Watching this video collection of the world's best defenders putting in last-ditch tackles to stop the opposition from scoring provides brilliant tips on different techniques used.
You can see in many of the clips the sheer exuberance of congratulations and appreciation from their teammates. A great tackle is one of the best features of football matches. The drama of the unknown moment—will the attacker get free to shoot? Will the defender be able to stop them? It’s where, as a spectator, you hold your breath for that instant, and when the crunch tackle lands, there’s a release of tension. That’s the "oooohhhhh" noise of the crowd all at once—a collective release. It’s gladiatorial-like, exciting!
Technique
As you watch the video, pay attention to these actions:
Focus: The defenders are completely zoned in on the ball and where it is going to be. By judging this correctly, you can get your feet and body into the position you need to be in to execute the tackle and avoid missing the ball or fouling the attacker.
Near or far foot? The majority of the tackles you see in the video are sliding tackles, where the defender is either running directly backward alongside the attacker or coming from the side across the pitch to slide in. So, which foot should you use to play the ball? This all depends on your body and feet positioning and how much time you have to snuff out the danger.
You have to meet the ball where it is going to be, not where it is. Let’s say you are running back towards your goal alongside the attacker on his right side. He has just entered the D of the penalty area. You know that his next touch will likely be a shot with his left foot. Depending on your running stride, you have to make a choice:
Slide across him to meet the ball with your left foot (the nearest foot to him), which will push the ball away at an angle or
Take an extra stride to sweep your right foot across your body as you go to ground and kick the ball away firmly with your right foot laces—or even trap the ball under your foot and come away with it.
Composed aggression: Football is a physical game. These defender examples show power, strength, and a determination to win the ball.
Speed and timing: You have to get your feet and body into a position that is slightly ahead of the attacker, so that you have the time, as you slide, to reach the rolling ball. If you are behind the attacker and leap into the challenge, you won’t get there.
Practice
Watch Module 4: Defend and Dribble Technique Breakdowns in the One2Pro App.
Sprint forward with a ball and push it ahead of you. Get to a position where, as it’s rolling, you can collapse your legs and push it away with the nearest foot in a sliding action.
Do the same but sweep your furthest foot from the ball across your body as you slide and kick the ball sideways.
Have an attacker run forward with a ball and run alongside them, practicing both of the above techniques.
One2Pro:
The use of video with a coach review is fantastic for honing skills and performance. In our One2Pro online coaching app, "Techniques of the Stars" are broken down step-by-step for players to follow and practice.
Download and subscribe to work with your One2Pro coach on all 92 skills.
Be the One!
Aaron Tighe
Founder, One2Pro.
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