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Glossary

Backyard Games terms, explained

Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.

A

Airmail
A cornhole throw that goes straight into the hole without touching the board. Read the guide →
ASTM F381
The US safety standard for backyard trampolines. Read the guide →

B

Bola
Two balls joined by a cord, thrown in ladder toss. Read the guide →

C

Cancellation scoring
Only the difference between two sides' points in a round is scored. Read the guide →
Chipping net
A golf target net used to catch short airborne shots; it is different from a putting surface. Read the guide →
Combination net set
A shared pole-and-net kit that adjusts for more than one game, such as badminton and volleyball. Read the guide →
Count-all
A horseshoe scoring method that counts every point without cancellation. Read the guide →
Croquet mallet head
The striking block at the end of a croquet mallet; its weight and length affect feel and aiming. Read the guide →
Cross-section backing
Supporting boards beneath a plywood cornhole top, specified by the ACO for its thinner approved top. Read the guide →
Cupper
A washer that lands in the recessed target cup. Read the guide →

D

Dual-sided bag
A cornhole bag with a slick side and a sticky side. Read the guide →

F

Field kubb
A kubb thrown into the opponents’ half after being knocked down. Read the guide →
Foul line
The line a horseshoe pitcher must stay behind. Read the guide →

G

Ground sleeve
A socket set into the ground that receives a tetherball pole. Read the guide →

N

NHPA-sanctioned horseshoe
A horseshoe design approved by the NHPA for play in its sanctioned competitions. Read the guide →
Nine-wicket croquet
Backyard croquet played through nine wickets around two stakes. Read the guide →

P

Pallino
The small target ball in bocce. Read the guide →
Pétanque boule
A hollow metal ball used in pétanque; FIPJP-approved competition boules measure 7.05 to 8 centimeters across. Read the guide →
Pitcher's box
The area beside a cornhole board where a player throws from. Read the guide →

R

Rally scoring
A scoring format where either team can earn a point during a rally. Read the guide →
Recessed washer cup
The target opening set into each pit in the IAWP outdoor washer format. Read the guide →
Resin fill
Plastic pellets used to fill durable cornhole bags. Read the guide →
Ringer
A horseshoe that encircles the stake, worth 3 points. Read the guide →

S

Stone dust
Fine crushed stone used as a fast, smooth court surface. Read the guide →

T

Tailgate-size cornhole board
A cornhole board smaller than the ACO regulation playing surface, often sold as a portable set. Read the guide →
Trampoline model number
The identifier used by a manufacturer to match a trampoline with its compatible replacement parts. Read the guide →