Soccer Tackling - The art of tackling in defending soccer

Since today's soccer game is all about having a high possession of the ball, tackling is your main weapon to disrupt your enemy's possession. Learning how to tackle correctly is crucial for any player on any given position on the pitch.

However, the importance of the tackle will be higher the deeper you go into your own team's territory, therefore it's more important for defenders and midfielders to have precise tackles than for wingers and strikers.

Golden rule of tackling: Never charge at the ball unless you are absolutely sure that you will get it. If the enemy has the ball in control at his feet you must contain him. To contain (or jockey) your opponent means to position yourself in front of him and wait until he releases the ball far enough for you to intercept it. Some dribblers will move the ball without providing you with adequate time for a tackle. All you can do in such cases is remain between the ball carrier and your own goal and wait until he makes a mistake.

When containing an attacker you must lower your center of gravity by bending your knees and leaning forward. Backpedal if the attacker moves sideways. Never face a dribbler straight on, because he will put the ball between your legs or he may run by you. You won't have the time to make a complete 180-degree turn. Instead, approach the ball carrier at a 45-degree angle forcing him towards the sideline. Be prepared to move laterally with your opponent, do not just lunge at him.

The Three Basic Types of Soccer Tackles

There are three basic types of soccer tackles that you will be able to use in a soccer match: the block tackle, the sliding tackle and the poking tackle. Below you can find out more detail info about each of them, and what they requires you to do and how you should execute them correctly.

Block tackle - The block tackle is the most basic way of depleting an opponent of the ball. It is designed to give you possession while keeping you on your feet. Plant your supporting foot firmly so that you don't lose balance. Then, just as your opponent contacts the ball, you must put your free foot perpendicularly to the direction in which he is moving. If executed properly, this will cause your enemy to stumble or cough up the ball.

Poke tackle - With poke tackling, you basically stab the ball away from your opponent. You must use the foot which is closer to the ball. This method does not guarantee that you will gain possession of the ball. The key to a successful poke tackle is knowing when to extend your leg for the steal. Therefore, for the most part you'll want to keep as close to the opponent as possible and focus on where he's controlling the ball to.

It's very important that you don't physically contact the ball carrier before tackling the ball, or the referee will call a foul. That's why anticipation and knowing when to choose the right moment to attack the ball are two very important skills when executing a poke tackle.

Slide tackle - Although spectacular, can also be very effective against opponents dribbling down the sideline or shielding the ball. However, slide tackling should not be used unless in desperation or when you're away from your own goal. so unless you're fully confident in your skills and on the fact that you can push the ball away in that particular situation, you should resort to a more conservative way to block your opponent.

If you're attacking the ball carrier from behind, you have to be extremely careful not to foul him. Under the new FIFA regulations, sliding tackles from behind may be punishable with a red card if you don't hit the ball.

Soccer Tackling Training

If you want to improve your tackling skills, you should work on your physical strength (good for blocking tackles especially), anticipation, balance and mobility. Work out at the gym for physical strength, learn how to think as an attacker for anticipation, position yourself correctly for balance and use stretching exercises daily for mobility. Combine these factors with hands-on training of the three tackling methods and nothing will pass by you.