6 Basic Hacky Sack Rules (Explained By a Real Player)

Whether you are a pro or an amateur, the following will give you an in-depth view of all hacky sack rules. The first two rules apply to every footbag game I have played or heard of. The last four refer to group play.

During this article, I will teach you all about the hacky sack rules and a little more so that you can become fluent in the art of hacky sack!

Solo or group play hacky sack rules

#1 Keep aloft

The best advice one can get is “If it hits the ground, start over”. The central rule is to keep the bag aloft. Try to get as many kicks as you can. This requires you to concentrate on the control of your body and the bag.

Moreover, if you don’t succeed don’t let it get to you.

#2 No hands

Just like football (soccer) hands and arms are off-limits – everything else is fair game. Basically, if it is not allowed in soccer, then it is probably not allowed in Footbag.

Feet are obviously the main tool in Footbag for juggling. But, chest, head, shoulders, and knees are also commonly incorporated into the play.

Read next: 5 Best footbags for beginners

Group play rules

#3 Serving

A serve kick is the first kick of the round after the ball dropped. You serve if you are the one closest to the ball at the moment.

In group play, it is about the collective hack (a “hack” is when everyone in the circle has kicked the bag without dropping to the ground), not the individual’s hack.

Also, when starting a new round, common etiquette suggests serving the bag to another person. Serves are to be within reach of the other players. If you give a bad serve, then offer to give them another serve.

#4 Pass it

As much fun as it is to see what you can do every time when playing in a group (2+ people) you’ll have to pass the bag. When the bag is passed to you, you are usually allowed to kick it more than once to gain control of the bag.

Once control is gained, then you have to pass it off to someone else. Remember: “sharing is caring”.

SandMaster hacky sack complete review and Pros &Cons

#5 Complete the circle

Ideally, you want to complete the circle and get a “hack”. The general goal is to get the bag to go around the circle and have everyone kick it in some form or fashion (no hands).

Two circles is a “double hack” (or “double helix”), three a “triple hack”, etc, it’s very team-based, so be kind when passing the hack over and make it easy for the other person to continue.

#6 No apologizing

Everyone drops the bag at some point. Some circles implement the “no apologizing” rule to keep the game moving and morale high – there is no need to apologize for the inevitable.

The idea is that you should have fun and accept that you will drop the bag. If you wish to practice alone before joining the circle there are a few actions you can take.

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In depth footbag rules for professionals

For the most part, footbag sessions are an informal activity engaged in with friends and acquaintances. But, there are many different types of footbag games to play. Here are a couple of games for experienced footbagers and the rules for each.

BTW this website is an extremely good source if you want in-depth rules and specifics when wanting to apply or get involved in competitive freestyle Footbag.

Footbag consecutive

Consecutive Footbag is played with one or more players. The object is simple: Keep the footbag aloft only using your feet and knees. In most events, the object is to kick the footbag as many times as possible before a drop or a foul occurs.

In speed events, there is a set time in which to achieve the highest number of kicks.

In distance events, the object is to kick a certain number of kicks in the fastest possible time.

Footbag net

Footbag Net is a court game played either one-on-one or two-on-two (singles or doubles) over a 5 ft. net. It combines basic kicks, serves, spikes and digs. Each player or team attempts to score points while serving.

In singles play, two kicks are allowed per side. In doubles play, three kicks are allowed per side. Players cannot kick it twice in a row and must alternate contact with the bag (volleyball rules).

The standard court is 20 ft. wide x 44 ft. in length. The net divides the court into two 22 ft. sides.

Who Invented The Hacky Sack?

The story of Hacky Sack began in the summer of 1972. At this time Mike Marshall introduced he’s visiting Texan friend John Stalberger to a new game. A game that he had learned from a Native American, a fellow inmate in a military brig.

In other words, this is where the story of hacky sack rules began.

At the time they described it as going to “hack a sack”. The game involved repeatedly kicking a small bean bag to keep it off the ground for as long as possible. You can Use all parts of your body except your hands and arms. Until you eventually pass it to another player.

After that, Stalberger, who was recovering from a knee injury, began playing the new & fun game. It turned out as a way to rehabilitate his leg. Six months later, with Stalberger’s knee healed and newly acquired mastery of their game, they decided to go into manufacturing.

Amateur Hacky Sack Rules

The following will give you an in-depth view on all hacky sack rules, whether you are a pro or an amateur.

1. Keep it in the Air

If it hits the ground, start over. Try to get as many kicks as you can, block everyone near you out and concentrate on your control and the hack keep trying. Moreover, if you don’t succeed don’t let it get too you.

2. No Hands

Everything else is fair game. Just like football (soccer) you can’t grab the bag with your hand and toss it to the next guy. You need to juggle it using everything but your hands. Beyond using the feet – chest, head, shoulders and knees are commonly used, put your hands on your back to start off with, or have your arms out wide for balance.

3. Pass It

When the bag is passed to you, you are usually allowed to kick it more than once to gain control of it again. Don’t hog the hack though. Generally, when serving, you should pass it to someone else first.

4. Complete the Circle

Ideally you want to complete the circle and get a “hack”. A hack occurs when the bag has completely gone around the circle and everyone has kicked it. Two circles is a “double hack” (or “double helix”), three a “triple hack”, etc, it’s very team based, so be kind when passing the hack over and make it easy for the other person to continue.

5. No Apologizing

You should have fun. Everyone drops it at some point and everybody started somewhere.
Some circles implement the “no apologizing” rule to keep the game moving and morale high.

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In Depth Footbag Rules For Professionals

There are many different types of footbag games to play. here are a couple for experienced footbag, and the hacky sack rules for each.

BTW This website is an extremely good source if you want in-depth rules and specifics when wanting to apply or get involved in competitive freestyle Footbag.

via GIPHY

Footbag Consecutive

Consecutive Footbag is played with one or more players. The object is to keep the footbag airborne using only the feet and knees. There are many consecutive events which can be played and will be explained in sections 205-209.1 In most events the object is to kick the footbag as many times as possible before a drop or a foul occurs. In speed events there is a set time in which to achieve the highest number of kicks. In distance events the object is to kick a certain number of kicks in the fastest possible time.

Footbag Net

Footbag net is a court game played either one-on-one or two-on-two (singles or doubles) over a 5 ft. net. It combines basic kicks, serves, spikes and digs. Each player or team attempts to score points while serving. In singles play, two kicks are allowed per side. In doubles play, three kicks are allowed per side and players (teammates) must alternate contacts. The court is 20 ft. wide and a total of 44 ft. in length, with the net dividing the court into two 22 ft. deep courts. The court is also divided down the centre to form four equal serving quadrants.

3 Types Of Hacky Sack Serve Kick

A serve kick is the first kick of the round after the ball droped. You surve if you are the one closest to the ball at the moment.

“Inside Kick” Is preformed with the inside of your foot

Gently drop the sack in front of you. Use the inside of your foot, almost directly in the centre of your shoe where the arch of your foot is, to kick the bag directly straight up. Be sure to angle your ankle so that the inside of your foot is parallel to the ceiling in order to kick the sack straight up.

“Outside Kick” Is done by the outside of your foot

Gently drop the sack with your arm outstretched to the side and use the middle of the outside of your foot to kick the bag upwards. Just like with an inside kick, angle your ankle to keep your foot parallel to the ceiling in order to kick the hacky sack straight up.

For a “Toe kick” Drop the sack and kick it with your toes

Make sure to drop the sack a little bit further in front of you than you would when performing an inside kick. Use your toes to kick the bag straight up in the air. Be sure to kick your toes up instead of toward your head to avoid getting hit with the hacky sack!

Best Equipment For Hacky Sack Beginners

Buy a hacky sack made with sand or plastic beads if you’re a beginner. Sacks made of these materials tend to be softer and easier to control. Moreover, the larger the beads, the harder it will be to stall the sack. If you have a bag with large beads, consider rolling over it with something very heavy, such as a car, to break them down.

You can also break in a hacky sack by simply rolling it under your foot to make it softer.

Wear lightweight shoes with a thickly cushioned sole

Tennis shoes and skate shoes are common choices for people who play Hacky Sack regularly. Shoes like these aren’t too heavy to lift but will also shield your foot from the constant impact of the hacky sack.

Hacky Sack is an amazing activity to bring your whole family together

You can get everyone in a circle. After that, explain the hacky sack rules for those who are new to it. This can really bring laughs and smiles to the whole family.

In conclusion, I recommend picking up a hacky sack or Jianzi Shuttlecock and start playing!
Hopefully these hacky sack rules have helped everyone out and helps everyone get involved!

you will not regret it I promise you that!