The Around the World trick, sometimes called "ATW" for short, traces its roots to the vibrant streets and playgrounds where football is more than just a game; it's a way of life. Its exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, but it likely evolved from the freestyle football culture in Brazil, where young players honed their skills with an unmatched passion for the sport.
The ‘Around the World’ trick involves juggling the ball into the air using one foot, then skillfully guiding the same foot all the way around the football while keeping it aloft without letting it touch the ground. You have the option to perform this move either to the inside or the outside of the ball. Achieving the ability to consistently juggle the ball with precise foot control for ten repetitions will significantly improve anyone's mastery of the ‘Around the World’ Trick.
How to Perform the Around the World Trick
Step 1: Tell your child to start by positioning the ball slightly in front of them. Standing with their dominant foot slightly behind the ball and their non-dominant foot forward.
Step 2: Ask them to gently tap the ball with their dominant foot's instep to start the circular motion. The ball should move upward and slightly outward from their body.
Step 3: Show them how as the ball starts its upward trajectory, they need to swing their dominant foot around the ball in a circular motion, following the direction of the ball's movement.
Step 4: Continue to show them how as the ball completes half of its circle around their dominant foot, using their non-dominant foot to tap it gently to continue the circular path.
Step 5: Explain that as the ball returns to the front of their body, they need to tap it again with their dominant foot's instep to complete the circle.
Step 6: Tell them to focus on maintaining their balance.
Step 7: The key to mastering the Around the World trick is practice. Make clear the importance of starting slowly and gradually increasing their speed and control. With time and dedication, this skill will become a seamless part of their repertoire.
If they can't get their leg around the ball fast enough their timing is probably off. They are probably juggling the ball up, pausing a second and then starting the around the world motion. It's got to be all in one motion.
Ask them to make sure the ball is off their foot when they go around the world. Players tend to do the around the world soccer trick when their foot is still touching the ball, this causes the move to look very awkward.
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