The Rainbow is an offensive tool that, while being very impressive, can also put the defender on your back while you keep running.
Step 1
Dribble the ball fairly quickly towards a defender, then place your dominate foot's heel in front of the ball. Leaning forward a bit. This is important because if you don't lean, the ball will go backwards. This is something that troubles most beginners.
Step 2
Place the heel of whatever foot you are comfortable with in front of the ball. Then bring the other foot (non dominate) behind the ball while it's rolling towards your other heel.
Step 3
With your non dominate foot pointing slightly out, sweep the ball up your dominate heel (so basically your rolling the ball up with your big toe). (Remember that the ball is moving so don't let it bounce off your heel.)
Step 4
The ball should remain suspended in the air for a split second, and in that time you should be able to hit the ball with your front foot's heel again (lean forward). The ball should go up and over the defender, and they will likely be confused about where it went.
Tips
- The last step will take a long time to get right, the entire step should be one motion, and with practice, you will naturally do the step with ease.
- If, after a while, the ball just ends up being kicked in the air by the heel and lands behind you, try running at the ball to gain more momentum, but remember to keep the move as one motion. If you can easily get the ball to go over your head, a cool trick is to incorporate that with juggling, or if you run at the ball diagonally, you can sometimes get the ball to go over your shoulder or in a specific direction.
- This is done while running, so don't stray too far from your natural step. It will just happen. Don't worry too much about where the ball will go.
Warnings
- As soon as you heel the ball, make sure to keep running so you keep on your feet; sometimes you can stumble and land on your face which isn't all that impressive.
- Don't do this move too many times in one game, because the other players will start to catch on to what you're doing and be able to stop it. You will also look foolish, as rainbows are just a way of showing off - they are hardly ever used in games.
- Do not try to do the trick standing still; it is much easier if you run at the ball and try to get it over your head. But if you get good you can stand still and still do it.
- Some better defenders will know what you are doing as soon as they see your feet. Make the move quick enough so that they don't beat you to the ball.
Things You'll Need
- Soccer Ball
- Some Open Space
- Running Shoes or Soccer cleats.
