Around the World in Soccer: A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Ultimate Football Skill

The Around the World (ATW) is arguably one of the most iconic and visually impressive football freestyle tricks. It’s a staple for any aspiring freestyler and a fantastic way to improve your ball control, coordination, and confidence on the field. While it might seem daunting at first, breaking down the ATW into manageable steps and practicing consistently will have you looping the ball like a pro in no time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the fundamental basics to troubleshooting common issues, helping you master this essential football skill.

Why Learn the Around the World?

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the ATW offers several practical benefits for football players:

• Improved Ball Control: The ATW forces you to maintain close control of the ball while moving your foot around it. This significantly enhances your overall ball control and touch.
• Enhanced Coordination: The trick requires precise coordination between your foot, leg, and eye. Mastering it improves your overall coordination and body awareness.
• Increased Foot Speed and Agility: The rapid movement of your foot around the ball helps develop foot speed and agility, translating to quicker reactions and better footwork on the field.
• Boosted Confidence: Successfully performing the ATW can significantly boost your confidence, encouraging you to try more challenging skills and express yourself creatively on the ball.
• Impress Your Friends (and Opponents!): Let’s be honest, the ATW looks cool. It’s a great way to showcase your skills and add some flair to your game.

Prerequisites: Skills You Need Before You Start

While the ATW itself is a relatively intermediate trick, having a solid foundation in basic football skills is crucial. Before attempting the ATW, make sure you are comfortable with the following:

• Basic Juggling: Being able to juggle the ball at least 10-15 times comfortably is essential. This helps you develop a feel for the ball and maintain control in the air.
• Inside Foot Taps: Practicing inside foot taps (tapping the ball up with the inside of your foot) is beneficial for developing the necessary touch and control.
• Outside Foot Taps: Similar to inside foot taps, practicing outside foot taps helps you become comfortable using the outside of your foot to control the ball.
• Controlling a Dropping Ball: Being able to bring a dropping ball under control quickly and efficiently is important for setting up the ATW.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing the Around the World

Now, let’s break down the ATW into manageable steps. Remember to practice each step individually before moving on to the next. Consistency is key!

Step 1: The Setup – The Pop-Up

The initial pop-up is arguably the most important part of the ATW. A good pop-up sets you up for success, while a bad one makes the trick much more difficult.

1. Positioning: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and the ball in front of you. Your non-dominant foot should be slightly ahead for balance.
2. The Roll: Roll the ball slightly back towards your dominant foot using the sole of your non-dominant foot. This helps create a better angle for the pop-up.
3. The Pop: Using the inside of your dominant foot (the area near your ankle), scoop the ball upwards and slightly outwards. The goal is to lift the ball to a height where you can comfortably swing your foot around it. Think of it like giving the ball a gentle nudge upwards and away from your body.
4. Important Tip: The pop-up should be controlled and consistent. Avoid kicking the ball too hard or too high. The ideal height is around knee to waist level.

Step 2: The Swing – Wrapping Your Foot Around the Ball

This is the core movement of the ATW and requires good coordination and timing.

1. Initiate the Swing: As the ball reaches its peak height, begin swinging your dominant foot around it. Start from the outside of the ball and move inwards, aiming to wrap your foot around it in a circular motion.
2. Foot Placement: Focus on wrapping the outside of your foot (near your little toe) around the ball. This part of your foot will make contact with the ball to bring it back under control.
3. Leg Movement: Your entire leg should be involved in the swing. Don’t just flick your foot; use your hip and knee to generate a smooth and controlled circular motion.
4. Eye on the Ball: Keep your eyes focused on the ball throughout the entire swing. This helps you maintain accuracy and timing.
5. Practice Slowly: Initially, practice the swing slowly and deliberately. Focus on the proper form and foot placement. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the speed of the swing.

Step 3: The Catch – Bringing the Ball Back Under Control

The catch is just as important as the swing. A clean catch allows you to continue the trick or transition into other skills.

1. Anticipate the Contact: As your foot completes the swing, anticipate where the ball will be. This requires good timing and awareness.
2. Soft Touch: Use a soft touch to cushion the ball as it comes back down. Avoid tensing up your leg, as this will cause the ball to bounce away uncontrollably.
3. Foot Placement: Aim to catch the ball with the inside of your foot (near your big toe) or your laces. This provides a good surface for controlling the ball.
4. Absorb the Impact: As the ball makes contact with your foot, slightly bend your knee to absorb the impact. This helps prevent the ball from bouncing too high.
5. Follow Through: After catching the ball, slightly follow through with your foot in the direction you want the ball to go. This helps you maintain control and set up your next move.

Step 4: Putting It All Together – The Full Around the World

Now that you’ve practiced each step individually, it’s time to combine them into a full ATW.

1. Smooth Transition: Focus on transitioning smoothly between the pop-up, the swing, and the catch. Avoid jerky or abrupt movements.
2. Maintain Balance: Keep your balance throughout the entire trick. Use your arms to help maintain stability.
3. Rhythm and Flow: Develop a rhythm and flow to your ATW. The trick should feel natural and effortless.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice: The key to mastering the ATW is consistent practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing, and you will eventually succeed.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Learning the ATW can be frustrating, and it’s common to encounter difficulties along the way. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them:

• Problem: The ball is popping up too high.
  • Solution: Use a softer touch on the pop-up. Focus on lifting the ball gently rather than kicking it hard. Make sure you are scooping the ball with the inside of your foot, not just kicking it upwards.
• Problem: The ball is popping up too low.
  • Solution: Use a more forceful touch on the pop-up. Ensure that you are scooping the ball upwards with enough momentum. Check your angle; make sure you are rolling the ball back far enough to create a good launch angle.
• Problem: My foot is hitting the ball too hard during the swing.
  • Solution: Relax your leg and foot. Focus on wrapping your foot around the ball with a soft touch. Practice the swing slowly at first to develop a feel for the proper technique.
• Problem: I’m losing control of the ball after the catch.
  • Solution: Focus on absorbing the impact of the ball with your foot and leg. Bend your knee slightly as the ball makes contact. Make sure you are catching the ball with the correct part of your foot (inside or laces).
• Problem: I’m losing my balance.
  • Solution: Keep your core engaged and use your arms to help maintain stability. Focus on keeping your weight balanced over your feet. Practice the trick slowly at first to develop your balance.
• Problem: I can’t seem to get the timing right.
  • Solution: Practice the pop-up and the swing separately. Once you are comfortable with each movement, try combining them slowly. Focus on coordinating your movements and timing your swing so that it coincides with the peak height of the ball.

Variations and Progressions

Once you’ve mastered the basic ATW, you can explore variations and progressions to further challenge yourself:

• Inside Around the World (IATW): Instead of wrapping your foot from the outside, you wrap it from the inside. This is generally considered more difficult than the standard ATW.
• Double Around the World: Perform two ATWs in a row without letting the ball touch the ground. This requires excellent control and coordination.
• ATW with Different Body Parts: Try incorporating the ATW into routines that involve juggling with your head, chest, or shoulders.
• Combining with Other Tricks: Combine the ATW with other freestyle tricks, such as stalls, neck catches, or transitions.

Training Drills to Improve Your Around the World

Specific training drills can help you isolate and improve different aspects of the ATW. Here are a few examples:

• Pop-Up Practice: Focus solely on perfecting the pop-up. Practice popping the ball up to the correct height and angle consistently. Try setting targets (e.g., a cone) to aim for with your pop-ups.
• Swing Practice: Practice the swing without the ball. Focus on the proper foot placement and leg movement. Imagine the ball is there and practice wrapping your foot around it.
• Catch Practice: Have someone toss the ball to you and practice catching it with the inside of your foot, focusing on absorbing the impact and maintaining control.
• Wall Rebounds: Practice popping the ball up against a wall and then performing the swing as the ball rebounds back to you. This helps you develop your timing and reaction speed.
• Cone Weaves: Set up a series of cones and practice dribbling through them while incorporating the ATW between each cone. This helps you improve your ball control and agility while performing the trick.

Equipment and Gear

You don’t need much equipment to practice the ATW, but here are a few recommendations:

• A Good Quality Football: Use a football that is the correct size and weight for your age and skill level. A well-maintained ball will provide better grip and control.
• Comfortable Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes that allow you to move freely. Avoid wearing shoes with excessive cushioning, as this can reduce your feel for the ball.
• Suitable Training Area: Choose a training area that is flat, smooth, and free of obstacles. A grassy field or a paved surface are both good options.

Mental Approach and Patience

Learning the ATW requires patience and a positive mental attitude. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Remember to:

• Set Realistic Goals: Don’t expect to master the ATW overnight. Set realistic goals for yourself and celebrate your progress along the way.
• Stay Positive: Believe in yourself and your ability to learn. A positive attitude will help you overcome challenges and stay motivated.
• Break It Down: If you’re struggling with a particular step, break it down into even smaller parts and practice each part individually.
• Visualize Success: Visualize yourself successfully performing the ATW. This can help boost your confidence and improve your performance.
• Enjoy the Process: Remember to have fun! Learning new skills should be enjoyable. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and celebrate your achievements.

Conclusion: The World at Your Feet

The Around the World is a challenging but rewarding football skill that can significantly improve your ball control, coordination, and confidence. By following this step-by-step guide, practicing consistently, and staying patient, you can master this iconic trick and add some serious flair to your game. So grab your ball, find a suitable training area, and start practicing. The world of freestyle football awaits!