When one thinks about schoolyards in the 90’s, a popular activity that would come to mind would be hacky sack. However, one wouldn’t assume that in the age of smartphones and social media, that the game would receive a new surge in popularity. The excitement has as students all over are gathering in circles to play the game.
“I noticed its popularity increase very recently, maybe late March or early April. I have seen many athletes in our school playing before and after practice. I have also seen many students playing hacky sack at any given time during school, mostly during their lunch period in the courtyard, or during gym class,” said junior Daniel A, via email.
Hacky sack is very simple in theory, just keep the sack off the ground with anything but your hands, but the activity seemed to have resonated with students on such a deeper level than that. It’s being used as a socialization tool, allowing students to make new friends, giving them an incentive to get better.
“Hacky sack is overall a very enjoyable game to play with friends. Having a good rally can be a great moment for the group. It is also a very good way to make friends. There have been many occurrences at track meets where we will be playing hacky sack, and some random kids will come and ask to join. There is also just an overall motive to get better at the game. Learning new tricks is super fun,” said Daniel.
The game seems to be having a positive effect on the students who play. Getting them outside more and helping them be more active and social.
“There is no doubt that hacky sack has a positive impact on the kids who are playing it right now because it encourages them to go outside and hang out with their friends. There are zero disadvantages to playing the game. It’s super enjoyable,” said Daniel.
The social advantage of the game is also backed up by how easy it is to pick up. It isn’t limiting at all and all one needs to do is join a group and just start playing with others.
“With this game being open for just about anyone to play, it eliminates most of the isolation students sometimes bury themselves in. It’s a great source of socialization along with the opportunity to meet new people you wouldn’t usually talk to. I’ve only seen positives. I think the best part about this game is how any skill level can be involved in a hacky sack circle. It makes the rallies and games more exciting to be a part of when everyone is contributing to keeping it airborne,” said junior Matthew H, via email.
With rising popularity, it’s hard to tell whether or not the game is just a fad and will die out soon, or if the popularity will remain for a long enough period of time to become a mainstream activity for high schoolers.
“I’d be surprised if this phase were to end before the school year is over. The passion for this game is still strong, with no sight of declining any time soon,” said Matthew.
The reason for the newfound popularity isn’t a complicated one. Since students don’t have their cell phones anymore, they needed to find something else to keep them entertained.
“I think the main reason is due to the wave of banning the use of phones in school. With no phones for students to go on, hacky sack has been a great way to pass the time and interact with those around you. Especially during lunch, with the courtyard being the main place for hacky sack circles to form,” said Matthew.
This thought process isn’t just one from students. The fad has been noticed by faculty as well and they seem to be thinking the same thing about the reason for the game’s popularity.
“Truthfully, I think the cell phone law by NYS has made students rethink what to do. Now that students can’t just sit and text or surf the web on their phone, it has made them think of other ways to spend their time. Card games have also made a return and whether it’s playing Hacky or Kings in the Corner [card game],” said social studies teacher Joseph Zaidinski, via email.
The newfound popularity was somewhat surprising. Faculty members have been noticing the positive effects that the game is having on the students as well.
“The game was very popular when I was in high school in the late 90’s. If there were a group of students outside, usually it was just a matter of time before kids started kicking it, […] If you would have asked me prior to September [if hacky sack would become popular again], I would have said no, given how technological we are,” said Zaidinski.
With its simple rules, anyone can start playing the game and make new friends. This blast from the past has found a spot in the modern era.
“It’s great to see kids talking to each other and engaged in a group activity. I hope [the popularity for hacky sack lasts] for a while as it gets kids moving, thinking, and being social,” said Zaidinski.
