Basic Kicks
Outside Kick Genevieve Bousquet US Open 2011 Photo by Kenny Shults.
The most common surfaces of the shoe used for kicking in Footbag net are the inside and outside surfaces. The sole of the shoe is also frequently used, however, only when performing a standing or flying spiking maneuver. Due to the large amount of court a player is responsible for covering, it is extremely important to have a good foundation of kicks with both the left and right legs. Outside kicks are generally thought to be the most important kick in net, as they are used to receive serves and to set oneself or one’s teammate. Toe kicks are most frequently used when the footbag is falling in front of one’s body. Inside kicks are frequently used to receive serve, to bump or set a teammate, or to direct a kick across the net. Inside kicks are also the predominant kick used for serving, however, many players also use toe kicks. Out side kick serves are uncommon but can be effective.
Serve by Karim Daouk Worlds 2012 Warsaw (Poland) Photo by Maciej Jedrzejewski.
Spikes
Bitch Slap Jaakko Inkinen Euros 2008 Montpellier (France) Photo by Henrik Martikainen.
A spike is defined as kicking the footbag over the net with a downward trajectory. Spikes can be performed while standing (i.e., one foot remains on the ground while kicking) or while jumping or “flying” (i.e., both feet are in the air while kicking). While they are more difficult to learn, flying spikes are more advantagous to learn because they allow for a greater margin of footbag clearance over the 5-foot-high net.
- Sole Push
- Sweep
- Scuff
- Mouse Trap
- Bring Down
- Toe Reverse
- Sun Back
- Front Back
- Toe Spike
- Roll Sweep
- Roll Spike
Footbag Net Terminology
On the net court, you’re likely to hear some words and phrases that you’re unfamiliar with. While most of these terms are used in all net-playing countries, a few terms vary by region. Click here for a glossary of Footbag net terminology.
Footbag Net Training
There are several good ways to learn about Footbag Net through this website:
Footbag Net Clubs
More importantly, to get serious training on footbag net (or any foobag sport), check out the footbag clubs near you and consider getting help from more established players in your area (if available).
Footbag Net Competition
Footbag tournaments occur year-round, though net is not offered at every event.
Players and experienced organizers alike may want to offer net competition at a footbag event, or host their own tournament. For more information on running a footbag net tournament, see here.
Yo Kelley executes a flying shtataff! Photo by Martin Cote.