Topic: Footbag

[InvasionANC]

The only time I go jogging is when I'm feeling particularly masochistic; I hate it that much. Don't get me wrong, I can run, and for a mildly fat kid I think 7:43 is a decent mile time, but none of that changes my loathing for running. Back in high school I used to play Hacky-Sack at lunch with friends and eventually became a pretty proficient 'hacker'. After that I got hooked. When I started looking around on the internet I was surprised by the size of the Footbag (Hacky-Sack is a trademark of Wham-O, Inc. so the activity is generally referred to as 'Footbag' in more professional circles) community and its following. I then purchased a few mid-range footbags and started to do it solo, which is really the best way to gain strength, control, and foot/eye coordination (which all help with tricky landings in Parkour).

You'd likely be surprised by how exhausting (and fun) an hour long session of solo footbag can be! The feeling of having almost complete control of my legs and feet is amazing as well. My views on Footbag are on a similar spectrum as my views on Parkour: I'm in it for the philosophy, freedom and dance, not so much for the tricks and crowed appeal (SO DON'T ASK  ).

If any of this sounds appealing to you and you're new to the activity, I would suggest going to a local toy store and buying a cheap crocheted footbag* to try it out. If you're already into it or heed my advice and pick it up, now would be the best time to buy something a little more 'professional'. One footbag you can't go wrong with, regardless of your current skill level, is the Mr. Sandbag**. It requires little or no break-in, gives great response (bounce), yet stalls like no other, and it's only $7.00! I love my Mr. Sandbag, the only thing stopping me from sleeping with it on my pillow (uh...so I don't lose it...) is that it's constantly filthy.

Try visiting Footbag Worldwide for tips, tricks, videos, etcetera.

Happy kicking!

* Cheap, crocheted footbags are usually over-packed and under-stretched, so a few stomps wouldn't hurt. If it pops (and they frequently do when being stomped), don't worry. Simply 'bleed' it (remove beads from the filling) to desired level and sew it back up. These babies take a while to break in.

** If you're about to order one and want a particular color, look here for the many combinations. There is some point in the check-out process (when ordering from the World Footbag Association) that let's you add comments, such as your preferred color/number.

[Brian Belida]

I love footbag :]
Also, if you don't feel like sewing [or are incapable of it] a band-aid over the tear works surprisingly well. Tape for some reason doesn't work as well as a nice old bandaid!

EDIT : Just use the adhesive bits of the bandaid, not the padded part 

[coastal96]

Should we add footbagging to jams along with tag Brian

[Ryan Ford]

at the denver jam yesterday, we ran into a group of freestyle footbaggers from chicago that were here for some sort of national tournament. they were way good!

[Josh Klute]

Ya, it was pretty funny, we were trying to "recruit" them to parkour and they were trying to "recuit" us to footbag.  One of the guys did a demonstration and was insanely good.  He would flick it over his back and catch it on his feet, then do it again and again.  I thought for sure that he had dropped it almost every time, that must take a lot of skill

[Altimot]

ya, it sounds like it helps a lot with your eye, foot coorodination.  Oh and those guys from denver were really good.

[InvasionANC]

If you're a little frustrated at the beginning you might try strapping on some small ankle weights. Do all the basic motions in a slow and controlled manner to build up stamina and dexterity. You might also try hacking with them on, as I do occasionally for warming-up.

There is also no greater tool, really no other tool, in footbag than a pair of good shoes. I and the majority of the footbag community recommend Adidas' Rod Lavers. I own them in black leather, though most would go for mesh for extra feel and airflow. There are guides for removing the leather but I left mine alone... they were too pretty. There is a special lacing technique that helps immensly with toe stalls and kicks. This does make the shoes look a little funny for everyday use, but I wear them to school quite often and no one has ever noticed. I have become fond of the look at this point, anyway.

Good luck!