Freestyle football is a term used to describe the showcasing of a player’s creativity
in using the ball while at the same time performing several movements and tricks with the use of any body part, except for the hands and elbows. These movements are considered similar to the kemari and keepie-uppie.
The movement to art and self-expression in freestyle football is combined with music, acrobatics, dance, and football tricks. The official governing body that overlooks this kind of sport is WFFA or the World Freestyle Football Association.
As an art form, freestyle football comes with a full bag of tricks that would make the movements of players graceful and mesmerizing to look at. These tricks or moves are categorized into different styles or disciplines.
Some of the most popular tricks or moves employed include ATW or around the world, crossover, and TB or toe bounce as well as HTW or hop the world. The ATW puts the ball off one foot before this foot circles over and up. Once this move is completed, the foot goes automatically under the ball before moving it to the other leg.
The crossover on the overhand involves kicking the ball in the air using one leg while the other leg goes around the same ball before it touches the ground. When it comes to TB or toe bounce, the player imitates crossover movements but allows the ball to bounce on the foot at the end.
Last but not least is the HTW or the hop of the world. This trick or move involves kicking the ball upwards using one foot before allowing the other foot to circle it. This move comes with several variations.
There are also tricks that can be added to the four common ones. These include stalls, combos, and no-touch combos.
The stalls include moves that involve catching the ball while the player maintains a stationary position. This is a trick that is usually done by using the back of the neck, the wedge between the thigh or the heel, or the forehead.
Combos on the other hand are moves that directly connect several tricks without trying to juggle the ball. In addition, no-touch combos are those that are done in one swift motion without initially touching the ball.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/deODLUu_RYs
- http://alvin-almazov.com/soccer-eng/freestyle-football/
- https://urbanpitch.com/best-freestyle-football-shoes-according-pros/
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