So, it's around 4 in the morning over here, and I have nothing else to do. Thought I'd start up my own footblog, just because I'm trying to take this as seriously as possible. Tracking my progress seems like a logical thing to do.
I just got into freestyle footbag 2 days ago, so I'm a newbie to the whole thing. I hope to be kicking a consistant 10 (alternating feet) by the end of the week; Perhaps even inside/toe/clipper stalls, but I want to take things slowly.
Anyways, onto my story!:
I once saw a Hackrifice (Winnipeg community) member shredding at the Forks, and at the time I thought it looked rather silly.. But just recently, a few of my tricking buddies have taken to playing random footbag games during our breaks. I never joined in, because I remembered how bad I used to be in elementary school (when it was popular here).
One night -- much like tonight, when I had nothing to do, I searched "hackrifice" on google, and it lead me to these message boards. I immediately began downloading videos, and was amazed to see all the things you could do with a footbag. I'm from the crowd who thought it was just for consecutive up/down kicks. Needless to say, I was taken in.
I headed over to Wal-Mart the next night to pick up my first footbags, not having seen the countless "Mr. Sandbag" recommendations in the Bags and Equipment section. I stumbled across a package deal that came with 2 identical footbags, and a DVD. I also spotted a set of three footbags filled with varying amounts of filler. My younger brother and I split the costs of the whole thing and eagerly went home to begin training.
We watched the DVD to learn some of the beginner moves, but couldn't get any of the stalls. After cursing at Lynton Stephens for being so good, we kind of gave up and went to bed. The next day though, we saw the pile of footbags in the middle of our floor, and knew we couldn't give up that easily. We laced our shoes (footbag method, of course), and went outside for round two.
After an hour or so we started hitting higher numbers (right foot only), and I even pulled off a few ATWs and flying clippers. Started stalling inside and toe about 50% of the time, and started understanding how to hit the bag with different parts of your foot so that the up/down path remained the same. Mosquitoes were getting really bad so we continued to practice indoors.
During a little water break I talked to my new footbag friend Andrew Grant on MSN who reminded me I should be training with both sides (right and left). Took me a while to start hitting properly with my left, and I still don't really have it all that well. In fact, I mis-hit it more often than not, but I'm sure that will get better over time.
That's when I began trying alternating while kicking, because it was easier to rescue the bag with my right foot after f*cking it up with my left. Highest I got was 8 hits, but that was only once, I usually hit only 3 or 4. I got fed up with myself pretty quickly, so I washed my bag to relax, even though it didn't really need it.
Tomorrow I'm going to be working on probably just alternating while kicking, going for consistantly high numbers. If I start getting 6+ every time, I'll start working harder on stalls and such. Might modify my shoes a little if I can figure out how.
Well, that's all for today, happy hacking!
PS - Tried to stitch a 4-panel, and failed horribly. Well, not horribly, it just ended up being the size of my thumb. May also try stitching another tomorrow if I can find the time.
Tavis, new to footbag..
Re: Tavis, new to footbag..
Hey Tavis. Welcome to footbag and Modified.
Way to go on starting a blog. I love having one and being able to look back to see where I was in my game __ months ago.
Happy kicking.
Way to go on starting a blog. I love having one and being able to look back to see where I was in my game __ months ago.
Try http://www.footbagsewing.com/ to see if it helps. There's a 4 panel demonstrative sitching video. There are a bunch of good stitching resources in the Bags and Equipment forum on Modified too. If you don't find the answers you need you can ask for help there are almost always some nice people who are willing to help to figure out what the problem is.twizzyPK wrote:PS - Tried to stitch a 4-panel, and failed horribly. Well, not horribly, it just ended up being the size of my thumb. May also try stitching another tomorrow if I can find the time.
Happy kicking.
"I contend we are both atheists, I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."
Emily Kulczyk
Emily Kulczyk
-
hacksterbator
- Washed-Up Child Star
- Posts: 4141
- Joined: 12 Jul 2003 18:33
- Location: Winterpeg, Manisnowba
- Contact:
Once again, updating this thing while staying up all hours of the night..
Didn't get much practice in today, unfortunately. The muscles in my groin area are really sore from earlier attempts at ATW, so sore that I had trouble getting in the shower this morning. Needless to say I wasn't kicking at 100%. I think I'm just going to have to make the sacrifice and rest it for a few days, which would probably drop me right back to square one.
In my current condition, I was only kicking (alternating still) between 2 and 3 consistantly. I couldn't even flying clipper straight, which I was doing pretty consistantly yesterday, and stalls were completely out of the question.
Had to rest a lot more than usual, so I took to browsing the modified forums more thoroughly. I had $100 sitting next to me while I was doing this, so I was compelled to shop. Against all advice given to me by Andrew, I decided to purchase my first 32-panel. I figured being the obsessive-compulsive/perfectionist that I am, I could handle taking care of it. After an hour or so of research, I decided to get a Peng bag. I already mailed the money, so I'm hoping to have that by the end of next week.
(pents: countrycream; hexes: flashred/midnight)
Went to the local shopping mall to look for shoes, and obviously couldn't find what I was looking for. Even got laughed out of a few stores when I asked for the "original" G-Unit shoe. Came back home and talked to Andrew a bit, and he said how he can still play well in various sizes of shoes, so I'm going to try out an old pair of size 9 Lavers he has lying around when I meet him Saturday. God, I hope they fit.
Probably going to rest most of tomorrow, so don't be surprised if there's no entry. Until next time, happy hacking!
Didn't get much practice in today, unfortunately. The muscles in my groin area are really sore from earlier attempts at ATW, so sore that I had trouble getting in the shower this morning. Needless to say I wasn't kicking at 100%. I think I'm just going to have to make the sacrifice and rest it for a few days, which would probably drop me right back to square one.
In my current condition, I was only kicking (alternating still) between 2 and 3 consistantly. I couldn't even flying clipper straight, which I was doing pretty consistantly yesterday, and stalls were completely out of the question.
Had to rest a lot more than usual, so I took to browsing the modified forums more thoroughly. I had $100 sitting next to me while I was doing this, so I was compelled to shop. Against all advice given to me by Andrew, I decided to purchase my first 32-panel. I figured being the obsessive-compulsive/perfectionist that I am, I could handle taking care of it. After an hour or so of research, I decided to get a Peng bag. I already mailed the money, so I'm hoping to have that by the end of next week.
(pents: countrycream; hexes: flashred/midnight)
Went to the local shopping mall to look for shoes, and obviously couldn't find what I was looking for. Even got laughed out of a few stores when I asked for the "original" G-Unit shoe. Came back home and talked to Andrew a bit, and he said how he can still play well in various sizes of shoes, so I'm going to try out an old pair of size 9 Lavers he has lying around when I meet him Saturday. God, I hope they fit.
Probably going to rest most of tomorrow, so don't be surprised if there's no entry. Until next time, happy hacking!
-
hacksterbator
- Washed-Up Child Star
- Posts: 4141
- Joined: 12 Jul 2003 18:33
- Location: Winterpeg, Manisnowba
- Contact:
-
hacksterbator
- Washed-Up Child Star
- Posts: 4141
- Joined: 12 Jul 2003 18:33
- Location: Winterpeg, Manisnowba
- Contact:
Wasn't updating all weekend because I didn't have access to a computer, so.. I guess I'll just squeeze it all into one entry.
Friday
Once again, against Andrew's advice, I did some practicing. Just alternating kicks still, as I'm not very good. My brother and I like to play a game we call Numbers. Not sure if that's the actual name.
Tried to do some ATWs and mirages, but my leg is still too sore to move around suddenly/quickly. Although, I did hit a few, but not very well. Rather than land in another stall, I'd end up kicking it halfway across the room or something.
Also, can't kick and land in a stall, I have to throw it up and start in one. Worked on that for all of 5 minutes, my leg was killing me. Practice more on Saturday.
Saturday
Ran into Andrew, Derek and Jess freestyling at a street festival in Osbourne. Considering how much better they are than me, I wasn't exactly compelled to join the circle, but I did sit and watch for a good hour. Andrew taught me how to clipper stall properly, so I have to work some more on that, and that's about all.
Went home later that night and kept practicing alternating kicks. I think I consistantly hit 5-6 now, so that's clearly progress from the first day. Not as much as I'd like, but it's a start.
Friday
Once again, against Andrew's advice, I did some practicing. Just alternating kicks still, as I'm not very good. My brother and I like to play a game we call Numbers. Not sure if that's the actual name.
Tried to do some ATWs and mirages, but my leg is still too sore to move around suddenly/quickly. Although, I did hit a few, but not very well. Rather than land in another stall, I'd end up kicking it halfway across the room or something.
Also, can't kick and land in a stall, I have to throw it up and start in one. Worked on that for all of 5 minutes, my leg was killing me. Practice more on Saturday.
Saturday
Ran into Andrew, Derek and Jess freestyling at a street festival in Osbourne. Considering how much better they are than me, I wasn't exactly compelled to join the circle, but I did sit and watch for a good hour. Andrew taught me how to clipper stall properly, so I have to work some more on that, and that's about all.
Went home later that night and kept practicing alternating kicks. I think I consistantly hit 5-6 now, so that's clearly progress from the first day. Not as much as I'd like, but it's a start.
If I could do a single trick "perfectly", I'd hop in the circle. Even a mirage, but all I can do is kick it. lolhacksterbator wrote:. . . Maybe next time you can hop in the circle with us? really, we don't bite!!!
Last edited by twizzyPK on 02 Jul 2006 14:31, edited 1 time in total.
Hey Tavis!Welcome to the world of footbag freestyle reality
I've started footbag a bit more that 4 months ago.Back then i was learning kick's too.
I feel like giving you some advices.
At the beggining it is a good idea to push yourself and train everyday.To get rid of soreness you ought to stretch!Before and after sessions.Doesnt matter of you only kick.
Here are some stretches
http://hood.012webpages.com/Living%20Ro ... tness.html
Drill the hell out of toe>op toe.I know its hard at the start but you will improve with every session and then go for yey frist tricks.Do toe>op toe>ss toe>op toe>ss toe etc too.
Good luck!
I've started footbag a bit more that 4 months ago.Back then i was learning kick's too.
I feel like giving you some advices.
At the beggining it is a good idea to push yourself and train everyday.To get rid of soreness you ought to stretch!Before and after sessions.Doesnt matter of you only kick.
Here are some stretches
http://hood.012webpages.com/Living%20Ro ... tness.html
Drill the hell out of toe>op toe.I know its hard at the start but you will improve with every session and then go for yey frist tricks.Do toe>op toe>ss toe>op toe>ss toe etc too.
Good luck!
Nothing new to report in the ways of ability. Still kicking a fairly consistant 4-5. Can't quite get toe flicks, so I'll ask Andrew for help with my technique tomorrow.. For once he couldn't help me online. 
Lol, not really a big deal, I still need to work my way to 50 with regular kicks anyhow. Going to take me a while. I estimate about 2 months. No wait, let's make a goal out of this. Consistant 50 kicks by the time school starts.
It's not the end of the week yet, and I'm already kicking half my earlier goal. We'll see how that goes.
Pictures
(A "Mr. Sandbag" I picked up at the Forks. The girl working there said a guy in Winnipeg stitches them, I wonder if it's anyone from Hackrifice.)
[Edit: To clear up confusion, it's not an authentic Mr. Sandbag, it's just stiched/filled in the same fashion.]
(I tried to modify my shoes, but IMO failed pretty horribly. Tried to get the stripes off, but on this Climacool model the stripes are actually part of the mesh, so obviously had no luck. Fixed the inside with paintable latex elastomer caulking rather than silicone. It hasn't hardened completely yet, I just hope it will. Brocka cut went okay, but I f*cked up my shoelaces while shortening them. Haven't tested them yet so I guess I'll see how good they are tomorrow.)
Going to go jam with the people from Hackrifice again tomorrow, this time I might actually join the circle, but I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were them. Haha, happy.. kicking!
Lol, not really a big deal, I still need to work my way to 50 with regular kicks anyhow. Going to take me a while. I estimate about 2 months. No wait, let's make a goal out of this. Consistant 50 kicks by the time school starts.
It's not the end of the week yet, and I'm already kicking half my earlier goal. We'll see how that goes.
Pictures
(A "Mr. Sandbag" I picked up at the Forks. The girl working there said a guy in Winnipeg stitches them, I wonder if it's anyone from Hackrifice.)
[Edit: To clear up confusion, it's not an authentic Mr. Sandbag, it's just stiched/filled in the same fashion.]
(I tried to modify my shoes, but IMO failed pretty horribly. Tried to get the stripes off, but on this Climacool model the stripes are actually part of the mesh, so obviously had no luck. Fixed the inside with paintable latex elastomer caulking rather than silicone. It hasn't hardened completely yet, I just hope it will. Brocka cut went okay, but I f*cked up my shoelaces while shortening them. Haven't tested them yet so I guess I'll see how good they are tomorrow.)
Going to go jam with the people from Hackrifice again tomorrow, this time I might actually join the circle, but I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were them. Haha, happy.. kicking!
I realized I haven't been including personal records in any of my entries, so just going to throw them all here.
Right foot kicks ( x8 )
Left foot kicks ( x5 )
Alternating kicks ( x13 )
Alternating kicks coming out of a flying clipper ( x3 )
Consecutive right inside stalls ( x5 )
Tied all of those a couple times too, surprisingly. That's all for now, haha. I'm actually very proud of those, so noone shoot me down please and thank you.
Right foot kicks ( x8 )
Left foot kicks ( x5 )
Alternating kicks ( x13 )
Alternating kicks coming out of a flying clipper ( x3 )
Consecutive right inside stalls ( x5 )
Tied all of those a couple times too, surprisingly. That's all for now, haha. I'm actually very proud of those, so noone shoot me down please and thank you.
Gah, doing a little light practice before the jam at the Forks today, and realized that when I kick my 4 or 5, only the first one is really controlled. I need to learn how to kick it better with my left.
I'm more just tapping it to keep it in the air then switching feet and repeating. Maybe that's how everyone starts, but just incase it will develop a bad habit I'm going to start practicing only controlled kicks.
If it strays at all, I'll just stop and start again. Back to square one, yet again. Only hitting one or two controlled consistantly. As for toe flicking, I'll just leave that for now, because even if I hit it once, it's pure luck.
But my record for somewhat controlled inside kicks is 11, extremely controlled only 6.
I'm more just tapping it to keep it in the air then switching feet and repeating. Maybe that's how everyone starts, but just incase it will develop a bad habit I'm going to start practicing only controlled kicks.
If it strays at all, I'll just stop and start again. Back to square one, yet again. Only hitting one or two controlled consistantly. As for toe flicking, I'll just leave that for now, because even if I hit it once, it's pure luck.
But my record for somewhat controlled inside kicks is 11, extremely controlled only 6.
So the jam went by fine, didn't really do/learn anything new, but I got a lot of practice with my kicks. Actually kind of joined a circle this time. Zach and I were just playing Numbers near Ben who was practicing an ATW and Mirage string, and Andrew walked over and asked if we minded if he warmed up with us.
Even though I was clearly the worst person in the circle, it was still amazing for some reason. Hard to explain, but I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. Just getting to watch everyone else shred, and how friendly and encouraging everyone is. I think I hit 14 alternating kicks today too, controlled for the most part.
Hurt my groin again, same place, but this time doing toe stalls. I guess the injury must be getting worse. After that I didn't do much other than watch. I'm still not at the level where I can tell what people are doing, but Andrew and Derek's shred was getting a lot of applause from the circle so I assume it was some tough shit. It all looks tough to me.
Definetly going to make it to the next jam, it's more fun practicing with other people (obviously). Until then, happy hacking!
---
Afterwards, went over and talked to some travelling circus/acrobat people who were performing at the Forks pretty much the whole time that we were there. They ended up being pretty cool, so me and my friends hung out with them for quite a bit. They helped us with our tricking, and they might even come to gymnastics lessons tomorrow. I won't lie, I'm pretty excited. More on that tomorrow (if it happens).
Even though I was clearly the worst person in the circle, it was still amazing for some reason. Hard to explain, but I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. Just getting to watch everyone else shred, and how friendly and encouraging everyone is. I think I hit 14 alternating kicks today too, controlled for the most part.
Hurt my groin again, same place, but this time doing toe stalls. I guess the injury must be getting worse. After that I didn't do much other than watch. I'm still not at the level where I can tell what people are doing, but Andrew and Derek's shred was getting a lot of applause from the circle so I assume it was some tough shit. It all looks tough to me.
Definetly going to make it to the next jam, it's more fun practicing with other people (obviously). Until then, happy hacking!
---
Afterwards, went over and talked to some travelling circus/acrobat people who were performing at the Forks pretty much the whole time that we were there. They ended up being pretty cool, so me and my friends hung out with them for quite a bit. They helped us with our tricking, and they might even come to gymnastics lessons tomorrow. I won't lie, I'm pretty excited. More on that tomorrow (if it happens).
Well, yesterday ended up being amazing for everything but footbag. I didn't get in any practice at all, so I've probably regressed back to day one, again. I'm too afraid to check, I haven't played yet today either. Haha, but don't worry, I will. I still want to get good at this!
Buying my first pair of Lavers later tonight (I think), so that's pretty exciting. Andrew's didn't fit, but I still did a few inside kicks with them, and they came easier than they were with my shoes. Not sure yet if I'm going to modify them, only because I don't want to ruin them. If I could find someone who's done it at least once before, I'd be completely comfortable letting them modify for me (I'd even pay $) but I don't trust myself.
Any takers? Haha.. Preferably from Winnipeg so I can hunt them down if they jack my shoes.
---
Met up with the circus people again and actually got to watch their show this time. They did an amazing hand-to-hand acrobatics routine, so now obviously me and my friends want to get into that too. No surprise there, we're very impressionable for our age.
When they left to go eat and clean up and all that, we went and practiced our flips and tricks down on a grassy area, and actually ended up attracting a lot of attention. Noone threw us any money, but we were getting claps here and there.
That is, until a camera crew filming a documentary about starnose moles came and talked to us. First they asked me if I knew what a starnose mole is, and if I had any idea what it could be. Fortunately Tyler saved it, 'cause I had no clue, and he actually knew exactly what it was. Then, they asked if they could get us on film doing what we were doing before (flips and tricks). Of course we agreed! You might see us on animal planet in a few months! Not sure how they're going to work in the flips, but whatever.
Hung out with the circus people some more and ended up chilling with them all night instead of going to gymnastics. They showed us some hand-to-hand and gave us tips on other things. It was just an amazing night.
Buying my first pair of Lavers later tonight (I think), so that's pretty exciting. Andrew's didn't fit, but I still did a few inside kicks with them, and they came easier than they were with my shoes. Not sure yet if I'm going to modify them, only because I don't want to ruin them. If I could find someone who's done it at least once before, I'd be completely comfortable letting them modify for me (I'd even pay $) but I don't trust myself.
Any takers? Haha.. Preferably from Winnipeg so I can hunt them down if they jack my shoes.
---
Met up with the circus people again and actually got to watch their show this time. They did an amazing hand-to-hand acrobatics routine, so now obviously me and my friends want to get into that too. No surprise there, we're very impressionable for our age.
When they left to go eat and clean up and all that, we went and practiced our flips and tricks down on a grassy area, and actually ended up attracting a lot of attention. Noone threw us any money, but we were getting claps here and there.
That is, until a camera crew filming a documentary about starnose moles came and talked to us. First they asked me if I knew what a starnose mole is, and if I had any idea what it could be. Fortunately Tyler saved it, 'cause I had no clue, and he actually knew exactly what it was. Then, they asked if they could get us on film doing what we were doing before (flips and tricks). Of course we agreed! You might see us on animal planet in a few months! Not sure how they're going to work in the flips, but whatever.
Hung out with the circus people some more and ended up chilling with them all night instead of going to gymnastics. They showed us some hand-to-hand and gave us tips on other things. It was just an amazing night.
-
hacksterbator
- Washed-Up Child Star
- Posts: 4141
- Joined: 12 Jul 2003 18:33
- Location: Winterpeg, Manisnowba
- Contact:
Haven't been on the computer much this week, hence the lack of updates.. However, I haven't practiced at all either because of "previous engagements". Haha, in other words, I've been too sore from my gymnastics classes and PK jams to practice footbag at all. I did practice tonight though!
This update isn't going to be very long because I'm fairly dissapointed in myself..
Still can't hit controlled inside kicks worth shit. Consistant first 2-3 controlled, and then I hit 2 more way uncontrolled kicks. I practiced for 3 hours straight and showed no improvement. I'm not excelling at footbag the way I expected too, so of course it's frusterating. I'm not going to give up that easily though.
I did hit a new record of 15 alternating kicks, of course they weren't all controlled, but enough of them were that I got 15 kicks out of it, I guess. That was definitely rewarding, but I just wish it was more consistant.
I was wearing crappy shoes because my modified ones "broke", but I don't like to use excuses. I've seen people play in flip-flops, so I'm sure my shoes aren't that big of a deal. Once my Peng bag and my Rod Lavers arive in the mail, I'll start practicing really hard again. Until next time, happy being better than me. /emo
-sigh-
This update isn't going to be very long because I'm fairly dissapointed in myself..
Still can't hit controlled inside kicks worth shit. Consistant first 2-3 controlled, and then I hit 2 more way uncontrolled kicks. I practiced for 3 hours straight and showed no improvement. I'm not excelling at footbag the way I expected too, so of course it's frusterating. I'm not going to give up that easily though.
I did hit a new record of 15 alternating kicks, of course they weren't all controlled, but enough of them were that I got 15 kicks out of it, I guess. That was definitely rewarding, but I just wish it was more consistant.
I was wearing crappy shoes because my modified ones "broke", but I don't like to use excuses. I've seen people play in flip-flops, so I'm sure my shoes aren't that big of a deal. Once my Peng bag and my Rod Lavers arive in the mail, I'll start practicing really hard again. Until next time, happy being better than me. /emo
-sigh-
I shredded tonight. I don't care if "shred" is a term reserved for 30 minutes of 7-add tricks played dropless; I fuckin' shredded tonight.
Barefoot, alternating inside kicks, I hit 10, I did it twice.
[Edit: I don't even know how long it took me.. By the end I couldn't swallow, I couldn't breathe properly, I couldn't walk.. It took a lot out of me, but I did it. ]
Barefoot, alternating inside kicks, I hit 10, I did it twice.
[Edit: I don't even know how long it took me.. By the end I couldn't swallow, I couldn't breathe properly, I couldn't walk.. It took a lot out of me, but I did it.
]