When to Commit to a Tackle
Free Soccer Training video focused on when to commit to a tackle. At Online Soccer Academy (OSA) we make BETTER Soccer Players / Football Players through FREE soccer tutorials. We inspire athletes that if you Believe in it® and back that up with hard work, anything in life is possible.
This Video Covers:
How to Tackle a Soccer Ball - Soccer Players - Soccer Tutorial - Soccer Defense Techniques - Defensive Soccer Drills - Soccer Defense Drills - Soccer Defense - How to Defend in Soccer - Soccer Defender - How to Coach Soccer - Soccer Coaches - How to Play Soccer - Soccer Coach - Coaching Soccer
When to Commit to a Takle
This soccer tutorial will teach you how to commit to a tackle when an attacker is dribbling at you.
This video can be applied to all positions but it's mainly geared for defenders and midfielders.
Description
In a game there will be situations where an attacker is dribbling at you and there is 20 yards of space between you and him. Your coach may be shouting step up, the fans maybe shouting step up and win the ball or go to the ball but should you step up in that situation?
The answer is usually NO. Here's why. If an attacker is running at you full speed and you are running at full speed at the attacker, it's easier for them to run by you because you are going full speed one way and they are going full speed the other way.
The second and most important reason you don't want to step up is because if you step up you are conceding the space behind you. So if you step up, what happens behind you? You leave space for attackers to make runs in behind you and that is not a good thing.
Is an attacker at the halfway line, 20 yards ahead of you dangerous? Not really. Is it dangerous if a through ball is played into the space behind you to a forward running in the space you left open because you stepped up? Is that situation dangerous? Yes! Don't concede the space behind you for attackers to run into!
Think of the last pro game you watched. When you see an attacking midfielder dribbling at the back line and it's around the middle part of the field are those defenders stepping up to win the ball or are they dropping off? They are dropping off!
Equipment Needed
You need a partner, a ball and three cones. If you don't have a partner then simulate this exercise by yourself and imagine doing it in a game.
Exercise Player Can Do
Set up a start cone where the attacker is with the ball. The second cone should be 20 yards from the first. This is where the defender stands. The third cone is 20 yards behind the second cone. Attacker dribbles at the defender full speed. The defender continues to drop and looks around for other attackers making runs until he hits the third cone. Repeat for 2 minutes. Then switch with partner. We are trying to simulate a game situation in this exercise, not trying to win the ball.
Key Points
1. Drop off, don't step to attacker and concede space behind you.
2. Jockey backwards keeping your eye on the ball and your body open to the field, you should be at 60 percent pace. Your goal is to close the gap between you and the attacker without conceding the space behind you. If you run to fast backwards, there will be too much space for the defender.
3. Step up when the time is right! You can't back up all the way into your own goal and let the attacker have a free shot. When the attacker is near the 25-30 yard mark away from your goal, it's time to step up and try to win the ball.
What Player Could Be Doing Wrong
If players in a game are constantly running by you it's because you are running at them and diving in. Be sure you are moving backwards as they are running towards you. Now when they take off, you are already moving in that direction.
Bonus Tips!
The best defenders aren't the biggest and fastest defenders, they are the smartest! Don't get me wrong being big, fast and strong helps but those qualities only take you so far. Take pride in how smart you are at defending and how well you read the game!