How to Do a Rabona

A rabona is a way of kicking the ball where you wrap one leg around the other to strike the ball with the inside of your opposite foot.

It’s a challenging soccer skill, but when executed correctly, it can impress your friends, teammates, and opponents.

Will you use a rabona in a soccer match? Probably not. But, it adds some creativity to your soccer game.

In this article, we’ll break down the steps to help you learn how to do a rabona like a pro.

What is a Rabona?

The rabona is a skill move that has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s a great way to show off your skills on the field.

What is a rabona in soccer? A rabona is a technique used to kick the ball where the player wraps one leg around the back of the other leg, which is planted on the ground, to strike the ball.

The rabona is a versatile move that can be used in many different situations, such as crossing the ball, shooting, or passing to a teammate.

It’s definitely a move that requires a lot of skill and practice to master, but once you get the hang of it, it can be a great way to surprise your opponents and create scoring opportunities.

Where did it come from? The origin of the rabona move is not entirely clear, but it’s believed to have been invented by an Argentine player named Ricardo Infante in the 1940s. Since then, the move has been used by many famous players, such as Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi.

How to Do a Rabona

Step 1: Positioning

To start, position yourself in front of the ball with your non-kicking foot slightly behind the ball and your kicking foot slightly to the side of the ball. Your body should be facing the direction you want the ball to go.

Step 2: Planting Your Non-Kicking Foot

Next, plant your non-kicking foot firmly on the ground. This foot will act as a pivot point for your body as you swing your kicking foot around to strike the ball.

Step 3: Swinging Your Kicking Foot

Now, swing your kicking foot around the back of your non-kicking foot, making sure to keep your foot close to the ground. As your foot swings around, make contact with the ball with the inside of your kicking foot.

Step 4: Follow Through

Finally, follow through with your kicking foot, ensuring that your foot continues on its path towards the target. Keep your eyes on the ball throughout the entire motion and make sure to strike the ball with the correct amount of force.

The four steps above should be performed all in one smooth motion. As you practice, start by mastering your technique. As you nail down the fundamentals, work on increasing your power.

When to Use a Rabona

As we mentioned above, a robana is seldom used in a game situation, especially at the youth level. However, there may be some cases where a rabona can be useful.

Advantages of Using a Rabona

Using a rabona can be advantageous in certain situations. Here are a few reasons why you might want to use this technique:

• Surprise your opponents: The rabona is an unexpected move that can catch your opponents off guard. It can create confusion and give you an opportunity to make a play.
• Change the angle of the ball: By using a rabona, you can change the angle of the ball in midair. This can be useful when you need to get the ball around an opponent or over a defender’s head.
• Create a scoring opportunity: A well-executed rabona can lead to a scoring opportunity. It can be used to shoot the ball on goal, or to set up a teammate for a shot.

Disadvantages of Using a Rabona

While the rabona can be a flashy move, it’s seldom the best option. Here are a few reasons why you might want to avoid using this technique:

• Difficult to execute: The rabona is a difficult move to execute, especially if you’re not used to it. It requires a lot of practice and skill to pull off successfully.
• Risk of injury: Because the rabona involves wrapping one foot around the other, there is a risk of injury if you don’t execute it properly. You could twist your ankle or injure your knee if you’re not careful.
• Not always practical: While the rabona can be a fun move to try, it’s not always the most practical option. There may be simpler, more effective ways to get the ball from Point A to Point B.

Common Mistakes When Doing a Rabona

When attempting a rabona, there are a few common mistakes that players often make. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

1. Poor Timing

If you don’t time your kick properly, you may end up kicking the ball with the wrong foot or completely missing the ball.

To avoid this mistake, make sure you practice your timing and get a feel for the right moment to execute the move.

2. Wrong Foot Placement

Another common mistake when doing a rabona is placing your non-kicking foot in the wrong position.

This can lead to a lack of power or accuracy in your kick. Or, one foot kicking the back of the heel on your other foot.

Make sure your non-kicking foot is positioned correctly behind the ball, and that your toes are pointing in the direction you want the ball to go.

3. Lack of Confidence

A lack of confidence can also be a major hurdle when attempting a rabona.

It’s a difficult move to pull off, and if you’re not confident in your abilities, you may hesitate or second-guess yourself.

To overcome this, practice the move regularly and focus on building up your confidence and self-belief.

4. Overcompensating

When attempting a rabona, it’s important to remember that less is often more.

Overcompensating by trying to kick the ball too hard or too far can lead to a loss of control and accuracy.

Instead, focus on making a clean, precise contact with the ball and letting your natural power take over.

5. Poor Body Positioning

If your body is not properly aligned with the ball, you may struggle to generate enough power or accuracy in your kick.

Make sure you’re facing the ball with your shoulders squared and your hips pointing in the direction you want the ball to go.

Conclusion

Congratulations 🥳️ You have learned how to do a rabona. It will take some practice to perfect the technique, but with if you put in some hours, you’ll be able to get the hang of it.

Remember, the rabona is rarely the best option in a game situation. It’s a snazzy move that can impress the crowd if done effectively, but it’s not always the most practical choice. Use it sparingly and only when it’s necessary.

I hope this tutorial has helped you! Now, go out and practice!