Invented by two college friends in 1972, Hacky Sack came into its own in the 1980's. The game evolved into an official sport called footbag where players attempted to kick the ball back and forth over a five-foot high net. A variation of the original concept of Hacky Sack (which many called Freestyle Footbag) remains popular as performers kick the ball in the air doing different tricks and maneuvers.