Rabona
The rabona is an association football technique in which the kicking leg is crossed behind the standing leg to strike the ball.
The rabona is an association football technique in which the kicking leg is crossed behind the standing leg to strike the ball, used for passing, crossing, or shooting. It is often associated with flair and technical skill, and is widely linked to Argentine football, commonly described as having emerged in the 1940s. In Canada, the rabona is part of standard soccer skill vocabulary used by players, coaches, and fans.
Technique
A rabona is performed by crossing the kicking leg behind the standing leg and striking the ball with the outside or upper part of the foot. Descriptions of the move emphasize balance, body rotation, and follow-through.
Use in play
Players use the rabona for passes, crosses, and shots, especially when they want to use the stronger foot without changing body position. It is often chosen in awkward angles or as an expressive skill move.
Origins and naming
The move is commonly reported as having originated in Argentina in the 1940s. Some sources attribute its early fame to Ricardo Infante, and some explain the name as related to the Spanish word for 'tail'.
Style and difficulty
The rabona is widely regarded as a difficult and technically demanding skill. It is also associated with creativity and flair, which is why it is frequently used in highlight-reel situations.
Key facts
- The rabona involves wrapping the kicking leg behind the standing leg to strike the ball.
- It can be used to pass, cross, or shoot.
- The move is often attempted when a player’s stronger foot is awkwardly positioned relative to the ball.
- It is commonly viewed as a flashy or showpiece skill, but it can be effective in certain situations.
- Some sources say the move became known in Argentina in the 1940s and was first made famous by Ricardo Infante.
The rabona is part of standard soccer skill vocabulary used by players, coaches, and fans in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
What is a rabona in soccer?
What can a rabona be used for?
Is the rabona mainly a trick move?
Where did the rabona come from?
Who is often linked to popularizing the rabona?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RabonaSupports: Definition of the rabona as a football technique where the kicking leg crosses behind the standing leg.
- wikiHow — https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-RabonaSupports: General description of the move as difficult, skillful, and usable for passing, crossing, or shooting.
- YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaQ7gps281ESupports: Explanation of the move as kicking by bringing the opposite leg behind the standing leg to pass, cross, or shoot.
- YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3KHNV1gKXcSupports: Claims that the move was first made famous by Ricardo Infante and later used by notable players.
- YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfxq6xLTztwSupports: Claim that the move was invented in Argentina in 1948 and used for passes, shots, or crosses.
- Soccer Wizdom — https://www.soccerwizdom.com/2024/12/11/the-rabona-a-masterpiece-of-soccer-skill-and-creativity/Supports: Definition, use cases, and practical value when the dominant foot is awkwardly positioned.
- Yahoo Sports — https://sports.yahoo.com/rabona-skillful-move-embodies-flair-130000630.htmlSupports: Description of the move, its association with flair, and origin claims linked to Argentina and the 1940s.