Dragonfly Footbags

How many footbag tricks exist? This question is particularly difficult to answer given that there are hundreds of footbag tricks throughout the world today. Since footbag often provides more than enough room for player interpretation, the combinations and possibilities that players come up with are mind boggling. Still, some footbag tricksters contend in a competitive manner, and these footbag experts are within a realm of their own.

Most footbag tricks fall under the category of “footbag freestyle” – a sort of competition that has gained a lot of ground lately.

Footbag freestyle can be quite technical, and some players can even perform their tricks in time with to music. Competitive freestyle tricks are judged according to presentation, difficulty, variety, and execution, (along with creativity and risk) though there are other freestyle tricks in existence as well.

A favorite form of footbag freestyling includes “shredding” in which players attempt to go through as many tricks as possible during one turn.

If a player is performing tricks competitively, the difficulty of a trick is rated, divided by the number of complete tricks, and then scored.

The goal of most footbag tricks is to remain fluid while keeping the footbag off the ground … not an easy task.

Extreme Footbag Tricks by Jorden Moir:

This post is inspired by a post on the Freedom Footbags blog titled “Is That A Sport“. Freedom Footbags has some sweet footbags available in their shop. The owner of Freedom Footbags, Daryl Genz, is the creator of the Mr Sandbag, arguably the best (and one of the cheapest) all around footbags available. You can buy the Mr Sandbag from the Freedom Footbags Shop for $7.00.

Is footbag a sport? This question has been debated time and again by those that love the game, and by those that have no concept of it. Still, the query has yet to be answered definitively. While dictionary definitions may shed some light on the topic, to really characterize a sport, the basic components of any game must be considered.

Sport can be defined as the very delicate dance between motion, agility, competition, and physical exhaustion. In short, sport can only exist when there are people involved in one activity that understand, and seek to conquer, this action.

Any sport whether it be chess, baton twirling, hockey, football, or footbag needs only to include one thing – a game that can be played by all, but only mastered by a select few.  Think Vasek Klouda, or Jorden Moir.

Therefore, whether or not those observing the game consider footbag a sport does not matter. The critical eye of others does not define any activity as sport – only those that act to become a vital part of a game can make this decision.

Footbag players take their sport seriously, competitively, and determinately … all essential components of a true sport.

There is one question that plagues the minds of all those that attempt the sport of footbag – plastic or sand? If you are new to the sport, you may be wondering if there actually is a difference … there is. Ultimately, you will have to decide whether plastic or sand is right for you, but here are a few key differences to set you on the right path.

• Shop for Plastic Filled footbags
• Shop for Sand Filled Footbags

Essentially, all players should try to maintain a perfect symmetry between balance and motion … with a bit of “stalling the bag” in mid-air thrown in.

First time players may want to choose a sand filled bag, since this type of bag will provide an easier transition between stalling and kicking. However, bags that are filled with plastic balls are generally easier to control, though they may be harder to stall.

Confused? Well, you aren’t alone. Most seasoned players will agree that the best way to find out whether you prefer sand or plastic is to simply start playing.

You may find, after a few games, that one type of bag is much preferred over another … and you can start shopping for your ultimate bag from there.