Soccer Tutorial

Rabona

The Rabona is an alternative way to kick a ball. You kick the ball with your dominant leg while it's 'wrapped around' the back of your standing leg. Another name for the Rabona is the crossed-kick.

The Italian soccer player Giovanni Roccotelli introduced the Rabona soccer skill in the 1970s. Maradona used the Rabona a lot to pass.

Mastering the Rabona soccer skill gives a player two major advantages:

1. A right-footed winger who plays on the left side of the field doesn't have to stop and turn to cross the ball. He can still cross the ball with his dominant foot by using the Rabona.
   
2. A soccer player needs less time to pass, cross or shoot a ball. Simply because it doesn't matter whether the ball is situated in front of his dominant or weak foot.

In Steps

Use the Rabona when the ball is situated in front of your weak foot.

Step 1
Put your weak foot next to the ball. The ball should be around one foot away from the outside of your weak foot. Your weak foot is now your standing leg.

Step 2
Pull your dominant/kicking leg back.

Step 3
Cross your dominant leg behind your standing leg.

Step 4
While your legs are crossed, kick the ball with your dominant foot.

Tips and Advices

It's very hard to fully master the Rabona. Don't use it in matches until you've mastered it.

You'll have to find out whether you want to hit the ball with the outside, inside or instep of your foot.

Make sure to place your standing leg in a comfortable way. It shouldn't be too much in the way of your kicking foot.

Practice the Rabona in a stationary position before you start using it in dribbles.

Tutorial Video