Why Freedom Footbags?
Expert Experience (A little about Daryl)
- The owner and founder of Freedom Footbags: Daryl Genz (aka “Genzu Blades“) has been practicing footbag for nearly 40 years.
- From someone who was too embarrassed, due to complete lack of “natural skill," to even step into a circle in high school...
- To being a member of the Big Add Posse in 1996.
- To holding four world titles: 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) in double freestyle footbag. Daryl gives a heartfelt thank you to his late partner Rippin’ Rick Reese.
- To being inducted into the Footbag Hall of Fame in 2010.
...and (like Edison with the light bulb) has a few million drops under his belt (literally). Daryl knows footbag far better than your average influencer who is just out there to get clicks and likes. He also plays regularly with Jim Penske and Lon Smith (two of the world's best players).
Owner of Freedom Footbags - Daryl Genz
Most everyone has heard of hacky sack, but what the heck is footbag?
You have arrived at the right place to learn more than you ever thought to ask.
Specifically, we will introduce you to the sport of freestyle footbag, the players, and the essential equipment.
Intro to Freestyle Footbag
Simply put, Hack Sack® is a trademarked name of the first popular footbag and the name stuck. The sport is technically called footbag, but commonly know (incorrectly) as Hacky Sack®. This is similar to Frisbee® (flying discs), Roller Blades® inline skates, Band-Aids® (adhesive bandages) and Kleenex® (tissues).
Hacky Sack - Old School
This is where it starts!
After a while basic kicks cease to become a challenge. Though they are always notably more challenging when playing in a circle of kickers (because it's easier to keep control of it yourself than it is to give others a good pass). Daryl's personal kicks record is just over 5000 (I lost count) wherein he got bored and stated doing a few tricks, ultimately dropping on a double-around-the-world.
Players looking to take the game to the next level discover freestyle and the add system (check out our Freedom Footbags Freestyle Footbags Fundamentals Flyer (that's a lot of "F's")) for a concise breakdown.
Next Level
This is some footage from an April 2026 competition in San Marino, Italy; boasting some of the best competitors in the world at some of the biggest prize money ever seen in footbag!
Meet Our Team
Vasek Klouda, The Czech Republic
Jim Penske, Boise, Idaho, USA
Rafal Kaleta
"Famous" Footbag Quotes
Never have I encountered a sport with such a high level of camaraderie. Everyone is genuinely excited to see you do your best. You’re only limited by your imagination. For all those wanting tips, the most helpful thing I can say is you need to skool hard and never compare yourself to others. I’d like to thank the East Coast Crew (Tu Vu, Peter Irish, Eric Wulff, Vince Bradley, Jason Langis, and Jon Hodge) for keeping me psyched in footbag during my early years.
San Francisco, California, USA
Freestyle is an art, and a form of self-expression. Examine what you see, what you think you know, and how you feel. Now shred, and all the mixed up the colors in your mind that you could never put together will cover your canvas in ways you will never understand, but are as beautiful as anything you will ever see.
Eugene, Oregon, USA
It’s important to shred by yourself, to school and drill, but the real inspiration comes when you step into a circle of friends. It’s better than a roller coaster or eating ice cream or doing both at the same time. May the shred be with you.
Washington D.C., USA
Footbag freestyle is the dopest form of expression on the planet. By practicing tricks and combos on both sides of my body, the sport helps me attain a sense of equilibrium in my life. Accomplishing my goals in the circle is both intense and rewarding, and the friendships I have developed with my fellow shredders are unmatched.
Los Angeles, California, USA
The Essentials
Freestyle Footbag is like any other professional sport, and the right equipment maximizes performance!
Building the Future of the Sport on a Strong Foundation
