. If you want to dive even deeper, check out our entire crokinole skills series! As always, happy flicking.