How to Play Hacky Sack
Hacky sack — properly called footbag — is a simple circle game with no winners, no losers, and one shared goal: keep the bag off the ground using anything but your hands. Here's everything a beginner needs to start playing today.
The basic rules
Casual hacky sack has almost no rules. Players stand in a circle and pass a small bean-filled bag using their feet, knees, chest, or head. Hands and arms are off-limits. The circle "wins" when every player touches the bag at least once before it drops — that's called a hack.
The five essential kicks
- Inside kick: Foot turns out, flat inside of the shoe strikes the bag. The most-used kick in the game.
- Outside kick: Foot turns in, outside of the shoe strikes the bag. Useful when the bag drifts wide.
- Toe kick: Point the toe up, laces meet the bag. Good for a controlled straight-up pop.
- Knee kick: Lift the knee and let the flat top of your thigh hit the bag when it's too high for a foot kick.
- Stall: Instead of kicking, you catch and balance the bag on your foot for a moment before passing.
Setting up a circle
A good circle has 3–6 players standing about 4–6 feet apart on flat ground. One player serves by dropping the bag from waist height and kicking it up toward another player. From there it's freeform — pass to whoever's open, keep your kicks controlled and reachable, and don't hog the bag.
Circle etiquette
- Kick up, not across — a chest-high pop is easier to receive than a bullet.
- Call "sorry" after a bad kick. Nobody keeps score.
- Spread the touches — a good hack means everyone gets one.
- If you drop it, pick it up and serve again. No penalties.
Beginner practice drill
Stand alone and drop the bag onto your dominant foot from waist height. Kick it back up to waist height, catch it in your hand, and repeat. Once you can do 10 in a row cleanly, alternate feet. That's the entire foundation of the game.
What kind of bag should you use?
For learning, a soft 8–14 panel sand-filled bag is forgiving and cheap. Once you can sustain a rally, upgrade to a 32-panel suede freestyle bag for tighter control. See our buying guide or the full review index for specific recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic rules of hacky sack?
There are no strict rules for casual play. Players stand in a circle and pass the footbag using any part of the body except hands and arms. The goal is to keep the bag off the ground as long as possible while everyone gets a touch.
How do you kick a hacky sack for beginners?
Start with the inside kick: drop the bag from waist height, lift your knee, and turn your foot so the flat inside of your shoe meets the bag. Kick straight up to about chest height so you (or the next player) can react.
What are the five basic hacky sack kicks?
Inside kick, outside kick, toe kick, knee kick, and the stall (balancing the bag on your foot). Learning all five gives you every angle you need for circle play.
How long does a hacky sack game last?
A casual circle lasts as long as the bag stays up — anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. In competitive Footbag Net, matches follow tennis-style sets and can last 20–45 minutes.
Can you play hacky sack alone?
Yes. Solo play (called 'shredding' in freestyle) is how most players learn tricks and build consistency. All you need is a bag and a few square feet of flat ground.
What is a 'hack' in hacky sack?
A 'hack' happens when every player in the circle touches the bag at least once before it hits the ground. Getting a hack is the classic goal of circle play.