- Published on
Stop Bags Kicking Left or Right: Causes and Quick Fixes That Work
- Authors
- Name
- ACL Pro Tommy Sliker
Quick take: Most "kicks" come from release tilt and spin mismatch interacting with fabric and board conditions. Neutralize the release, set the seam consistently, and match bag/board speeds to reduce deflection.
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Why bags kick off line
Inside tilt at release
- A slightly down‑inside edge on release creates a lateral bite when the bag first contacts the board.
- Fix: keep the plane flat through the finish—thumb to the sky or palm‑up cue works for many throwers.
Back‑loaded grip
- Resin settled to the back corner can pull the bag when it lands.
- Fix: tap or roll the bag to center the fill before your routine; avoid squeezing the rear corner.
Sidespin without matching tilt
- Spin that isn’t paired with a flat plane exaggerates kick on first contact.
- Fix: prioritize forward spin on a flat plane over speed; reduce wrist curl.
Carpet/weave orientation
- Some carpets (L/R/H herringbone patterns) can favor a slight left/right movement depending on how they’re oriented on the board.
- Expect small differences; still aim for a flat release first. If needed, rotate the boards 180° to test whether the kick follows the surface.
Speed and stickiness changes
- Humidity, dust, and sticky slow‑sides magnify small tilt errors.
- Fix: clean boards and bags; when conditions are sticky, consider a touch faster slow‑side to reduce bite.
Fast diagnostics (2 minutes)
- Throw 4 on slow side, then 4 on fast side from the same line.
- If slow kicks more, the surface is amplifying tilt. Clean and consider the fast side or a faster slow‑side.
- Rotate your stance line 2–4 inches left/right while keeping the same target.
- If the miss shrinks, your aim line didn’t match your natural swing.
- Swap to a different template (flatter/full vs. looser) for 4 throws.
- If kick disappears, your current bag’s template or fill balance is sensitive to your release—adjust grip or switch sets for that session.
Technique fixes that stick
- Grip
- Center the fill; avoid pinching a corner. Keep seams consistent throw to throw.
- Release plane
- Finish with a quiet wrist and fingers pointing at the target; no inside dip.
- Tempo and height
- Lower, earlier landings reduce runway for a kick to develop.
- Routine
- Repeat a simple check: center fill → align seam → exhale → smooth swing.
Bag and setup choices
- Bag speed
- If kicks appear only in sticky conditions, a slightly quicker slow‑side can smooth first contact.
- Template and fullness
- Flatter templates can track straighter for some throwers; very full bags may grab on sticky boards.
- Board angle and cleanliness
- Verify standard height/angle and 27' distance. Wipe dust; it changes both speed and bite.
Practice micro‑drills (5–7 minutes)
- Flat‑plane ladder (10 throws)
- Call one airmail per round to force a true plane, then return to slides.
- No‑cut round (10 throws)
- Demand a straight slide—restart the rep if the bag curves or kicks.
- Push on command (6 throws)
- Place a light blocker and practice a gentle, straight push using the same flat release.
When the kick is the point
- Roll and cut are intentional tools. If you plan a roll/cut, cue it deliberately (grip, seam, trajectory). Keep those distinct from your default straight slide so your standard throw remains neutral.