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

Lift, 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 (AKA a hacky sack) hiding in our dorm. We said heck, we gotta try. 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 from our downstairs neighbors that 100 buffaloes stampeded above. At that moment, we knew we were onto something.

A number of athletic teams, including our lacrosse team, kicked footbags religiously before and after practice, reporting improved footwork, chemistry, and recovery.

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. 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 friends and I found spontaneity in our lives. 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. A small company dedicated to spreading joy and spontaneity through footbags. Grab a Tiger Ball today and see how you feel while playing!

Peace and Love,

Augie & Charlie Ratner

We turned it up a notch, moved to the basement of our building, blasted music, and kicked the ball of joy. More people joined our nightly party. When the sun showed up in spring, the game spread like wildfire. Our campus quads grew circles of smiling students. The creativity and sociability of playing were evidently addictive and bringing together different groups.