Footbag Freestyle

FOOTBAG HISTORY

The first version of footbag was invented in 1972 by Mike Marshall, who wanted to get back into shape after his knee surgery and made himself a bean bag to kick with. Later was joined by John Stalberger and they called the game “Hack the Sack”. After Marshall`s death in 1975, Stalberger sold the brand “Hacky Sack” to the Wham-O company, who also own the trademark “Frisbee”. Since that the sport is called Footbag.

THE SPORT OF FOOTBAG

Footbag freestyle is performed with a small leather ball, filled with plastic pellets, rocks or sand, which is being kicked and delayed on various player`s feet surfaces such as toe, inside, outside or sole. Every player chooses the filling based upon the weight of the footbag he prefers. Basic moves in the sport of footbag are the kicks such as knee kick, toe kick and inside kick. Intermediate players use just advanced kicks performed in the air, which are called flying kicks, but most of the tricks are delays and dexterities, when their feet circle around the bag. Advanced players are able to show double and triple dexterities using one or both legs while executing the move. The best performers are able to show multiple dexterities in one combo using not only their feet, but also their head or full body spin.

FOOTBAG COMPETITIONS

The main freestyle discipline of the sport, 2-minute routine is very similar to figure skating. The jury gives the players scores from 0 up to 6 based on the quality of the performance in two categories, technical and artistic merit. Technical merit stands for difficulty, variety and execution. Artistic merit includes style, music cooperation, overall impression and the x-factor of the performance. Other official disciplines are 3-minutes doubles routine, Shred 30 and recently also the circle competition. Rules and other aspects of the sport are organized by IFPA (International Footbag Players` Association).