When the sack comes to you, you “stall it.” Then, you “drop it” to your foot for a “round the world” into a “scorpion kick.” Despite the perplexing terms, these moves, all a part of hacky sack, have become increasingly common around campus. The game provides a space for all kinds of students to be a little uncomfortable while trying something new. Though sack is not for everyone, the game gives students an opportunity to get to know and have fun with one another without their screens.
Hacky sack involves a small bean-bag ball, which is kicked around a circle and kept above the ground. As the players progress in their skill, they learn complex tricks or traps including the “clipper kick” and “pixie legover,” used to contain and pass the sack. Across the country, a major spike in hacky sack has occurred; national competitions for hacky sack teams have begun to appear, and a mere glance at social media can reveal the spread of the sport across schools and universities.
Many students at Milton have taken to playing hacky sack. Out of 77 students polled, 56% had played hacky sack before. 20% of the participating students indicated frequent play at Milton. English Teacher Katherine Hamblet supports students in their hacky sack endeavors, emphasizing the game as a place for students to bond. She explained, “I think hacky sack is a great way for students to spend time together, where they’re having fun, they’re chatting with each other, they’re engaging with the people who are around them, and they’re getting a little exercise while they’re at it.” 70% of students who play hacky sack said they are drawn to the game primarily because it allows them to spend time with friends.
51% of students who are not “hacky sack regulars” indicated their interest in the game, so long as they played with friends. Kaya Howeler ’29 said, “I think I’d play it if my friends played it, but my friends do not.” The remaining 49% of students who do not play were hesitant predominantly because they felt intimidated by the game. Abraham Laznik ’29 highlighted his reluctance to play: “I find students at Milton to be competitive. While I see plenty of groups of students playing on the quad, I, having no experience, get afraid to learn in front of already skilled players.” This sort of insecurity, however, deprives students of the joyous game and the connection it offers. While hacky sack is not for everyone, students who give it a chance may discover new friendships beyond their typical social circles. Timothy Baelee ’29 echoed this emphasis on community, saying, “I’m not good at hacky sack, but I play it mostly to hang out with friends.” You do not need to master that “scorpion kick” or “round the world” to play hacky sack. The only requirement for joining the circle is a willingness to lean in.