Enlarge Image Image Gallery [1] Arrange the two pieces as shown, right sides together. [2] Begin stitching with dental floss or carpet thread. [3] Sew until you're about 1-1/2 inches from your starting point. [4] Then turn the pouch right side out . . . [5] fill it with mung beans or popcorn . . . [6] close up the seam . . . [7] and you have a footbag! [8] A successful inside kick keeps the little sack in play.

You can rejuvenate worn-out muscles and a tired sense of humor — or, perhaps, just take a break from overly competitive sports — if you get involved in this "play it anywhere" game.

MAKE YOUR OWN FOOTBAG

Footbags, little leather pouches filled with seeds, can be seen zipping through the air (from foot to foot) almost anywhere today . . . in living rooms, town squares, or checkout lines at the supermarket!

These go-anyplace squashable objets de sport are about the size of racquetballs and are controlled with the foot, as is a soccer ball. The toy was developed in Portland, Oregon, where — in 1972 — an athlete named John Stalberger created a kickable plaything to use while rehabilitating an injured knee . . . and the sturdy little toe-teaser has since swept across the North American sports scene.

The growing popularity of the "footgame" is due, in part, to its amazing versatility. The bag is small enough to be carried in almost any pocket, and can provide entertainment for one or more persons . . . either in competitive play or "just for kicks" action. Of course, as with most sports, you can get as serious about this game as your skill and enthusiasm allow. There's even a national association, which boasts a membership of well over 1,000 and sponsors tournaments all across the United States. On the other hand, anyone who can participate in this pastime without breaking into an occasional spontaneous grin is likely missing the point . . . because, above all, it's fun!

FOOTNOTES: GETTING INTO THE GAME

The object of most footbag play is simply to keep the little sack in the air, using only legs and feet. The hands and upper body must not touch the ball, even for blocking, and the result is an activity that really develops eye foot coordination!

Basically, the game requires five kicks. In order of importance and use, they are the inside and outside kicks . . . the back kick . . . and the knee and toe kicks. In each of these maneuvers, you'll soon discover that balance is the most important factor.

The inside kick is used whenever the bag is dropping directly in front of you. To perform it, rotate your ankle and point your toes . . . then reach out and up with your foot so you can meet the pouch with the arch area. (An experienced player should be able to do all the basic kicks with either foot.)

The outside kick (which is put to use when the sack comes to your right or left) involves turning your hips and shoulders parallel to the line of flight and sweeping your leg out from your hip and up to meet the little bag with the outside of your foot at about knee height.

The back kick is pretty difficult to execute, but with practice it can be mastered. This tactic is called for when the pouch goes over your head. Lean forward (for balance) and contact the sack behind you with the outside of your foot.