TACKLING

By Jeff Fleischmann

            The art of tackling is an often overlooked skill in a soccer coaching curriculum. This is a mistake. Not only is this one of the most important techniques to teach, it is essential in avoiding injuries. Improper tackling puts the ball handler and the tackler at risk. I have noticed over the years that, especially in the female game, many players go into a tackle with their lead foot. This action allows the impact of the tackle to be taken by a “planted foot”, putting the leg and knee in danger.

WARM UP

 After a brief warm up of dribbling and passing to avoid injury, have the players pair up with one ball. To start, they can hold onto each others shoulders. After counting to three, they each impact the ball at the same time with the inside of the same foot. Have the players switch to the other foot. You can progress to having the players take a few steps towards the ball and impacting it at the same time. This can then be made into a game of “tug of war” where the ball is moved back and forth with each impact until it crosses a line behind each player.

• Use the instep of non standing foot, locking the ankle
• Bend the knee of the standing leg
• Keep the body over the ball
• Follow through the ball

TACKLING GAMES

1)         In an appropriate sized grid for the numbers, age group and skill level, have the player with the ball pass to another player. That player has to take at least 4 touches before they can pass. The two closest players to that player close in to defend and all the others assist in possession. The first defender gets two points if they can win the ball. The second defender wins one point if they can intercept the pass.

• Distinguish roles of each defender
• Immediate chase by pressure defender
• Communication between the two defenders
• Don’t “dive in”, slow down slightly right before tackle and lower center of gravity
• Try to win ball and maintain possession.

2)         Place two equal teams in opposite corners behind two scoring zones. Ball is played in by coach to one team.  Defending team leaves one player in end zone and comes out to defend. Attacking team gets a point for dribbling into the scoring zone. Defending team gets a point for winning ball and another if they dribble into their scoring zone. Ball starts from coach whenever point is scored or ball goes out of touch.

• Force ball carrier towards supporting defenders…channelling
• Attack a bad touch

When players grasp the concept of these techniques, advance to using “toe pokes”, slide tackles, etc. Work on timing of tackles, not allowing “studs up” tackles or tackling from behind.