During breaks and lunch across campus, groups of students gather in circles, kicking a small, colorful knitted ball. This lively game is called hacky sack, and its concept is simple: keep the ball in the air using any part of your body except your arms. Although the game may seem easy at first, it actually takes balance, coordination, and teamwork to keep the sack moving around the circle. The game has become a common sight around schools because of how easy it is for anyone to join and play.
Hacky sack, originally known as the “footbag,” was invented in the summer of 1972 in Oregon City, Oregon, by two friends—John Stalberger and Mike Marshall. The inspiration sprang from kicking around a simple bean bag while Marshall was an inmate in a military brig. Stalberger was recovering from a knee injury at the time and decided to join Marshall in the fun and competitive game. What started as a small activity between friends eventually became something much bigger that people all over the world enjoy today.
As the two began to play, they called the game “footbag,” where the overall goal was to keep the bag off the floor while using any part of your body except for your arms. Everywhere they went, they would catch the attention of other people, mesmerized by the ball bouncing up, down, right, and left. While continuing to play, they eventually called the game “Hack the Sack,” which quickly evolved into hacky sack. Over time, more people became interested in learning tricks and creating larger circles with friends.
Since then, the game has grown in popularity and become a favorite pastime at schools and parks. For a while, the current generation did not know about hacky sack until people at their schools began playing it during lunch. Social media has also helped the game become more popular again, with videos showing people doing impressive tricks and giant circles filled with players. Seeing these videos online has encouraged more students to try the game for themselves.
Lena Mercer (10) first saw people playing hacky sack when she was eating lunch in the quad. At first, she was confused but entertained because “everyone was laughing and getting competitive over such a small bean bag.” Even without playing hacky sack, it’s still fun to watch people play and have the best time. The energy around the game often attracts more students who eventually decide to join the circle themselves.
Many students enjoy it not just for the challenge, but also for the sense of community it creates. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, hacky sack is a fun way to improve coordination, meet new people, and enjoy some friendly competition. Madison Baez (10) loves playing hacky sack because the “circle grows with more people before you know it, and it gives everyone something fun to do during break or lunch.” It keeps everybody off their phones and social media and focused on enjoying their time together. Playing hacky sack is the perfect way to pass the time with friends, meet new people, and enjoy some good laughs.
