A Word on Slide TacklesI get lots of questions about slide tackles. Is it legal? How do you coach it? Is it safe? The slide-tackle is a legal way to dispossess an opponent of the ball. Some leagues and tournaments however will not allow slide-tackles. Check local rules for clarification. When it is allowed, a slide-tackle is legal if the challenging players makes contact with the ball first and does not slide from behind the player with the ball. A tackle or charge from behind is a foul.
When performed correctly, the slide-tackle is an effective way to win the ball. Some players will be able to do it, some will not. Some will be able to do it naturally, some will be able to learn the skill. Generally speaking, the slide-tackle is a last resort. Players should try to stay on their feet whenever possible.
There are several variations of the slide-tackle. In this article, I'll speak about the "hook" version. Here, the lower leg slides on the ground and the top foot challenges for the ball. The top foot strikes the middle or upper part of the ball and attempts to wedge it against the ground or against the legs of the dribbling player. The top of the foot (shoelaces) contacts the ball and the knee and the ankle are locked creating a hook around the ball. The tackle aims to put body weight and pressure behind the ball so that the dribbler's forward momentum carries him past the ball (or often the player will fall over the ball). After the tackle, the challenger will probably have the ball at her feet. She should quickly rise and initiate a counter-attack.
To coach the hook slide-tackle. Have players find a nice patch of grass. (A drizzly day is perfect for slide-tackle practice). Have them slide in front of a stationary ball several times. Most players have a strong or favorite side. Next have players roll or pass a ball forward and run it down, stopping it with a slide-tackle. Progress to where one player dribbles forward at half speed while the other players runs in from the side and attempts the tackle.
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