How to Do the Flip Flap Soccer Trick

The flip flap soccer trick, also called the elastic bend or elastico, is a quick fake to throw off your opponent. It works well, is versatile, and keeps the other player from knowing where you're going until it's too late. It takes time to master, so be patient with yourself. Remember that the pros have been playing soccer for decades in some cases, often with months spent in practice before game season. Of course they make it look easy--it's their job. You'll need to get the feel for the move, master the flip-flap technique, and build rhythm as you move with the ball. Here's how to do the flip flap soccer trick.

Instructions

1. 

   Dribble the ball close to your feet as you prepare to do the move. When you come up to a defender (or one approaches you), it's time for the flip-flap soccer trick.

2. 

   Tap the ball gently with the inside of your dominant foot, toward your other foot.

3. Roll your foot around the ball to quickly tap it the other direction, this time using the outside of your same foot. In the beginning, this might be a two-touch move, but as you increase skill, your foot needn't leave the ball. You'll simply cradle it with your foot, first with the inside scooping it and then the outside switching it back the other direction.

4. 

   Take off with the ball in the direction you moved it, hopefully leaving your opponent behind you.

5. Switch up the move to go in the opposite direction by starting out with the outside of your foot and finishing with the inside. You can also do a double flip-flap soccer trick by doing the move twice in succession.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice is essential to improve your speed and coordination with this move.

• After perfecting the move using your dominant foot, learn it with your other foot too. Versatility is key.