well soul was right but here's how you really do it.
1:keep the d busy with some between the legs and behind the back combos. 2:when they think they're comfortable, lower your neck just a bit.
3:then flick the ball, yes flick it hard and high and fast so the defender doesnt see it.
4:then kinda keep fakin that you still have the ball and keep doin between the leg moves etc.
if the d's stupid they'll look for the ball and eventually find it and you guys keep playing.
if the d's smart he,she'll know that u just schooled 'em and probly run away
as for soul's problem: all u have to do to not get hit is jump high and u and the ball will land at the same time. or like i do, wait and catch the ball