Known to most simply as the 'ATW' or 'Around the World', this freestyle soccer trick gets its name because the tricks looks as if your feet (in most cases) rotates around (vertically, or even horizontally at times) around the ball (a.k.a the world) hence the term "Around The World".
One of the most renowned and popular freestyle soccer trick in today's world of soccer, as i recall, it was back in the year 2002 when I saw this very soccer trick in the Nike Stickman advert featuring Ronaldinho. In fact, I noticed that the ATW soccer trick can be done in both directions; clockwise ( inside ) or anti-clockwise ( outside ). In this article, I'll show different levels you need to practice which hopefully will improve your ATW soccer trick. You can start learning and practicing the ATW soccer trick using your stronger foot to build confidence.
Beginner's Level
1. Place a soccer ball on your foot like when you're foot stalling. ( Before starting, practice the ATW motion a few times, try doing the ATW motion with an imaginary ball)
2. As you balance the ball on your foot, lift it slightly. (You can also give it a slight flick - let it come off the top of your foot)
3. Rotate your foot ( inside or outside ) whilst lifting the soccer ball. (Try Starting clockwise first)
4. Complete the 360 degree rotation with a foot stall or simple kick-up. ( Your aim here is to rotate your foot around the ball once and stall it or kick it up before the ball hits the ground - the main thing is not to allow it to touch the ground)
Intermediate Level
This is a more practical version i.e. when juggling with the soccer ball:
1. Let the soccer ball bounce on the floor.
2. As the ball bounces, immediately perform the ATW soccer trick ( refer Beginner's Level ).
3. The
situation is slightly different from the previous level. Touch the ball slightly with the outside edge of your toes. Then lift the ball whilst doing the ATW at the same time. ( You could also try to give the ball a slight spin as it leaves your foot by giving it a little slice as it touches the outside edge of your toes - this will reduce the time it takes for your foot to rotate around the ball)4. Complete your 360 degree rotation with a foot stall or a kick-up.
As you've become familiar with the soccer trick, you can now start practicing juggling a soccer ball along with the ATW soccer trick. Hope that helps, stay tuned for more tips on the advanced ATW soccer trick.
