The Tiger’s Tale: How Our Balls Came to Life

Lift, study, work, watch TV, repeat.

My college roommates and I needed to spice up our routine. Our minds and bodies were tired of the same movements every day.

In the heart of a frigid Central NY winter, we found a footbag (also known as a hacky sack) hiding under a dresser in our dorm. We said heck, we gotta try it. We kicked it, we failed, we laughed, we kept playing. Within a few days, we were getting 5-kick rallies. Within a week, campus security pounded on our door responding to a call that 100 buffaloes stampeded on our floor. At that moment, we knew we were onto something.

We turned it up a notch, moved to the basement of our building, blasted music, and kicked the ball of joy in circles of laughter. More people showed up to our nightly party. When the sun showed up in spring, the game spread like wildfire. A number of athletic teams, including our lacrosse team, kicked footbags religiously before and after practices and games, reporting improved footwork, chemistry, and recovery.

Our campus quads became littered with circles of smiling students. The creativity, sociability, and rapid improvement of playing were evidently addictive and bringing together different groups on campus.

I brought a footbag to my job over the summer. Same thing. EVERYONE got hooked. The same response from first-timers, ‘athlete’ or not (we're all athletes): “I thought it would be so difficult. I tried anyway and got lost in the funny failures and triumphant connections on kicks. I was shocked by how quickly I improved.”

YOU are meant to play. Our pocket-sized balls are the best way to integrate or elevate play in your life. It's simple. You can kick a Tiger Ball solo or with friends. Play for 5 minutes and you will smile— the game's superpower. It's creative. There's no right way to play; everyone has a unique style. Your coordination and flow will grow each time you pull out a Tiger Ball. It's accessible. Stuff one in your pocket and the possibilities are limitless.

Thanks to a small ball, my roommates and I found spontaneity in our lives, even when the temperature was -10° F. Our minds, bodies, and spirits rejoice every time we play.

My younger brother Augie caught wind of the footbag frenzy and began playing with his friends. He noticed that the footbags on the market were low quality, not durable, and plastic-filled.

So, we bring you Tiger Balls. Amara suede exterior, natural sand fill. Compostable packaging, affordable price, and free shipping. A small company dedicated to spreading joy and spontaneity through footbags. Grab yours today and see how you feel while playing!

Peace and Love,

Augie & Charlie Ratner