The term “Hacky Sack” was created by two men John Stalberger and Mike Marshall in 1972.

Marshall introduced Stalberger to a hobby of his that involved kicking around a bean bag. Stalberger, who was recovering from an injury, gained strength in his muscles and more mobility with the new hobby.

They used to refer to this activity as “hack the sack” and it eventually became known as “Hacky Sack”.

However, the name “footbag” is often preferred by most because it is less mainstream, and Hacky Sack tends to be a brand name, explained Ruth Ballard, biology department chair.

In 1973 Stalberger’s wife created the first attempt at the now classic 2-panel baseball cut design of the footbag; this design is what the footbag of today resembles.

When traced back further in history, the footbag was present as early as 2591 B.C. The Chinese used this bean bag kicking merely as a way to keep warm. Later on it transitioned into a game, but initially it was specifically to keep their feet insulated.

As footbag evolved through the years, rules were eventually applied to the game. A different attribute of the game of footbag is that it is the only recognized sport that prohibits the use of the upper body.

While most sports allow the usage of the arms, head, chest and upper body parts, the game of footbag is geared only for lower body extremities. Footbag encourages development and use of the lower body which does not get a lot of use often as we tend to manipulate things in everyday life with our hands.

Loren Dobson a second year student at Sacramento State is interested in starting a footbag club on campus.

Dobson explains that footbag is a fairly recent interest of his, which was stirred by witnessing someone performing a specific move called a clipper stall.

After researching, Dobson started to feel differently about the sport.

“It opened my eyes up to possibilities that I had never before considered. Once I got started watching video tutorials on how to do the basic tricks, I was hooked,” said Dobson.

Dobson elaborated on the many attributes of footbag he found to be valuable and appealing. The game of footbag sack is both a challenge mentally and physically keeping the game interesting and versatile.

“With footbag, there are so many tricks and combinations that you never get bored,” said Dobson.

He also expressed how he enjoys footbag because it can be both an individual activity as well as a group sport, and it also can be played within any vicinity.

“You can play anywhere, anytime. Just bring footbag with you,” said Dobson.

This is a benefit because some sports require certain equipment, space and resources, but footbag embodies simplicity.

Not to mention, Dobson speaks highly of it’s health benefits.

“It provides the best cardio workout I can imagine and my 2 minute heart rate recovery went from about 30 bbm to about 80 bbm in the past two years,” expressed Dobson.

This is a sport that is unique and can potentially add a different ingredient to Sac State’s campus.

Ballard participates in the game of footbag daily and is willing to sponsor this club if interest is expressed.

“I’m surprised it’s not a very popular sport because it’s so easy and portable,” said Ballard.

Ballard explained she just started playing in April, and has already seen significant improvement.

“It provides a playful environment for students. I do it in solitaire but many people do it in group settings. I really like it because I play it every day at 5:30 before I walk home, so it is a really nice way to end my day,” said Dobson.

Footbag offers something new for the student body to engage in that is different from other sports they may have participated in the past.