Tackling

Block & Slide Tackle Technique

Perform a safe, firm block tackle

Tackling
Defending
Premium

Block & Slide Tackle Technique is a 12-minute tackling drill for 2-14 players, suitable for Under 10 to Adults at beginner, intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.

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Tackling
Defending
Technical Practice
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Duels
Technique

Duration

12 min

Players

2-14

Pitch size

15 x 10 yards

Ability levels

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Pitch diagram

Pitch set-up: Block & Slide Tackle Technique1215 x 10 yards

Block & Slide Tackle Technique — Pairs facing each other · 15 x 10 yards

Step 1 of 3Both players walk in and meet the stationary ball for a block tackle.

  1. 1. Both players walk in and meet the stationary ball for a block tackle.
  2. 2. Progress to a moving dribble against a jockeying defender.
  3. 3. Slide tackle technique demonstrated and practised without an opponent.
  • Ball
  • Pairs working across a marked lane
  • Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble

Objectives

  • -Perform a safe, firm block tackle
  • -Know when a slide tackle is the right choice
  • -Win the ball without fouling

Setup

  1. 1Two lines facing each other five yards apart.
  2. 2One ball between each pair, placed in the middle.
  3. 3Soft ground area used for any sliding work.

Coaching instructions

  1. 1Both players walk in and meet the stationary ball for a block tackle.
  2. 2Progress to a moving dribble against a jockeying defender.
  3. 3Slide tackle technique demonstrated and practised without an opponent.

Coaching points

  • -Inside of the foot locked, ankle firm
  • -Body weight through the tackle
  • -Time the tackle as the attacker touches the ball
  • -Slide with the trailing leg, never from behind

Common mistakes

  • -Soft foot that gives way on impact
  • -Tackling with a straight standing leg
  • -Sliding when a jockey would do

Where this drill fits

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