The flip flap is a misdirection dribble move that you can use to get around a defender. Your goal when performing the flip flap is manipulate the ball and your body to convince the defender you are dribbling in one direction and then quickly move back in the opposite direction. The move is often referred to as an elastico and was made popular by professional soccer players including Ronaldinho. Mastering the flip flap requires practice from a standing position before you are ready to attempt the move while dribbling the ball.
Practice
Step 1
Stand in front of the soccer ball so that your dominant foot is behind the ball.
Step 2
Place the outside of your dominant foot on the inside of the ball. For example, if your right foot is your dominant foot, you will place your foot on the left side of the ball.
Step 3
Push the ball lightly to the outside of your body. Do not hit the ball so hard that it rolls beyond the reach of your leg.
Step 4
Roll your foot behind the soccer ball as it is moving and push it back toward the inside of your body. Do not kick the ball so hard that you lose control of the ball. Move the ball in both directions without taking your foot off the ball. You may find when first practicing the flip flap that you're foot leaves the ball in between the two movements. This is normal for beginners. With practice, you can perform the maneuver in one motion.
Step 5
Repeat the motion until you are comfortable moving the ball back and forth with your foot.
During a Game
Step 1
Dribble the ball forward and position the ball so that it is in front of your dominant foot.
Step 2
Place the outside of your foot on the inside of the ball and drop the shoulder of the direction you are moving. For example, if you are performing the flip flap with your right foot, drop your right shoulder. Dropping your shoulder is a visual clue to the defender that you are going to dribble the ball to the outside of the field.
Step 3
Kick the ball to the outside of your body, roll your foot behind the ball and then kick it back to the inside of your body. When done quickly, the combination of your body language and the initial movement of the ball will convince your opponent you are moving to the outside. The movement back to the inside temporarily leaves the defender flat-footed, giving you the opportunity to move past her.
Tips and Warnings
- Once you become proficient pulling off the flip flap with your dominant foot, practice the move with your other foot. The more moves you have at your disposal on the field, the more difficult you are to defend.
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