How To Do the Rainbow in Soccer (with Video)

Are you looking to add some flair to your boring soccer game? The rainbow in soccer is a trick that can help you beat defenders and leave them in the dust.

This move involves flicking the ball with one foot over your head and then quickly catching it with the other foot. I want to say with lots of practice, you can do it in a game but I’d be lying.

Successfully performing a rainbow during a game is very difficult. Players like Neymar have pulled it off but many coaches don’t promote players doing the move.

In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to do a rainbow in soccer and some of the best to pull it off in a match. So, let’s show off in front of your friends and get after it.

Learning the Rainbow

Add some flash to your game by practicing the rainbow. Not for a beginner, this soccer move will help you earn more oohs and aahs from teammates, friends, family, and strangers. But, be cautious using it in a game. It’s a difficult move to pull off when you’re on the move or have defenders in front of you.

Here’s how to learn the rainbow.

Practicing the Movement

To start, you need to get comfortable with the movement. The rainbow involves flicking the ball up and over your head with your heel. Here’s how to practice:

1. Start by standing still with the soccer ball at your feet.
2. Use the back-inside part of your cleat to secure the ball.
3. Lift your non-dominant foot and place it behind the ball.
4. Use your dominant foot to roll the ball back towards your non-dominant foot.
5. As the ball rolls back, quickly flick it up and over your head with your dominant heel.
6. Trap the ball with your non-dominant foot.

Repeat this movement until you can do it smoothly and without thinking. It will probably take some time to get the hang of it but don’t get discouraged.

With consistent practice, you’ll be able to do the rainbow in no time.

Perfecting the Execution

Here are some tips to help you do the rainbow successfully:

• Use the inside of your dominant foot to roll the ball back. This will give you more control and make the flick easier.
• Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. This will help you time the flick correctly.
• Flick the ball up and over your head with enough force to get it over the defender’s head.
• Use your non-dominant foot to catch the ball after the flick. This will help you maintain control in constant motion.

The rainbow is a showy move, but it’s usually not always the most practical. Use it sparingly and only when you’re confident you can pull it off successfully.

Using the Rainbow in a Game

Identifying the Right Moment

To successfully use the rainbow in a game, you need to wait for the right moment. If you try to use it at the wrong time, you could lose possession of the ball or even give the ball away to the other team.

In the above situation, your coach will NOT be very happy. So keep this in mind when performing a rainbow during a game.

Look for situations where you have space and time to execute the move. For example, if you are running down the sideline and a defender is closing in on you, you can use the rainbow to get around them and continue your run.

Executing the Move in a Game Situation

To execute the rainbow in a game situation, follow these steps:

1. Dribble the ball towards the defender.
2. As you approach the defender, step on the ball with your weaker foot.
3. Quickly flick the ball up and over the defender’s head with your stronger foot.
4. As the ball is in the air, quickly move past the defender and regain possession of the ball.

Start by practicing the move slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with it.

It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings when attempting the move in a game. Make sure there are no other defenders nearby who could intercept the ball.

Advanced Techniques

Combining the Rainbow with Other Moves

To really impress your opponents, you can combine the rainbow with other moves.

For example, you can start with a step-over, then quickly switch to the rainbow to get past your defender.

Another option is to perform a scissors move, then use the rainbow to get past the defender on the other side.

The key is to practice these combinations until you can execute them smoothly and quickly. Here are six different dribbling moves you can use before the rainbow.

Using the Rainbow as a Setup for a Shot or Pass

Once you’ve successfully pulled off the rainbow and gotten past the defender, you can quickly shoot or pass the ball to a teammate.

This can catch the opposing team off-guard, giving you an advantage. Remember to keep your head up and be aware of your teammates’ positions on the field.

Tips for the Rainbow Flick

• Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice the rainbow and its variations, the better you’ll become at executing them in a game.
• Be patient. Advanced techniques take time to master, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away.
• Use your body to fake out the defender. Move your hips and shoulders to make the defender think you’re going one way, then quickly switch to the rainbow to go the other way.
• Keep your eyes on the ball. It’s easy to get caught up in the fancy footwork, but don’t forget to keep your eyes on the ball at all times.
• Don’t force it. If the rainbow isn’t working for you in a particular game, try a different move or keep it simple instead.

Is the Rainbow Illegal?

No, the rainbow in soccer is not illegal but it is frowned upon in certain situations. For example, if a team is up 6-0 and the winning player tries a rainbow, this could be a good sign that they are showboating. This can ruffle some feathers.

Final Thoughts

While the rainbow is a flashy move in soccer, it should be used sparingly. I mean very sparingly.

It’s a good idea to practice it. It does give you more soccer cred among your teammates and friends but there are many other dribbling moves that are easier to execute.

I hope this helps! Good luck and send us your video on social.