Already an expert?

Share your knowledge!

hackey sack, footbag, shoe, foot, footwear, leather, footbag, footbag, footbag, footbag, footbag

Footbag

as a hobby

AKA: Hacky Sack
Related Hobbies: Juggling

Footbag, also known as Hacky Sack, is a versatile hobby that combines physical activity with social interaction. This low-impact sport improves balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health while offering a fun way to meet new people. Beginners can start with a simple footbag and comfortable shoes, practicing basic kicks in a small space. Online tutorials and local groups provide resources for learning techniques and connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

Helpful content to get started

We curated content to familiarize you with footbag as a hobby and to inspire and help you get started.

We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment.

Refer to the listed resources for further research.

Short visual inspiration.

How To Hacky Sack With A Footbag World Champion!🏆
YouTube | How To Hacky Sack With A Footbag World Champion!🏆
43rd IFPA WORLD Footbag Championships - Montréal 2024 - Official Video
YouTube | 43rd IFPA WORLD Footbag Championships – Montréal 2024 – Official Video
Learning how to play 'Footbag'
YouTube | Learning how to play ‘Footbag’
Tina Aeberli is footbag or hacky sack world champion.
YouTube | Tina Aeberli is footbag or hacky sack world champion.
More videos
Incredible hacky-sack routine
YouTube | Incredible hacky-sack routine
THE WORLD CHAMPION OF HACKY SACK! *Insane World Record*
YouTube | THE WORLD CHAMPION OF HACKY SACK! *Insane World Record*

Play an episode while exploring the page.

More podcasts

Footbag was invented in 1972 by John Stalberger and Mike Marshall in Oregon.



Basic lingo for orientation.

Game Terminology

  • Hack: When every player in the circle has kicked the footbag before it touches the ground.
  • Hacky Sack: A popular term for the game and the footbag itself. It was originally a brand name owned by Wham-O, but the term is often used generically.
  • Circle: A group of people standing in a circle, passing the footbag to each other.
  • Jams: Informal gatherings where people play footbag together.
  • Consecutive: Refers to the number of successful kicks made in a row without the footbag touching the ground, often a measure of skill and endurance.
  • Freestyle Footbag: A discipline of footbag where players perform creative and improvised tricks, focusing on artistry and technical skill.
  • Net Footbag: A competitive sport played on a court with a net, similar to badminton, where players try to kick the footbag over the net.

Technique Terms

  • Hack: The act of kicking the footbag.
  • Stall: Keeping the footbag on a body part in a “frozen” position.
  • Kick: Using your foot or leg to propel the footbag.
  • Inside Kick: Kicking the footbag with the inside of the foot.
  • Outside Kick: Kicking the footbag with the outside of the foot.
  • Toe Kick: Kicking the footbag with the toes.
  • Heel Kick: Kicking the footbag with the heel.
  • Knee Bump: Lifting the knee to bump the sack upwards.
  • Set: A sequence of kicks and stalls performed in a row.
  • Freestyle: Performing creative and improvised tricks.
  • Shred: A fast and complex sequence of tricks.

Footbags

  • Pellet Bag: A footbag filled with plastic pellets.
  • Sandbag: A footbag filled with sand.

Term Videos

Freestyle Footbag Tricks
YouTube Playlist | Freestyle Footbag Tricks

How to break the ice and make a start.

First Steps Videos

Get read-y.

Footbag can be a form of physical therapy: Due to its focus on balance, coordination, and lower body movement, footbag has been used in physical therapy to help with rehabilitation and improving motor skills

Step-by-step tutorials.

How-To Videos

How do I play hacky sack? Footbag Kicks Stalls and Tricks for Beginners
YouTube | How do I play hacky sack? Footbag Kicks Stalls and Tricks for Beginners
How to Not Suck at Hacky Sack (5 Tips and Tricks for Beginners)
YouTube | How to Not Suck at Hacky Sack (5 Tips and Tricks for Beginners)
More how-to videos

Essentials to have.

Product Demos

Wham-O Hacky Sack Assortment
YouTube | Wham-O Hacky Sack Assortment
Quantum | Freestyle Footbag Shoes
YouTube | Quantum | Freestyle Footbag Shoes
Freestyle Footbag Shoes
YouTube Playlist | Freestyle Footbag Shoes
Hacky Sack Equipment - Choosing Your Footbag and Footwear
YouTube | Hacky Sack Equipment – Choosing Your Footbag and Footwear
More product demos


Further reading.

Video Articles

My Footbag Story - How Hacky Sack Changed My Life
YouTube | My Footbag Story – How Hacky Sack Changed My Life
Vimeo | Andy Linder – Footbag World Record Holder
The Power Of The Hacky Sack
YouTube | The Power Of The Hacky Sack
More video articles

Go-tos for information.

Website Previews

More website previews

The world record for keeping a footbag airborne is 63,326 consecutive kicks in 8 hours and 50 minutes.

Most consecutive footbag kicks (male) | Guinness World Records

Nothing like a film for inspiration.

Movie Trailers

Freestyle: A Footbag Story (Documentary, 2024)
YouTube | Freestyle: A Footbag Story (Documentary, 2024)
Footbag Freestyle Documentary - Jan Weber
YouTube | Footbag Freestyle Documentary – Jan Weber
The 43 Mystery | The Big Bang Theory
YouTube | The 43 Mystery | The Big Bang Theory
More movie trailers

Get a clue.

What is Hacky Sack/footbag?

Hacky Sack (a brand name, often used generically) or footbag is a small, soft ball filled with materials like plastic pellets or sand. The hobby involves kicking, stalling (controlling the bag on your feet or legs), and performing various tricks.

Is Hacky Sack difficult to learn?

The very basics, like kicking the bag back and forth, are relatively easy to pick up. However, mastering more complex tricks requires practice and dedication. It’s a hobby that offers continuous learning and improvement.

What are the rules of Hacky Sack?

The basic premise of Hacky Sack is to keep the footbag (also known as a Hacky Sack) off the ground using your feet and legs. Here’s a breakdown of the common rules:

  • The Circle: Players typically stand in a circle.
  • Starting the Hack: One player initiates play by kicking or “hacking” the footbag.
  • Keeping it Up: The goal is to keep the footbag in the air for as long as possible, passing it from player to player within the circle.
  • No Hands: You can only use your feet, legs, and other parts of your body below the waist to touch the footbag.
  • Variations: There are many variations on the basic rules, including:
    • Counting Kicks: Some games involve counting the number of consecutive kicks before the footbag touches the ground.
    • Trick Shots: Players can try to perform specific tricks or combinations of kicks.
    • Team Play: Some variations involve teams competing to keep the footbag in the air for the longest time.

What are the benefits of Hacky Sack?

Footbag can improve coordination, balance, focus, and cardiovascular health (to a degree). It’s also a great way to socialize and relieve stress.

What equipment do I need to start?

All you really need is a footbag! They are relatively inexpensive and can be found online or in some sporting goods stores.

While you can play in almost any shoes, flat-soled, flexible shoes will give you better control and make learning easier. So, while not essential to begin, the right shoes can definitely enhance your experience. There are some recommended shoe models, including shoes specially designed for footbag – the Quantum Footbag Shoes.

Where can I learn how to play Hacky Sack?

YouTube is a great resource for beginner tutorials. You can also find information and connect with other players on dedicated websites.

What is the difference between “Hacky Sack” and “footbag”?

“Hacky Sack” is a brand name owned by Wham-O. However, the term is often used generically to refer to the activity and the footbag itself. “Footbag” is the more formal and precise term.

What are the different Hacky Sack styles?

Some footbag styles are:

  • Freestyle (individual tricks)
  • Circle kicking (group play)
  • Competitive net play
  • Footbag golf

FAQ Videos

More FAQ videos

Smart start.

App Trailers

FREESTYLE FOOTBAG TUTORIALS
YouTube Playlist | FREESTYLE FOOTBAG TUTORIALS
More app trailers

Get smart.

Video Courses and Trailers

Can I Kick It?
YouTube Playlist | Can I Kick It?
Hacky Sack
YouTube Playlist | Hacky Sack


Get together.

Related Videos

Footbag has different disciplines: While many people associate footbag with casual play in a circle, there are organized competitive disciplines, such as “net footbag” (played on a court with a net) and “freestyle footbag” (focused on creative and technical tricks).

Subscribe for inspiration.

Newsletter Previews

Additional advice for beginners.

Video Tips

Suggestions?

Let us know!

Related Hobbies