Hacky Sack has been a very popular game since emerging in the 1970s and 1980s, and peaking as a major cultural trend on college campuses and high schools. Although its popularity has waned in the 21st Century, the game everyone once loved has returned to your local high school, and is spreading all across America.
Hacky Sack has also taken New Providence High School by storm, with many teens playing it during their lunch breaks, or even outside of school at local fields. Enthusiastic participants have even developed a league system, whereby players are classified into levels according to their skill and achievement.
The game features a small weighted bean bag, passed around in a small circle, creating intense “rally” moments. The game is typically played with 5-6 players, but often reaches up to 8-9 with more competition as players fight to stay in their respective groups.
Additionally, there are specific terminologies and moves in an average sack round. When a round starts, the player who receives the sack often does a “stall” whether this is a chest stall, back stall, neck stall, or a foot stall. This gives the player enough time to control, and pass the sack to another player. After the sack is passed the first time, the players do everything to keep it off the ground. This can happen by juggling the sack, diving for the sack, or simply passing the sack around the circle. There are no hands allowed in any parts of a round. Although at times the players do complex moves to troll and have fun, the game is meant to be competitive as lower league players want to get more attention from the “Big Leagues”. Some complex moves include a “steamroller” where the player who has the sack on their chest lays on the ground and passes the sack by rolling with the player next to them (on the ground). Although the move occurs very rarely, it leaves all the players with smiles on their faces, and even works on occasion. Another move is the “seesaw” where the players rock the player with the sack on their chest, which launches the sack in the air to keep the rally going. Granted, it is another move where there is a low success rate, but often considered as one of the most fun moves in the game.
There are 3 major leagues established in the New Providence High School. The upmost league where the best players compete is called the Pro League. The middle-pack competitors take part in the G League, whilst the players that are still developing their sack repertoire compete in La Liga. More and more competitors want to make it up to the Pro League to get noticed and exposed to the highest stage.
Although many have left their lower level leagues that helped them get promoted, a handful of people have decided to remain loyal. For example, Nick Chapman is sticking with La Liga even after being invited to play in the Pro League.
“I’m staying with La Liga because of my loyalty and passion with these boys. You know, I’ve been playing with them my whole career. I don’t want to just leave them for the hierarchy. Also, it’s a lot more fun. I see them trying their hardest. I enjoy the memories we’ve made, and the memories that we will continue to make,” he said.
Another La Liga competitor, Mateo Núñez, speaks on the connection between the La Liga members and the rise of Sack: “I love sack so much. I sack every day for hours. Sack has become a pivotal point in my life. In the La Liga, I am ranked number two. I enjoy playing with the boys; Shawn Nilan, Nicholas Chapman, and Batu Tamkan.”
The #1 ranked competitor in the Big Leagues, Max Acosta talks about the impact Sack has had on him.
“Yeah, it’s a huge honor to be the number one sack player. Sack has had a big impact in my life. It allows me to bond more with the boys, build some connection with them and get to know them better. It’s a good time to get outside and get some fresh air with them. I’m so proud to be the number one sack player, and want to keep my spot,” he said.
Overall, the rapid emergence of Hacky Sack in New Providence High School has been very similar to other schools across the United States. The game’s return is quite possibly bigger than what it was back then. Due to the Internet and social media, trends like these become easier to spread. The game has taken over TikTok’s FYP, allowing users to see it, and bring it to their own school. It’s gotten so popular that specific rules (such as banning certain shoe types or overpowered moves), official school rankings (features school rankings for each state/district/town), and official player rankings (rankings made to rate the skill levels of players in their own respective leagues) are now commonplace.