A spectacular aerial move that lifts the ball over defenders in an arc - high risk, high reward showmanship.
The Rainbow Flick is one of the most audacious and spectacular moves in football. This advanced technique involves using your heels to flick the ball up and over your own head (and potentially over an opponent) in an arc that resembles a rainbow. When executed successfully, it's one of the most humiliating and crowd-pleasing moves in street football.
In panna football specifically, the Rainbow Flick occupies a controversial space. Some purists consider it disrespectful or unnecessarily flashy, while others see it as the ultimate expression of technical superiority. The move is extremely difficult to execute in live competition and carries significant risk - if you mess it up, you'll almost certainly lose possession.
The Rainbow Flick is not a practical move for winning matches. It's a statement move, used to demonstrate complete dominance over an opponent or to entertain spectators. However, in certain situations - particularly when an opponent is very close behind you - it can be a surprising and effective way to escape pressure while making a memorable impression.
The ball should be stationary or moving slowly at your feet. Position yourself with your dominant foot slightly in front of the ball and your non-dominant foot behind it. Your feet should be close together, almost sandwiching the ball between your heels. This starting position is crucial - if your feet are too far apart, the move won't work.
Using your dominant foot, roll the ball back onto your non-dominant foot's heel/lower calf area. This requires precise touch - you're essentially trapping the ball between the ground and your back foot. The ball should now be resting against the back of your non-dominant leg, just above the heel. This is the loading phase.
This is the moment of execution. Jump slightly off the ground with both feet while simultaneously flicking your back heel upward and forward. The motion should be explosive and coordinated - your heel drives the ball upward while your body leans slightly forward. The ball should travel up and over your head in an arc. Timing is everything here; too slow and the ball just falls, too fast and it flies uncontrollably forward.
As the ball arcs over your head, immediately turn your body in that direction and prepare to control it as it comes down. This is where many attempts fail - players successfully complete the flick but then fail to control the ball afterward. Move quickly to where the ball will land and cushion it with your chest, thigh, or foot. In competitive situations, be aware that opponents can legally challenge for the ball as soon as it's in the air.
The Rainbow Flick should be reserved for very specific situations:
When NOT to attempt the Rainbow Flick:
If your feet aren't close together when you start the move, you can't effectively trap and roll the ball onto your back heel. Practice getting your feet close together quickly.
The Rainbow Flick requires a small hop to generate upward momentum. Players who try to do it flat-footed find the ball doesn't gain enough height. The jump and heel flick must happen simultaneously.
Flicking straight up instead of up-and-forward results in the ball coming back down on you or not clearing your head. The motion should propel the ball in an arc over your head and in front of you.
Successfully completing the flick but losing the ball afterward makes the entire move pointless in competitive situations. Practice turning quickly and controlling the ball as it descends.
Study the Rainbow Flick from these video topics:
The Rainbow Flick occupies a controversial position in football culture. In professional football, it's sometimes considered disrespectful, and players who attempt it can face aggressive reactions from opponents. In street football and panna culture, attitudes vary.
Before attempting this move in competition, understand the culture and expectations of your local panna community. Some scenes embrace showmanship and technical flair regardless of the score, while others view certain moves as disrespectful when you're already winning.
Generally, if you attempt a Rainbow Flick and fail, you can expect no sympathy - you've taken a high-risk move and paid the price. If you succeed, be prepared for strong reactions, both positive (from spectators) and potentially negative (from your opponent). Use your judgment and read the room before attempting this move in serious competition.
Other advanced showmanship moves and practical alternatives:
The Rainbow Flick requires extensive solo practice before attempting in live situations: