Tackle in Soccer (Types of Tackles-How to Improve Tackle skills)

To defend the ball, a tackle in soccer is one of the key elements. Defenders must prevent an attacking team from entering the field with the ball and attempting to score. Tackle in soccer help defending team can stop the opponent’s attack and steal the ball from an attacking player without foul play.

A successful tackle or gaining possession of the soccer ball moves it away from the attackers, temporarily halting the offense. A tackle in soccer occurs when an attacking and a defensive player are one-on-one.

In this article, we will break down all about tackle in soccer. When you may get a yellow or a red card while tackling the ball? What is the purpose of soccer tacklers? What are the different types of soccer tackles and more about tackling techniques? How to legal tackle in soccer? 

So let’s begin with the type of tackle. Indeed you listened about tackle or maybe you heard about types of soccer. So dive deep to know about types of soccer tackle.

Types of Tackle in Soccer:

There are three basic soccer tackles.

  • Block Tackle.
  • Poke Tackle.
  • Sliding Tackle.

Let’s discuss each one by one to get more clear about soccer tackle.

Block Soccer Tackle:

Mainly, a blocking tackle in soccer happens when a player and the ball are moving straights toward a defender.

You can utilize the inside of one foot to block the ball and take it away from your opponent. You must pick the ideal moment to execute a block tackle.

When you notice a chance to grab the ball, extend your foot and maintain firm contact with the ground. The likelihood is that both you and the other team will kick the ball simultaneously.

Poke Soccer Tackle:

Poke tackle in soccer is ideal to disturb and slow down the opposition attack. 

When an opponent attacks, the ideal technique to use a poke tackle is to push or poke the soccer ball away. 

The idea behind the poke tackle is to stop the dribbler in their tracks so they lose control of the ball or, if they recover it, have to restart their attacking drive from scratch.

You have to extend your leg and kick the ball away from the opponent using the soccer tips of your foot to execute a poke tackle. Avoid kicking or tripping your opponent to avoid receiving a foul call.

Sliding Soccer Tackle:

The slide tackle is one of the most dangerous, yet stunning, tackles. 

Despite the dangers, a skillfully executed slide tackle can be used to rob an opponent of the ball. 

Why Slide Soccer Tackle is Dangerous: 

The slide tackle in soccer is dangerous because:

  • If you fail to get the ball after sliding, you’re out of the play.
  • Both you and your opponent might get hurt. For this reason, you should never try to slide tackle without first getting permission from your coach.
  • You might receive a yellow card while the other team would receive a free kick if you don’t catch the ball and contact your opponent.

Best Way to Slide Soccer Tackle: How to Slide Soccer Tackle? 

Players execute a slide tackle by sliding on one hip and catching the ball with the opposing leg. For the player to pop back up and receive the ball, the lower leg should be bent. You must refrain from kicking or tripping your opponent.

Once more, only attempt slide tackles after practicing them and receiving permission from your coach.

Shoulder to Shoulder Challenge in Soccer:

The shoulder-to-shoulder challenge occurs when two players sprint adjacent to one other when one possesses the ball. 

You may give a light shoulder push as the defender causes the player dribbling the ball to lose control. 

Putting some of your weight behind the push is intended to throw them off-balance and allow you to grab the soccer ball.

How to Make a Legal Soccer Tackle:

There are a few things to keep in mind to make a legal tackle in soccer. 

  • While tackling a ball make sure you only contact the ball, not the opponent player.
  • To drive the ball away from the player, for instance, the defender may slide during a slide tackle and use their tackling foot.
  •  You should not injure the offensive player when they are moving down the field during a poke tackle.
  • As an alternative, you should quickly kick the ball away from that player.

How Can Soccer Players Improve Their Tackling Skills?

Soccer workouts that replicate tackling attempts in a game are the best approach to improving at tackling.

A defender should practice each form of tackle in a few distinct scenarios that your soccer coach should set up. 

To feel secure moving the ball away from an offensive player without committing a foul is the objective. By practicing these soccer techniques, you can become prepared to play a real game later.

When not to Tackle:

tackle in soccer

The player will receive a free kick if you don’t get the ball but strike them during a tackle, as was previously mentioned. 

It will be a penalty kick, which is likely to end in a goal if this occurs inside the penalty area.

Because of this, we advise that you always guard against your feet rather than using a slide tackle inside the penalty area.

Why Referee Show Cards While Tackling the Ball:

It is just like an open and shut case in soccer. You may get a yellow or red card in soccer tackle when you hit, injured, or contact the opposition players. It mainly occurs in slide tackles in soccer.

Yellow or Red Cards Due to Slide Tackle:

  • A player cannot be tackled from behind by a sliding tackle. A serious offense, such as a back slide tackle, may result in a yellow or red card.
  • As you tackle your opponent, retain both feet in the air. When both feet are in the air, excessive force is used, which can interrupt the game’s rhythm and result in injury.
  • The opposing player may be injured if you slide into them with your cleats or studs sticking out. Anytime you do that, a yellow or red card will likely follow.
  • If a defender loses the ball and comes in contact with the dribbler anywhere outside of the penalty area, a direct free kick may also result.
  • A yellow or red card could be issued depending on how severe of a hit was made during a tackle.

Faqs:

Q- What are the types of Soccer Tackles?

A- There are three basic soccer tackles.
Block Tackle.
Poke Tackle.
Sliding Tackle.


Q- Is tackles allowed in Soccer?

A- Yes, tackles are allowed in soccer. Moreover, you can do it as many times as you want.

Q- What are the Rules for Tackling in Soccer?

A- Rules for the tackle in soccer are clear, you do not have to hit, injured, or come in contact with an opposition player.

To Wrap it up… Tackle in Soccer

In conclusion, a soccer tackle is a strategy used by defenders to obstruct the offense. To move the ball away from an offensive player without committing a foul is the objective of a tackle. 

Many different situations can result in a foul, but the most obvious one is when a player slips into another without making touch with the ball. Any other contact can result in a penalty card, and every valid tackle requires the defender to reach out and touch the ball while in defense.

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    My name is Jack Wilson, and I'm a professional soccer trainer. My goal is to provide you with helpful soccer tactics and information on this website. We are accepting guest post and niche edits on socceriate.com contact me on [email protected] I will keep sharing best tactics, soccer information and soccer tips.

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