| Ancient footbag Evidence of games similar to | | | | (two for singles, three for doubles). Fouls are |
| footbag can be found throughout history in many | | | | caused by a player touching the footbag more |
| different countries and cultures. Its roots can be | | | | than once (singles) or twice (doubles) in a row, |
| traced back to games such Kemari (from Japan), | | | | touching the net during play, stalling the footbag |
| Sepak Takraw (Malaysia) and Tsu Chu (China). | | | | on purpose or impacting a player from the |
| These games often use their own individual sets | | | | opposing team on their side of the court. Moves |
| of rules and a larger ball, but the basic premise of | | | | often include a similar sequence to that found in |
| keeping a round object up in the air using all parts | | | | volleyball, with a bump, set and spike used to |
| of the body except the arms and hands remains | | | | return the footbag to the opposing side of the |
| the same. Modern footbag The modern game of | | | | net. The spike is often a highly impressive move |
| footbag was invented in 1972 in Oregon, USA by | | | | performed with the kicking player's foot stretched |
| two men named John Stalberger and Mike | | | | above the net. Special footbags are often used |
| Marshall. They gave their first footbags the | | | | for footbag net which are harder and more |
| trademarked name of 'hacky sack' and proceeded | | | | durable than standard freestyle footbags. A full list |
| to try (successfully) to spread their new sport | | | | of the official International Footbag Players' |
| across the United States and eventually the world. | | | | Association rules for footbag net can be found at: |
| Although the name was sold to the Wham-O | | | | Footbag freestyle This type of competition sees |
| corporation in 1983, today the game of footbag is | | | | each player performing a routine of |
| still known to many people as 'hacky sack' or | | | | choreographed tricks, sometimes to music. They |
| 'hack'. Footbag in 2007 remains true to its roots. | | | | are scored by presentation, difficulty, variety, and |
| The majority of players value sporting behaviour | | | | execution. The top players in the world can |
| and there is a great sense of group participation | | | | perform truly amazing sequences of advanced |
| at all levels of the sport. It is a way to meet new | | | | tricks. The winning routine from the 2006 World |
| people as well as keeping fit and improving | | | | Footbag Championships performed by Vasek |
| co-ordination and flexibility. International | | | | Klouda can be watched here: In a typical |
| competition Official global footbag competition is | | | | competition the judges will be the competitors |
| monitored and supported by the International | | | | themselves due to the high level of expertise |
| Footbag Players' Association (IFPA). The IFPA is a | | | | required to evaluate certain tricks. This means |
| non-profit organisation which sponsor 20-30 | | | | that players must adhere to the values inherent |
| competitions around the world every year and | | | | within footbag from the street upwards, and be |
| publishes the 'Official Rules of Footbag Sports' | | | | fair in their judgement and scoring. A full list of the |
| where you can find full rules for various forms of | | | | official International Footbag Players' Association |
| the game. Popular forms of footbag: Footbag net | | | | rules for footbag freestyle can be found at: |
| As the name suggests, this game is played by | | | | Street freestyle The most common form of |
| teams of either one or two on a court divided | | | | footbag. Players stand in a circle and pass the |
| equally in half by a net five feet above the | | | | footbag from person to person, trying to ensure |
| ground. The court dimensions are officially set at | | | | that it doesn't hit the floor whilst performing tricks |
| 20 feet wide and 44 feet long with the court | | | | when it is their turn to kick the bag. This is not an |
| being split into four equal portions by the net and | | | | officially recognised competition form of footbag |
| a centre line running at right angles to it. Games | | | | but is practised by almost all footbag players, |
| are played to either 11 or 15 points, with the | | | | whether world champions or complete beginners. |
| winning team required to be two points ahead to | | | | There are a loose set of rules which consist of: |
| complete their victory. Players serve cross court | | | | always serving to someone else in the circle, not |
| from behind the service line and a point is won on | | | | apologising for dropping the footbag and never |
| serve if the opposing team fails to return the | | | | using the arms or hands (unless serving). |
| footbag within the allowed number of touches | | | | |