Rabona Guide
The Rabona, or crossed, kick is one of the flashiest soccer tricks you'll see performed in games. The elastico, step-over and Maradona might be more popular, but the Rabona is hard to beat for its brilliant style and surprising usefulness.
1. Take a few steps back from the soccer ball and pick out a target.
2.Approach the ball from the same side as the leg with which you'll be kicking. For example, a right-footer will want to approach the ball from the right side.
3. Place your left leg about a foot or so to the right of the ball.
4. Pull your right leg back and prepare to make contact with the ball.
5.Focus on a spot on the ball you want to hit, and swing your right leg forward from behind your left leg. This is where your legs should cross, hence the Rabona's nickname, the "crossed" kick.
6.Try to kick the ball with one of the more solid bones in your foot. If you're flexible or have thinner legs you should be able to kick the ball with the instep (top) of your foot pretty easily.
7. Make sure you uncross your legs quickly to avoid losing your balance and falling over.
Tips & Warnings
* If kicking with your instep doesn't work that well for you, try chipping the ball. Instead of making contact with your shoelaces, scoop under the ball with the front or outside of your foot.
* Practice the kick a lot on your own before trying it in a game.
* Practice placing your non-kicking foot slowly next to the ball before trying the kick at full speed. Knowing where your support leg goes makes kicking the ball much easier.
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