The "rainbow" is a skillful and flashy move in soccer that involves flicking the ball over an opponent's head and quickly accelerating past them. Here's a general breakdown of how to perform the rainbow:
1. Approach the ball: As you approach the opponent, position yourself slightly to the side of the ball, preparing to make contact with the sole of your foot.
2. Step on the ball: Using the inside or outside of your foot, step on the ball and roll it slightly backward.
3. Flick the ball: With your other foot, perform a quick and powerful flick to lift the ball up and over the opponent's head. The flick is typically executed by sliding your foot up the back of the ball, making it pop up into the air.
4. Accelerate past the opponent: As the ball is in the air, quickly move your body and sprint past the opponent, who is momentarily disoriented by the ball being lifted over them. This creates an opportunity to regain possession or advance towards the goal.
Executing the rainbow effectively requires practice, timing, and coordination. It's important to note that the rainbow is considered a high-risk move since it relies on successfully flicking the ball and evading the opponent's challenge. Therefore, it's advisable to attempt the move in situations where there is ample space and less risk of losing possession or compromising your team's position on the field.