Block Tackle

To get the soccer ball and not the man, tackling is all about timing. So here’s some great tips on the most commonly used tackle: the block tackle.

1) Your opponent has the ball at their feet

2) Approach them and place your non tackling foot by the side of the ball

3) Lean slightly forwards and make sure you are in a strong and sturdy position

4) Meet the ball with the inside of your tackling foot

5) Put all your weight into the tackle- the more half hearted you are the more likely it is you will get injured!

So now you know how to rob your opponent of the ball one way, read below to check out another.

Slide Tackle

Now it’s clear the slide tackle is the most fun tackle to make. I used to get very frustrated when coaches told us we couldn’t make them in training as they were too dangerous. Anyway here’s how it’s done.

1) Your opponent is running with the soccer ball

2) Slide along the ground feet first and keep your body low

3) Keep your eyes on the ball and make a clean contact with it- timing is crucial so you don’t commit a foul

4) You slide underneath your opponent and force the ball away

So you know how to block and you know how to slide. Now all that’s left is to stab.

Stab Tackle

Where as a block tackle is for when you approach your opponent head on, you can use a stab tackle when you’re coming in from the side. Here’s how you can do it.

1) Chase alongside your opponent who has the ball ahead of them

2) Dart in ahead of him and stab the ball away with your outstretched foot

3) This can be done to knock the ball to a team mate or out of play

Now you can win the soccer ball by tackling, try retaining possession by dribbling