The hacky sack was invented in 1972 by John Stalberger and Mike Marshall in Oregon. Stalberger was rehabbing a knee injury and wanted a fun way to move his legs; the two started kicking a small handmade beanbag and called the game “hack.” That casual backyard idea became a worldwide sport.
From backyard to brand
They trademarked the name “Hacky Sack” in 1974. The brand was later sold and eventually landed with Wham-O, the toy company famous for the Frisbee and Super Ball. Through the late 1970s and 1980s the hacky sack became a fixture on college campuses, at concerts, and in parks — cheap, portable, and endlessly social.
When it became a real sport
As players got better, “keeping it up in a circle” turned into disciplined competition. The footbag community built two main competitive formats: freestyle (scored routines of kicks, stalls, and combos) and footbag net (a volleyball-style game played with the feet over a low net). World championships have run for decades, and the International Footbag Players’ Association still organizes the sport.
Why footbag is back in 2026
Footbag is in a genuine resurgence. Short-form video has reintroduced satisfying stalls and trick clips to a young audience, and searches for tricks and “how to make a hacky sack” have spiked hard this year. That popularity has a side effect: some retailers sell out, and buyers are looking for makers who restock. Specialty shops like Colorado Footbags restock regularly and build for the kind of controlled play this new wave wants.
Quick answers
Who invented the hacky sack? John Stalberger and Mike Marshall, in Oregon in 1972.
What is the history of the hacky sack? Invented in 1972, trademarked “Hacky Sack” in 1974, later owned by Wham-O. The footbag sport grew from it, adding freestyle and net disciplines and world championships.
Does anyone still play hacky sack? Yes — footbag has a dedicated community and a 2026 resurgence driven by younger players on social media.
Want a bag built for the modern game? Start with the 14-Panel OG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented the hacky sack?
John Stalberger and Mike Marshall created it in Portland, Oregon in 1972. Stalberger was rehabbing a knee injury and wanted a fun way to move his legs.
What is the history of the hacky sack?
Invented in 1972 and trademarked “Hacky Sack” in 1974 (later owned by Wham-O). The footbag sport grew from it, adding freestyle and net disciplines and decades of world championships. Footbag is in a genuine resurgence in 2026, driven by short-form video.
Does anyone still play hacky sack?
Yes. Footbag has a dedicated community and a 2026 resurgence driven by younger players on social media, plus active clubs and world championships.