Tricks of the Trade

Kenny Shults holds over 40 World titles in footbag and is considered by many as the game's 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 catalog). This issue of Footbag World highlights some of the 41 tricks featured in Kenny's video.

The concept of circling the footbag with the foot originated in 1981 with the Around-the-World, and accelerated the development of dozens of other moves.
The original Around-the-World uses an inside set to and Around-the-World toe kick. Set an inside kick a little below waist high. This foot then becomes your support.
Lift your other leg and turn your knee in slightly. Your kicking leg should pass in front of your support leg. Bring your leg over the top as it reaches its peak. Drop your foot and snap under the footbag with your toe just before it hits the ground.

The first step in the Around-the-World stall is, obviously, to stall the footbag on your toe. Lean forward so you can clearly see the footbag on your shoe. Look to either the inside or the outside of your knee to get a clear view. Set the footbag about knee high. Notice the forward rotation of the footbag. Circle the footbag with your foot. The footbag should pass behind your lower leg just below the calf. Remember to keep your weight forward.
The Double-Around-the-World seems much faster than it really is. The key is timing, not speed. Start with a toe stall. Set the footbag to about mid thigh level by lifting steadily with your set foot and almost hopping off your support leg. Stay over the footbag. This is absolutely critical in this move. Lift your knee high and use your lower leg to circle the footbag. Drop your toe toward the ground. This will make your leg faster and help you avoid hitting the footbag as you circle it. Remember, practice is the key to mastering any move.

On-Line Edition by Steven L. Goldberg, January, 1997.

	The original Around-the-World uses an inside set to and Around-the-World toe kick. Set an inside kick a little below waist high. This foot then becomes your support.
	Lift your other leg and turn your knee in slightly. Your kicking leg should pass in front of your support leg. Bring your leg over the top as it reaches its peak. Drop your foot and snap under the footbag with your toe just before it hits the ground.