Teenagers revive hacky sack culture in schools

A group of friends circle up during school hours to play hacky sack. According to NPR, there has been a 5000% increase in Google searches for hacky sacks in the month of May.

Circles of Bay Area teenagers are increasingly spending their lunch breaks and afternoons kicking around a hacky sack, trying to keep it in the air. What started as a small pastime has become an increasingly popular activity that students love. 

“It has become so popular recently because it is one of the greatest sports ever. It's a fun thing you can do with friends, and it brings the whole community together,†said Daniel Larsen, a sophomore at Carlmont High School and the assistant coach of the JV hacky sack team.

According to NPR, people love hacky sack because it is a way to socialize, unplug, and pass the time between classes with low stakes.

“A lot of the things people usually do at school are just sitting around, but this is actually something that gets people outside and all together. I love actual activities instead of just being on the phone,†Larsen said. 

While hacky sack is a great way to bond with existing friends, it has also become a way for students to expand their social circles and build new relationships.

“You will see people at school sacking and ask if you can sack with them. When you get in the circle, new connections are instantly formed,†said Lorenzo Bernardini, a sophomore at Carlmont. 

Beyond the social aspect, many students return to the game day after day because it offers an opportunity to improve their skills. 

“I enjoy learning about all the tricks, like ‘around the world,' and catching it on my back,†Bernardini said. 

The game's creativity has also helped fuel its online growth. According to Business Insider, the resurgence of hacky sack began in early May 2026, nearly 30 years after the game was popular in the 1990s. 

“The game has resurfaced because of its popularity on social media platforms, and that helps spread the word about it, especially among high schoolers,†Bernardini said. 

On apps like TikTok and Instagram, students from various schools have accounts specific to hacky sack, where they post content about the sport and compete with other schools. 

“I found out about the game online. There are tournaments across many different local schools that bring people together and spread the word about it,†said Amelie Gedikian, a sophomore at Sequoia High School. 

While its competitive culture has drawn many students into the sport, many feel that it is bound to decline eventually. According to WXXI News, big viral trends usually fade within two to four months.

Because hacky sack is most commonly played in schools, its popularity is heavily dependent on the academic calendar. 

“I think it will grow a bit, then fade out. Eventually, another trend will come around and take over,†Bernardini said. 

Gedikian offers a different perspective, believing that while hacky sack will lose momentum as its popularity wanes, it will always be a fun game people can come back to and enjoy. 

“I don't think it will ever be as popular as it is now, but it will definitely always be something to do and appreciate,†Gedikian said.