1. That's Not a Tackle
Tackling in soccer might not resemble what most people think of when they hear the word "tackle." The term "tackling" in soccer basically means to take possession of the ball away from your opponent. Many times, tackling is done in desperate situations where it is more important to get the ball away from your opponent than to gain possession of the ball yourself.
2. Commitment Issues
Tackling an opponent requires you to commit to charging the ball. This is generally not recommended because once you're running at full speed, it's difficult to change your direction, making it easy for your opponent to knock the ball around you and be off. However, if you're sure you'll gain possession of the ball; don't hesitate in charging your opponent. The best strategy for defending the ball is to contain your opponent rather than immediately committing to the tackle. To contain your opponent, stay low to the ground and keep your feet moving. Give yourself enough room that you can easily switch directions with the opposing player. Your goal is to apply pressure, forcing your opponent to make a move, which you should ideally intercept.
3. Block it Out
A block tackle can be a risky move but sometimes your only option. If you and an opposing player are both running onto a ball at opposite directions, and you know you're not going to get there first, a block tackle is your best bet. Firmly plant your supporting foot and bend your knees slightly. At the same time your opponent strikes the ball, make contact with the ball using your free foot and lean forward. Keep your foot perpendicular to the direction your opponent is kicking. This should cause your opponent to stumble forward, leaving the ball at your foot.
4. The Pokey Soccer Player
Use the poke tackle if you are either running alongside your opponent or coming at the player from the side. The poke tackle is simply jabbing your foot at the ball as your opponent is running. This tackle won't get you possession of the ball and should never be used inside the 18-yard box. If the player trips over your foot, a tripping penalty will likely be called.
5. Dangerous Sliding
A slide tackle should be your last attempt to get the ball from an opponent. Like the poke tackle, this move should never be used inside the 18-yard box, and you should be prepared to receive a yellow card if your opponent falls. As your opponent is dribbling, slide into the ball with one foot extended. Never attempt to slide tackle from behind. Be sure to make contact with the ball and not your opponent's knees or ankles.
Tackling in soccer might not resemble what most people think of when they hear the word "tackle." The term "tackling" in soccer basically means to take possession of the ball away from your opponent. Many times, tackling is done in desperate situations where it is more important to get the ball away from your opponent than to gain possession of the ball yourself.
2. Commitment Issues
Tackling an opponent requires you to commit to charging the ball. This is generally not recommended because once you're running at full speed, it's difficult to change your direction, making it easy for your opponent to knock the ball around you and be off. However, if you're sure you'll gain possession of the ball; don't hesitate in charging your opponent. The best strategy for defending the ball is to contain your opponent rather than immediately committing to the tackle. To contain your opponent, stay low to the ground and keep your feet moving. Give yourself enough room that you can easily switch directions with the opposing player. Your goal is to apply pressure, forcing your opponent to make a move, which you should ideally intercept.
3. Block it Out
A block tackle can be a risky move but sometimes your only option. If you and an opposing player are both running onto a ball at opposite directions, and you know you're not going to get there first, a block tackle is your best bet. Firmly plant your supporting foot and bend your knees slightly. At the same time your opponent strikes the ball, make contact with the ball using your free foot and lean forward. Keep your foot perpendicular to the direction your opponent is kicking. This should cause your opponent to stumble forward, leaving the ball at your foot.
4. The Pokey Soccer Player
Use the poke tackle if you are either running alongside your opponent or coming at the player from the side. The poke tackle is simply jabbing your foot at the ball as your opponent is running. This tackle won't get you possession of the ball and should never be used inside the 18-yard box. If the player trips over your foot, a tripping penalty will likely be called.
5. Dangerous Sliding
A slide tackle should be your last attempt to get the ball from an opponent. Like the poke tackle, this move should never be used inside the 18-yard box, and you should be prepared to receive a yellow card if your opponent falls. As your opponent is dribbling, slide into the ball with one foot extended. Never attempt to slide tackle from behind. Be sure to make contact with the ball and not your opponent's knees or ankles.
