As we continue into the icy depths of December, the once vibrantly packed Brookhaven side parking lot is desolate as students have moved inside the toasty cafeteria for lunch.
The ever-growing hacky sack fad was sure to die out with the nice weather, right?
That couldn’t be more wrong.
On one October day when the abysmal temperature managed to rear its head over the 40 degree mark, it’s like every Haven student received the same robotic telepathic message: “Me must sack.”
Sure enough, 10 different circles quickly formed in the lot. Brows creased as students balanced the knitted ball on their heels, laughter and playful teasing erupting from each circle.
Haven students will take any chance they get to play the immensely popular game.
Hacky sack was officially invented in 1972 in Oregon by John Stalberger and Mike Marshall. The pair came up with the basis for the game as a way to recover from a knee injury. However, the concept also has roots in ancient Asian pastimes such as the Chinese military training tactic called Cuju and Japanese game called Kemari.
The rules are simple and flexible. The only equipment required is the small knitted bean bag. Players stand in a circle and pass the hacky sack to each other using their legs, though hands and arms are not allowed. The goal is to keep the sack off the ground for as long as possible.
Some special tricks include “the stall,” where you balance the sack on the top of your foot for a second, and “the scorpion” is when you kick the sack backwards over your head.
As the vintage-style pastime makes a comeback, English teacher Mr. Christopher McMahon, who graduated from high school in 1983, reflects on his memories of hacky sack.
“When I was in high school, hacky sack was actually a pretty popular thing to do,” McMahon said. “We would hang out in the smoking area — we had a smoking area at the time — and hacky sacks on the field.”
So why has it surged into the lives of teens at such a thunderous pace?
For many, hacky sack is a vessel for social interaction and connection. The uncompetitive and laid back atmosphere it creates is why it has taken so many schools by storm.
“It doesn’t take too much brain power, and you can kind of just talk with the guys while doing it,” sophomore hacky sacker Asa D’Ancona said. “It’s like having a football catch.”
If you’re hearing that hacky sack is ‘easy’ to be good at, but you’re still struggling to play, don’t worry. The reason hacky sack is so popular is not necessarily because it’s easy, but because it’s accessible. With practice, most people can develop the skills it takes to hold their own in a circle.
Hacky sack is naturally structured as an uncompetitive game. Students are working together to reach a goal, not pitted against one another. It’s okay if you’re not the most coordinated or athletic; if you make a mistake the most you’ll receive is a few lighthearted “you suck bros.”
“I am not an athletic person, and I feel like I’m getting a little bit better at it every time I practice,” beginner hacky sacker and sophomore Philomena Duffield said. “You can still have a fun time doing it even if you’re not coordinated. Because at the end of it, it’s not about how good you are. It’s just about the experience.”
The physical aspect of the sport is not too daunting, but the benefits it gives teenagers can be impactful.
Hacky sack may seem like just another silly fad, but it can play a very important role in a high schooler’s life. Students are cooped up at their desks all day with little allowance for physical movement or fun. Studies show it’s important for kids to have something exciting and active to look forward to in their busy days.
Security officer Mr. David Kopp closely monitors the hallways during school hours. He recognizes the impact of having something to keep students engaged throughout the day.
“When you’re a kid and you’re in middle school, you get recess and you run around like maniacs all day,” Kopp said. “And now you come to high school and you’re expected to not have that kind of fun during the day.”
Hacky sack can also affect teens’ mental health by getting them away from their phones. Growing up in a generation dominated by social media means that at many of the lunch tables in the cafeteria, you’ll see students with their noses buried in their screens.
“It’s a good way to pass the time,” Duffield said. “It’s just something simple you could do to get off your phone.”
Hacky sack can be a great way to bring kids together who are in desperate need of social connection.
Because of colder weather, hacky sack games have moved inside. As a result, some trademark indoor sacking spots have emerged. Kopp cites the Wall of Honor area, art wing on the third floor at lunch time, and the stairwell landings of multiple floors as popular spots.
“Groups have moved inside, and it’s been a little tough walking the halls,” Kopp said. “It’s been a very easy, redirectable solution. ‘Hey guys, can you move over 20 feet so you’re not blocking, or you’re not disturbing [others]?’ Everybody has been really accepting of that.”
Even in December, hacky sack remains relevant to students. From its inclusive circle-shaped format, laid back attitude and mental health benefits, don’t expect to see hacky sack leaving Haven any time soon.
“Normally at lunch, I would just be sitting there, not moving,” sophomore hacky sacker Ezra Peltzman said. “I definitely look forward to getting some action or movement in, just like physical activity, and I think it’s a great way to do it, it’s an easy way to do it.”
