Tackling is a skill you will need to master, especially if you are playing in defense and want to stop your opponents from scoring.

Playing as a defender is probably the least glamorous job on the soccer field. But, every soccer coach will appreciate your perfect timed tackles as much as any other skill (dribbling, shooting, passing etc).

The ability to track, close down your opponent and tackle him/her is the key to success for any defender.

However, regardless of your position on the soccer field, the ability to tackle your opponent and gain possession of the ball is vital.

One Hundred Percent Commitment

You should be 100% committed and determined to win the possession of the ball, but you should never try to hurt an opponent just because he is getting around you every time. You need to always keep your head cool and analyze the current situation.

You will also need to know which tackling method you should use depending on the situation and the movement of your opponent. As with every other soccer skill, practicing often will also improve your tackling skills.

If you can’t perform a tackle properly, you should neither try it out in dangerous parts of the field like your 18 yard box because you may easily cause a penalty kick.

You may also injure yourself if you don’t know how to perform a tackle. One friend of mine was injured for one year just because he didn’t knew how to perform a sliding tackle properly.

Four Main Tackling Methods

The four main methods of tackling are following:

1. Front Block

2. Side Block

3. Ground Block

4. Sliding

Now, let’s take a closer look at these 4 tackling methods…

Front Block Tackle

This way of tackling will be useful in tight situations when opponent is near you. To perform this tackle you will need to make a powerful contact with the inside of you foot at the same time as your opponent tries to pass or drive the ball forward.

When performing this tackle you need also to have your body weight over the ball.

Your non kicking foot (supporting foot) should be next to the ball. You should also work through the tackle using your whole body.

Side Block Tackle

This tackle is great when an opponent has already gone around you or when you try to close down a pass or shoot.

To perform this tackle properly you will need solid balance, due to the tackle is made with an outstretched leg.

Your leg needs also to be tensed to provide powerful contact when hitting the ball.

Timing is everything when performing this tackle and you can easily be punished with a yellow or red card if you slide too late in a situation.

Ground Block Tackle

If the opponent is in space and you can’t use a block or side tackle to stop him then performing a ground tackle is a good idea.

The tackle is performed by throwing yourself into the ball to stop your opponent from getting past you.

To perform it you will need to drop your hips and allow your whole body to go quickly to the ground.

Sliding Tackle

You should only use this tackle as the last option to stop your opponent from getting around you. To perform it you need to slide on the ground and hit the ball using your outside leg.

This way of tackling is useful in situations when the ball is near the touchline and where you can kick it out to a throw in.

You can also use this tackle to win the ball and start and contra attack. As I mentioned before, if you run into a situation to late it may result in a yellow or red card, so be aware of this one.

Sliding tackles needs to be practiced often as they require great precision and timing.

Summary

Tackling is useful when utilized properly. However, it can also end in a red card as well!My experience is that most of the unnecessary tackles occur when a player fails to fulfill his tactical duties on the field.