Whether in defence, midfield or attack, winning tackles is essential to stop the opposition and to win back possession. Here are some tackling basics and Youtube videos to brush up on…..

Block Tackle:
This tackle is very effective when the attacker comes directly toward the defender, especially when space is limited as in a crowded penalty area. This tackle is a powerful movement, and when done well, not only stops the attacker but gives the defender a reasonable chance of winning possession. To generate sufficient force to overcome the momentum of the attacker, the defender’s body has to be crouched to lower the center of gravity, the instep of the striking foot has to move as if to go through the ball rather than stop it, and the leading shoulder has to move powerfully forward as the foot strikes the ball.

Side Block Tackle
To stop the player who is moving past the defender diagonally or who is already past, there are two main techniques—the sliding tackle and the side block tackle. First, the defender runs hard, possibly on a recovery run to move to a position alongside the attacker. Next, the defender turns inward toward the attacker using the foot nearer the attacker and turning the hips and shoulders in that direction. The defender then crouches down and hooks the inside of the tackling foot around the ball and completes the turn while hooking the ball until it breaks clear from the attacker’s foot.

Sliding Tackle
On many occasions the sliding tackle is the only way to stop an attacker who has broken through; for this reason it is an essential skill for every player. The tackling player chases the ball until confident that his lead foot will overtake the ball. The near leg leads, allowing the player to sink down onto the left leg, which curls beneath the seat of the defender. The far leg swings around in a wide sweep, with the foot hooked, toward the ball. The tackling leg sweeps through the ball and either traps it with the hooked foot or, more usually, plays the ball away. Most defenders love a good sliding tackle, especially when the surface is soft and they come out with the ball.

Catch these Youtube videos:
https://youtu.be/PqxEc8ZjugE
https://youtu.be/U9OcS2kPECk