 | Hunter is the owner and director of Serious Soccer Youth Development. He is a former Technical Director of Soccer Nova Scotia, and has worked as a staff coach with the Canadian Soccer Associations National Training Centre. Played several years in the NSSL Premiership as a goalkeeper. Currently holds a Canadian Soccer Association National “B” Licence. Currently resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia. How to kick a soccer ball?
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| The Art of Slide Tackling |
| There are two main reasons for using the slide tackle. The first and most important is to prevent goal scoring opportunities by the opposition. The defender is only concerned with stopping the threat towards his goal and nothing else. You could think of it as a desperation tackle.
Some examples of when these situations arise are:
1) When the defender is beat 1 v 1 and the opponent is running to goal.
2) To prevent crosses from the opponent.
3)To block shots or passes towards the goal.
The second reason to use the slide tackle is to try and gain possession of the ball. In these situations the defender will usually have more time and space, and the consequences of a missed tackle are not quite so severe.
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| Situation #1 |
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| If the ball is caught underneath the opponents body it will be difficult for him to move the ball and accelerate away. The defender could be aggressive and attempt a tackle in this situation. The opponent will frequently find himself in this position when he tries to turn with a defender on his back or if he has taken a poor first touch. |
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| Situation #2 |
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| The defender has the most time to tackle at the moment just after the opponent has touched the ball. The opponent will have to place his foot on the ground and then lift it up before he can touch or move the ball again. The opponent will find himself in this situation anytime he is dribbling with the ball. |
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| Situation #3 |
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| If the ball is just out of the opponents reach, he will not be able to move or dodge a tackle. The opponent will find himself in this situation if he has taken a bad touch or if the pass to him has been underweighted. |
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| Situation #4 |
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| If the ball is out of the opponents feet and still within his reach the defender should avoid trying to tackle. It is very easy for the opponent to move the ball and avoid a tackle in this situation. The defender should instead stay on his feet and jockey the opponent. |
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| Situation #5 |
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| If the ball is bouncing and within the opponents reach the defender should avoid trying to tackle. It will be very easy for the opponent to knock the ball over the defender and accelerate past him. Instead the defender should back away slightly and jockey until the ball comes to rest on the ground. |
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Past Articles By This Coach: |
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