reverse elastico
description
As we know the elastico or flip flap is done with the outside of your foot and requires you to push the ball from outside to inside. The reverse elastico is still performed with the outside of your foot but this time goes from inside to outside. It’s particularly effective if you need to get a little separation between yourself and the defender for a cross, pass or shot.
Start by practicing the technique with the ball still, then practice with your dribble as this is when the move is most effective.
Step 1
- Plant the foot you won’t be using next to the ball, leaving a little gap between the ball and your foot to allow your elastico foot to come through.
- Start the move by leaning towards your standing leg side (the side you’re not going to exit after the skill), this will make it look as if you’re going to accelerate in this direction.
- Have your arms extended to help balance yourself.
- Keep your eyes on the ball.
- As you’re leaning, bring your elastico foot up to the back of the ball and using the outside of your foot, slightly push the ball to the front of your plant foot and then quickly flick back the other way.
- You should be rolling the outside of your foot across the ball from outside to inside in order to flick back the other way.
- Your foot will need to go across the ball quickly in order for the move to work.
Step 2
- Your hips should follow the motion of your foot by going from inside to outside.
- Be ready to push off quickly after the move to exit and regain control of the ball.
- Remember if the move isn’t quite working, take your time and keep practicing the motion. Then once you know what you’re doing, you can increase the speed.
- Now try against a defender or some cones to help replicate the width of a defender.
- Now try whilst dribbling, you should slow down with the ball and then attempt.
- The skill is a good one to use if you want to cut back on to your strong foot or cut behind a defender.
- It’s also important to perform the reverse elastico with a bit of distance between you and your defender. You have to get the right separation, so not too far away as they’ll be able to recover quicker and not too close as you risk being intercepted.
- It’s very important that you carry out the move with confidence and belief. The more times you practice, the more confidence you’ll gain. If the move hasn’t worked against a defender, keep trying and practicing.
extra
This move is best used when you’re in a 1v1 situation and preferably in the opponent’s half of the field.
Skills should be done at speed to really throw the defender off and get past them. Remember, by doing to move quick and exiting quick, you’re giving the defender less time to react to your move. You should slow things down if it’s not quite working for you, remember repetition is key when learning something new.
Make sure you try this skill in training to get used to how you use it. Try not to get discouraged if you’re struggling or it’s not coming off in matches, the key is to keep going and practice until it’s right.