I think in some ways DGH94 brings up a good point. The biggest barrier to people playing footbag is how hard it is to begin. When I started I thought many of the tricks that I read about (like blurriest) were actually impossible and made up. 3 was as most as I could kick it for my first few days too (I remember getting really stoked when I got to 9). I also had nobody to play with in. In fact I literally had to get in a plane or boat (or maybe zeppelin) to reach my closest player.
I think when people are exposed to footbag their response can be generalised in two ways. A very small percentage of people say; "wow that's awesome, I want to learn how to do that." The majority of people look at it and say; "that's too hard, I could never do that."
The first group get good at footbag, the second group never give themselves the opportunity.
Having been through that experience with footbag, I apply the same philosophy to everything in my life. If something interests me, I go for it, without worrying about whether I'll fail or not. I view this as the most important lesson I've learnt from footbag.
myachi is lame
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DimitriFrazao
- Hack Fiend
- Posts: 52
- Joined: 02 Jul 2010 16:57
Well said Jeremy!
Because of its acrobatic nature, footbag is visually intimidating to a newcomer. Most people will walk away from the sport saying that one must have natural talent or leg coordination for such a thing.
Sometimes I manage to get some of my friends to kick around, but when I try to convince them to really learn, they all have no interest or confidence. Most people give up without even trying and that's really frustrating.
I say that anyone can learn how to play footbag. Few will become Vaseks and Clavens, but anyone can learn it and do it well.
Having players around really helps, but it doesn't mean that you can't learn by yourself. Having an experiment player guiding you would be easier, but you can also learn by yourself if you have discipline.
I'm a beginner as well and I say that what makes ME keep on going is that feeling of achievement when you hit a new trick. Holy fuck... there's nothing better than walk back home, tired, all sweaty, with split shins, but knowing that you just leveled up
Also I like to think in the future. I know I suck now, so I just put in my mind that I'll be playing reasonably in a year from now (at least I hope so).
If you want to play Myachi that's great! Do what makes you happy and don't worry about what people say. Just don't say that you play Myachi because footbag is only for a gifted minority.
excuse my bad engrish...
Because of its acrobatic nature, footbag is visually intimidating to a newcomer. Most people will walk away from the sport saying that one must have natural talent or leg coordination for such a thing.
Sometimes I manage to get some of my friends to kick around, but when I try to convince them to really learn, they all have no interest or confidence. Most people give up without even trying and that's really frustrating.
I say that anyone can learn how to play footbag. Few will become Vaseks and Clavens, but anyone can learn it and do it well.
Having players around really helps, but it doesn't mean that you can't learn by yourself. Having an experiment player guiding you would be easier, but you can also learn by yourself if you have discipline.
I'm a beginner as well and I say that what makes ME keep on going is that feeling of achievement when you hit a new trick. Holy fuck... there's nothing better than walk back home, tired, all sweaty, with split shins, but knowing that you just leveled up
Also I like to think in the future. I know I suck now, so I just put in my mind that I'll be playing reasonably in a year from now (at least I hope so).
If you want to play Myachi that's great! Do what makes you happy and don't worry about what people say. Just don't say that you play Myachi because footbag is only for a gifted minority.
excuse my bad engrish...