CONTROL
SHOOTING
PASSING
DRIBBLING
TURNING
HEADING
CREATE SPACE
INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING
SUPPORT PLAY
GOALKEEPING
CROSSING
TACKLING
THE THROW IN
ATTACKING SET PLAYS
DEFENDING SET PLAYS
THE FREE KICK
TACKLING
Please select a subsection from the topics below :
 A basic introduction   Progression The Challenge

PROGRESSION

To progress and develop a sound tackling technique, here are a few practices which should assist in the development of any outfield player.

The Block Tackle

This is used when a player is confronting an opponent from the front and to practice it A + B (2 opposing players) should stand one metre from a football which is equidistant between the 2 players.

At a given signal both players will attempt to win the ball. Their movement should see one foot alongside the ball, and with the inside of the other foot (played forcibly) try to win the ball from the opponent.

So if tackling with the right foot, the left foot should be alongside the ball and the body over the ball to try and add weight to the tackle.

As stressed before, try to make contact with the middle of the ball, with the knee and ankle joints locked solidly to give strength and avoid injury.

Practice 1 (in area 10 metre square)

Server S passes to A, and as the ball is travelling defender D closes in and tries to get to the ball quickly if possible as the ball arrives at A's feet.

If A gains control quickly it is then up to him to try and dribble past D and return the ball to S.

D has to "jockey" for position and try to get in a tackle before A can pass to S (who remains in his starting position).

D will learn to be patient, considering how to get A on to his weaker foot, and challenging as soon as he gets the opportunity.

Diagram 1

Knowing When to Tackle

Three players S, A and D, in a 10 metre square with target points 2 metres wide.
This time S is the server, and he moves around the square until he is ready to pass to A (attacker)

S is the server only

A gains control as quickly as possible and it is now up to D to move in and try and confront A as he tries to get the ball through the target area.


D, if he moves sharply should be able to check any swap effort by A to hit the target, and then will have to hold up A's attack, and judge exactly when to tackle.

This practice teaches a defender to isolate a player with the ball, create a 1 against a situation, and then make a successful challenge.

Defending 2 against 2, with recovery runs

Extend the area of the previous practice if needed to 12 metres by 12 metres, but preferably stick to the 10 metre square.

This time the defender D1 is now gaining some assistance from D2.

A1 passes to A2, to start an attack towards the line Z.

D1 will close in on A2 and try and hold him up long enough to allow D2 to sprint back (and so create a 2 against 2 situation).

A1 and A2 can continue, D1 and D2 challenge when they consider the time is right.

Defending 2 against 3 (in larger area - 20 metres x 10 metres)
D1 passes to A1

D2's move to challenge A1

D1 passes to A1, and it is up to A1 to control quickly and set up an attack towards the line Z with A2.

D2 sprints to challenge A1, considering when to tackle, whether to force A1 for the direction of D1 who, once he has passed the ball, plus on the role of defending the line Z.

D1 too must consider what he should do if A dribbles past D2.

D1 must also be aware of A2's position. They could find themselves as in diagram 5 or diagram 6.

Diagram 5 Diagram 6