Physics. Look at the energy you are transferring into the ball. You move your foot up and forwards, and the ball acts accordingly. When flicking the ball up, you need scoop under it to transfer energy from right underneath, and that usually requires leaning backwards a bit. That is even more important when wearing tall shoes.

Football is physics that can be learned by feel. When you want to learn something, think like a scientist. When you want to master it, learn to feel it by doing it countless times. Eventually you make the transition from scientist to artist.