Let the Training Begin

I've always enjoyed searching for footbag how-to books & there are a few out there, although they only cover the most basic moves. It seems nobody have ever taken the time to document the moves - especially for net. There's plenty of videos out there for both freestyle & net, but nothing was ever as awesome as Footbag World magazine! I found a book about takraw called, Takraw 101, Complete Instructional/Coaching Manual. Includes: lesson plans; progress charts; check lists; tests; 200+ illustrated warm ups, stretches and exercises; 120 lead-up activities, games and drills; 90 technical illustrations; step-by-step “how to” for 20 kicks and spikes; 60+ action photos; advanced training program; complete rules.

It's the most detailed documentation of any bag/ball kicking sport I've ever seen. I'm going to add a few new pieces to my regular work out routine. Sure most of the book is everything you already know about spiking & exercise, but I did pick up a few new spike tips. Plus, it details the hand stand spike & the dreaded roll spike. I need some thicker exercise mats in a hurry!

What Happened to Freestyle?

Seriously what happened? I know there are plenty of kids out there kicking, but lately it just seems like there's not much activity. Why isn't there any discussion going on out there? modified.in & footbag.org appear to be at a stand still. I think footbag is just a lull. Have we seen everything there is to do with a footbag already? Did Vasek & Jordan just hit every trick imaginable? Tournaments are becoming few & far between, it feels like all the footbag players in North America got displaced & moved to Europe since Chilly Philly & CSS have died. The New Year's Jam in Chicago & U.S. Open are the last of the large scale American freestyle tournaments. Is this all because of 2012?