The Most Popular Soccer Trick, Ranked

Choose the soccer trick you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:49
Soccer fans often argue about which trick is the best, with each having their personal favorites based on style, effectiveness, and difficulty. By enabling a community-driven approach to ranking these tricks, our site offers a dynamic and engaging way to see public opinion on this diversity of skills. This not only brings fans together but adds a fun, competitive twist to the discussions. Each vote cast on our site directly influences the live ranking, offering a continuously updated snapshot of what the community thinks are the top soccer tricks. This process encourages participation and sharing, making it not just about seeing results but being an active part of creating them. We invite all enthusiasts to contribute their views and help shape this ongoing conversation.

What Is the Most Popular Soccer Trick?

  1. 1
    56
    votes
    The Maradona
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

    The Maradona

    Diego Maradona
    Named after the legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona, this trick involves turning 360 degrees while keeping the ball close to the feet. It is a classic move that is used to evade defenders and create space for a shot or pass.
    The Maradona is a popular soccer trick that involves a quick change of direction and close ball control. It is named after its creator, renowned Argentine footballer Diego Maradona. The trick, often referred to as the 'Maradona Turn' or '360 Spin', is executed by trapping the ball with one foot, spinning the body around, and rapidly changing direction to evade an opponent. It is characterized by its deceptive nature and ability to create space and confusion on the field.
    • Difficulty: Intermediate
    • Execution: Requires good balance and coordination
    • Speed: Can be executed at various speeds
    • Close control: Requires excellent ball control skills
    • Body movement: Involves a quick spin and change of direction
  2. 2
    19
    votes

    The Cruyff Turn

    Johan Cruyff
    Named after the Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff, this trick involves a quick change of direction by dragging the ball behind the standing leg before moving in the opposite direction. It is a simple yet effective move that can leave defenders confused and off-balance.
    The Cruyff Turn is a deceptive soccer skill that was popularized by Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff. It involves swiftly changing direction while keeping the ball under control, fooling the opponent by appearing to pass or shoot in one direction before rapidly cutting the ball back in the opposite direction with the inside of the foot.
    • Difficulty level: Advanced
    • Execution speed: Quick
    • Body feint: Involved
    • Ball control: Precise
    • Footwork: Skillful
    The Cruyff Turn in other rankings
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    Also known as the "Elastico," this trick involves flicking the ball up and over the defender's head with one foot and then quickly retrieving it with the other foot. It is a flashy move that requires skill and agility, and is often used by attacking players to embarrass their opponents.
    The Rainbow Flick is a highly technical and flashy soccer skill that involves flicking the ball over an opponent's head in one swift motion using the heel of the foot. It is considered one of the most difficult and audacious skills in soccer, often used to showboat and intimidate opponents.
    • Difficulty: High
    • Execution: The player traps the ball between the base of the foot and the ground, then flicks the ball up and over the opponent using the heel of the foot in one swift motion.
    • Technique: It requires excellent ball control, coordination, agility, and timing.
    • Body Position: The player needs to be positioned behind or to the side of the opponent when executing the skill.
    • Opponent's Position: The opponent should be in front of the player, preferably close to, but not directly facing, the player.
    The Rainbow Flick in other rankings
  4. 4
    25
    votes

    The Stepover

    Santiago Vernazza
    This trick involves faking a move in one direction by stepping over the ball with one foot while shifting the weight to the other foot, and then quickly changing direction with the first foot. It is a classic move that can be used to create space and confusion for the defender.
    The Stepover is a deceptive move often used by soccer players to create confusion and deceive opponents. It involves quickly shifting the direction of the ball with one foot, while the other foot swings over the ball without making contact. The Stepover can be performed in various directions and at different speeds, making it a versatile and effective skill on the soccer field.
    • Difficulty: Advanced
    • Feet Used: Both
    • Execution Speed: Fast
    • Body Position: Upright with good balance
    • Leg Movement: Quick and precise
    The Stepover in other rankings
  5. 5
    12
    votes

    The Scissors

    Joseph Pilates
    This trick involves rapidly crossing one foot over the other while controlling the ball, creating the illusion of a change of direction. It is a versatile move that can be used to deceive defenders and create space for a shot or pass.
    The Scissors is a challenging Pilates move that targets the abdominal muscles and improves core stability. It involves alternating leg movements while engaging the core muscles to control the movement and maintain balance.
    • Level of Difficulty: Advanced
    • Primary Muscle Focus: Abdominals
    • Secondary Muscle Engagement: Hip Flexors
    • Equipment: Mat
    • Starting Position: Lie on your back with legs raised towards the ceiling
    The Scissors in other rankings
  6. 6
    13
    votes

    The Flip Flap

    Garrincha
    Also known as the "Ronaldinho", this trick involves flicking the ball with the inside of the foot and then quickly retrieving it with the outside of the same foot, creating a rapid change of direction. It is a flashy move that requires skill and creativity, and is often used by attacking players to humiliate their opponents.
    The Flip Flap is a popular soccer trick that involves quickly flicking the ball from one foot to the other while performing a 360-degree spin in the air. It is often used to confuse opponents and create space for the player to advance with the ball.
    • Alternate names: Elastico, Twister
    • Difficulty level: Advanced
    • Execution speed: Fast
    • Footwork required: High
    • Control required: Precise
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    This trick involves passing the ball between the defender's legs, often catching them off-guard and creating an opportunity to either retrieve the ball or make a pass to a teammate. It is a simple yet effective move that can be used in a variety of situations.
    The Nutmeg is a soccer skill where a player passes the ball between the legs of an opponent player, also known as a 'nutmeg' or 'panna'. It is a flashy and highly effective move that can humiliate the opposing player and create scoring opportunities.
    • Difficulty Level: High
    • Execution: Requires precise timing and technique
    • Effectiveness: Can destabilize opponents and create space
    • Versatility: Applicable in various situations on the field
    • Ball Control: Requires excellent control to execute successfully
    The Nutmeg in other rankings
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    The Bicycle Kick
    . The original uploader was Weechie at English Wikipedia. · CC BY 3.0
    This trick involves kicking the ball while jumping in the air and performing a backflip, using both feet to strike the ball. It is a spectacular move that requires athleticism and timing, and is often used to score goals in dramatic fashion.
    The Bicycle Kick, also known as the Scissor Kick, is a highly acrobatic and technically challenging soccer skill. It involves the player executing an airborne kick, while simultaneously twisting their body, resembling the motion of a bicycle pedal. The player flips their body backward, connecting with the ball mid-air to generate power and accuracy in the shot.
    • Difficulty: Very Difficult
    • Execution: Player jumps, twists, and kicks the ball mid-air
    • Acrobatics: Player performs a full or partial backward flip
    • Dexterity: Requires excellent coordination and control
    • Timing: Requires precise timing to connect with the ball
    The Bicycle Kick in other rankings
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    This trick involves faking a shot by winding up the leg as if to shoot, but then quickly pulling back and controlling the ball with the same foot. It is a simple yet effective move that can be used to create space and deceive defenders.
    The Fake Shot is a popular soccer trick used to deceive opponents by faking a shot, causing them to react and create scoring opportunities. The player pretends to wind up for a powerful shot but stops just before making contact with the ball, often resulting in the opposing player lunging or committing to block the shot.
    • Difficult Level: Intermediate
    • Purpose: Deceive opponents and create scoring opportunities
    • Execution: The player pretends to wind up for a shot, then stops just before making contact with the ball
    • Timing: Requires good timing to fool opponents
    • Body Feint: Often combined with a body feint or a sudden change in direction to enhance effectiveness
  10. 10
    3
    votes

    The Shoulder Drop

    Cristiano Ronaldo
    This trick involves faking a move in one direction by dropping the shoulder towards that side, and then quickly changing direction by shifting the weight to the opposite foot. It is a subtle yet effective move that can be used to create space and confusion for the defender.
    The Shoulder Drop is a popular soccer trick used to deceive the opponent by quickly shifting the direction of the ball using the shoulders. It involves a sudden drop of the shoulder in one direction followed by a quick change of direction with the ball, leaving the defender off balance.
    • Speed: Fast
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Effectiveness: High
    • Execution: Requires coordination and timing
    • Key body part: Shoulders

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular soccer trick. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or trick is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1206 views
  • 162 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each trick once every 24 hours. The rank of each trick is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular soccer trick

Soccer, also known as football, is a sport that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. From the adrenaline rush of scoring a goal to the thrill of executing a perfectly timed pass, there's no doubt that soccer is a beloved game. And when it comes to soccer tricks, there are countless moves that players use to outsmart their opponents and score that game-winning goal. But what is the most popular soccer trick? It's a question that has been debated by soccer fans for years. Some argue that the step-over is the most effective trick, while others swear by the nutmeg or the rainbow flick. With so many options to choose from, it's no wonder that there's no clear answer. Regardless of which soccer trick is most popular, one thing is for sure – mastering these moves takes practice, dedication, and a lot of hard work. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, learning and perfecting these tricks can take your game to the next level and help you achieve your soccer goals. So, whether you're practicing your step-overs or perfecting your rainbow flick, keep in mind that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the beautiful game of soccer.

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