To loft a soccer ball vertically, follow these steps:

1. Positioning: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your non-dominant foot slightly ahead of the ball.

2. Ball Placement: Place the ball on the instep of your dominant foot, ensuring it's centered.

3. Knee Bending: Bend your knees slightly to lower your center of gravity.

4. Backward Swing: Swing your leg backward, keeping your foot on the ball, and lean your body slightly backward.

5. Contact: As your leg swings forward, strike the ball with the laces of your shoe, aiming for the center of the ball.

6. Follow Through: After striking the ball, continue to run forward to maintain momentum and increase the loft.

Lofting a soccer ball vertically is crucial for maintaining control and distance during play. According to a study by the Journal of Sports Sciences, lofted balls can travel up to 50% further than ground balls due to the increased air resistance and the ball's trajectory. This technique is particularly effective in long passes, crosses, and when attempting to avoid defenders. By lofting the ball, players can gain time and space, making it easier to execute more complex plays.