A: First, understand the mechanics of the trick.  You hit the ball slightly to the outside of your foot (inside if you're going the opposite direction) as you make a slight spin on the ball at the same time moving your leg up.  The ball should be up at a comfortable height and distance from you.  As the ball moves up and eventually down due to gravity, there should be a moment in between where the ball will stay still in the air (a very short moment).  That is where you go around the ball and as it comes down you touch it back up to complete the maneuver.

 

This might sound complicated but be assured that the around the world trick is a very simple one.  If you're still not sure, watch other freestyle videos (most of them will probably ALL have atw as it is a very common trick).  Watch how others do it, slow it down, watch it, and try to emulate them (do it just like they do).  If you become frustrated, don't worry.  You'll get it eventually.  All it takes is the knowledge, patience, practice, and perserverance.

 

A: The ball should be at the spot where your hairline is, roughly.  But since everyone's hairlines are different, just think "slightly above the forehead".  There is a "sweet spot", but you must discover where that spot is on YOU for yourself as everybody is different.

 

When you have the ball up there, look up at the ball.  Follow the movements of the ball and just have it balanced.  That's all it is... BALANCE!

 

A: Usually the best shoes for freestyle would be indoor shoes, or turf shoes, or futsal shoes.  Cleats are unnatural for juggling (or at least, it is from MY experience).  Normal runners may not give you the best feel for the ball.  Now, if you want me to name a specific brand I cannot do that for you.  Go to the store yourself, try a few on, and try kicking the ball around with them just a little bit.  Everybody has a different shaped foot and everybody has a difference preference to what they like and what feels comfortable to them.  It's up to you to figure out which are the best pair for you.

 

As for the best ball for freestyle, the answer I would give would be basically the same as above.  Go and try kicking a few balls around to see which is good for YOU.  However, usually, the best balls for freestyle are either one of two.  1. high quality balls with good cushioning (usually adidas) and good grip.  or 2. very cheap balls that have been used for a long time that it is worn out.  Also, sometimes, it is easier to freestyle with a ball that is not fully pumped up.  Let just a little bit of air out of it and you will find it's a lot easier on you to juggle it.

 

A: The crossover is an easy and simple trick once you master it.  Perhaps it is even easier than the around the world.  Kick the ball about waist height.  Now, this trick is about timing your jump right (which comes naturally if you have been freestyling for a long time).  The ball travels up, stays for a split second, then makes its way down.  Make your jump just when the ball starts to come down as a result of gravity.  Have your toes pointed slightly up and make sure the middle of the top of your foot makes contact with the middle of the ball so it doesn't bounce off to the side or something.  When your foot makes contact with the ball your other leg will already have started going around the ball.  When the ball comes up from your kicking leg, the leg that has swung around the ball will have gone around all the way so you don't kick yourself with the ball.

 

If you have a question you would like answered on this section, please e-mail them to edwardyoon1127@shaw.ca

 

Thank You.