With the end of the year approaching, students’ responsibilities dropping off, and the Texas phone ban, The Woodlands High School students have picked up the classic game of hacky sack to keep themselves occupied. Students can be found in hallways, courtyards, and even public spaces huddled in circles kicking around a hacky sack. 

“We started playing around the school about two weeks ago, but we’ve been playing it in baseball for years. I’ve had the most fun in school playing,” said junior Cash McWhorter. 

A hacky sack is a round, weighted bag filled with sand or plastic pellets. The sacks are used in a popular social game where players have to attempt to keep the bag in the air using only their feet, knees, and chest. 

There is the traditional way to play called circle sack, where players turn in a circle and touch the bag before it touches the ground. But there are also newer adaptations such as freestyle, where the group playing is focused on performing tricks. 

The game of Hacky Sack was originally popular in the 90s and 2000s and has made a recent comeback among teenagers. 

“I’m glad classic games are making a comeback. It reminds me of being a kid,” Assistant Principal Craig Harbin said.  

Reasons for playing vary, from exercise, to socializing, to competition. 

“I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and talking about life while playing,” freshman Colton Lillard said. 

Alternatively, freshman Emma Scott enjoys the competition, “I enjoy beating Colton.” 

This trend may have been dormant for some time, but like many things, it became popular again. It has helped teens manage without their phones while making memories that will last them many years to come.