Kenny Shults holds over 40 World titles in footbag and is considered by many as the games undisputed grand master of freestyle. His contributions and inventiveness in freestyle are illustrated in the very popular Tricks of the Trade video (available in the FootMART catalog). This issue of Footbag World highlights one of Kenny's 41 tricks featured in his video.
The toe stall has played an important role in the evolution of freestyle. It is a key element in moves like the mirage, around the world, and the pendulum.
Start with the footbag in your hand, feet shoulder width apart, and knees slightly bent. Lift your foot
to a little below knee high and lean forward so you can clearly see the top of your shoe. As you lift your
foot, drop the footbag from no more than waist high, timing the drop so that your shoe will meet the footbag
about twelve inches from the ground. Just before contact, drop your foot firmly, slowing to cushion the fall
of the footbag. Bend your support leg to help stall the footbag. At first, drop the footbag from a very short
distance. Then increase the height as you improve.
You should lean forward so that your line of sight is very close to straight through the top of the
footbag throughout the toe stall. This is the single most important point in footbag freestyle. STAY OVER
THE BAG! Even when executing the Pendulum, it is important to stay over the footbag when swinging your
leg.
Most freestyle moves require straight up and down sets while your body moves around the footbag. The Pendulum is one of the few moves where you pull the footbag around your body.
Although it appears to defy gravity, the Pendulum is not nearly as hard as it looks, which makes it a
great crowd pleaser. From a Toe Stall, bring your foot out in front of you at about a 45 degree angle then
bring it back smoothly through an arc with your leg straight. Pull the footbag past your support leg in a
smooth arc behind you. When your leg is about 30 degrees behind your support leg, bend your knee to
continue bringing the footbag through an arc. When your knee is bent almost as far as it will go, point your
toe to release the footbag bringing it over your shoulder back in front of you.
The most important thing in a Pendulum is maintaining a smooth acceleration through the arc. Any
hesitation or jerky motion will make you lose the footbag.
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Records Copyright © 1996 World Footbag Association.
On-Line Edition by Steven L. Goldberg, January, 1996.
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