Saturday, 5 Oct 2024

Soccer Skills: The Rainbow Kick

Outrageous skills, tricks, and flicks are what make soccer the world’s most popular sport. While team moves and passing play can be exciting, individual brilliance from a special player can also captivate a crowd. One such move that never fails to impress fans and teammates (if not opponents) is the rainbow kick.

The rainbow kick is a super cheeky trick that has gained a negative reputation amongst some in the game. However, it has also been at the center of some fascinating moments in professional soccer over the years. In this article, we will explore the history, technique, and controversy surrounding this flashy skill. So if you want to learn everything you need to know about the rainbow kick and even try it yourself, keep reading.

What is a Rainbow Kick?

The rainbow flick is not something you see every day, but when you do, it is pretty special. It is a skill that has gained notoriety for its ability to humiliate defenders and make the player executing it look like an absolute maestro. Although often performed in street football or futsal rather than professional matches, it is an incredibly difficult trick to pull off.

So, what does it look like in action? Essentially, the rainbow flick involves using one foot to roll up the ball on the other leg (usually up the calf) and then using the other leg to lob or flick the ball over the opponent’s head. All these steps need to take place in one swift motion for the attacking player to execute it effectively.

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The name “rainbow kick” comes from the fact that when the ball is lobbed in an arc over the opponent, it follows the rough trajectory of a rainbow. It may sound complex, but when done successfully, the rainbow soccer skill is fast, slick, and over in the blink of an eye. Competent players can execute it so quickly that defenders are left rooted to the spot, wondering what just happened.

Who Invented the Rainbow Kick?

The rainbow flick is all about individual creativity and flair, so it’s no surprise that over the years, it has been associated with various players who have added to its fame. One of the players credited with inventing the famous rainbow kick is Santos winger Alexandre de Carvalho, nicknamed ‘Kaneco.’ He first performed the skill in a 1968 match against Botafogo SP, sparking decades of copycat performances.

Famous Players Who Love the Rainbow Flick Skill

While Alexandre de Carvalho may have introduced the world to the rainbow flick, it was former Nigerian international Jay-Jay Okocha who popularized the trick in England during the mid-2000s. As a skillster for Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League, Okocha encapsulated the showmanship of the move.

Brazilian international Neymar is another famous advocate of the rainbow kick. Known for his repeat performances of the skill, Neymar has regularly used it during his time at Santos, Barcelona, and PSG. However, his use of the trick has also caused controversy, with some considering it disrespectful showboating.

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Is the Rainbow Kick Illegal?

The rainbow flick may be seen as showboating or unsportsmanlike by some but it is not illegal. While it has led to bookings in certain contexts, there is nothing strictly in the laws of the game that disallows it. Different cultural understandings of the skill have influenced the reactions to it, with some coaches and players expressing disapproval, while others consider it part of the game.

How to Do a Rainbow Kick

Now, let’s get down to the details of how to perform this trick yourself. Below is a step-by-step guide to executing a rainbow kick:

  1. A standing rainbow flick:

    • Use your dominant foot to roll the ball up your opposite leg.
    • Follow through with your foot as the ball reaches knee level.
    • Land on your dominant foot as you kick the ball with your heel and lean forward.
  2. A dribbling rainbow flick:

    • Dribble the ball fairly quickly towards a defender.
    • Place your dominant foot’s heel in front of the ball while leaning forward slightly.
    • Bring your other foot behind the ball, positioning it between your feet.
    • Use your dominant foot to sweep the ball up the opposite leg.
    • Lean forward and kick the ball up using your heel as you land on your dominant foot.

Remember, the rainbow kick is an advanced skill that requires practice and dedication to master. If you want to see a visual representation of how to perform it, check out tutorial videos available online.

If you’re interested in learning more about the skills and abilities of elite soccer players, take a look at our guide to the fastest soccer players in the world in 2022.

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FAQs

Q: Who made the rainbow kick famous?
A: The first player to perform the rainbow kick was Santos winger Alexandre de Carvalho (‘Kaneco’) in 1968. However, players like Jay-Jay Okocha and Neymar have also made the move famous.

Q: What is Total Football?
A: Total Football is a tactical strategy associated with the Dutch philosophy of fluid, expressive, and attacking play. It has had a significant impact on the game over the years. Check out our article on Total Football for more information.

In summary, the rainbow kick is a flashy and skillful move that has captivated soccer fans around the world. While it may have its controversies, there’s no denying the excitement and artistry it brings to the game. So, if you’re up for the challenge, why not give it a try and add some flair to your own game?

For more information and to keep up with the latest in soccer skills and techniques, visit our website Movin993.