Tackling and Defending & Football

May 13 2008 | Articles

As a skill in football, jockeying has absolutely nothing do with horses. Instead, it’s a useful skill that every player must learn.

Tackling is not the only means of slowing down your opponent or gaining possession of the ball.

With the use of jockeying, you can limit the time and space used by your opponent. Doing this will give your team mates the opportunity to regain their proper positions.

Jockeying step one

Position your body sideways. However, slightly open up your shoulders so you can create a barrier against your opponent. At the same time, this position will make sure that your opponent is always right in front of you.

Place your weight on your toes and keep your knees slightly bent. This way, you can easily change your body’s direction as you start moving towards the back.

Jockeying step two

Now, you must be on the ‘goal side’ while making sure that you are right in front of your opponent. To achieve this position, you should move backwards while turning on your back foot.

Jockeying step three

Add pressure to your opponent by maintaining about an arm’s distance from him. Create a natural barrier by ensuring that your arms are slightly outstretched. However, be careful not to push your opponent.

Block tackle

No matter what your position is, you must be able to deliver a tackle.
Once the opposing team has gained control of the ball, the obvious aim is for your team to regain possession.

While there are various ways to accomplish this, the block tackle is the best and most usual method.

To execute a block tackle, you must quickly approach your opponent and deny him space and time with which to manage the ball. However, you must not be too hasty or too serious since you may either be fouled or beaten by your opponent.

While waiting for the perfect opportunity to challenge your opponent, consider jockeying him.

In some instances, the opponent may easily commit errors as a result of the increased pressure on him.

Once you think you can effectively retrieve the ball, you can start preparing for the actual tackle. To do this, shift your weight forwards and use the inside of your foot to do the tackle.

Oftentimes, the ideal opportunity for the tackle comes when the opponent begins preparing for a pass. Or, you may attempt the tackle when the opponent begins trying to knock the ball past you.

Sometimes, the ball may get wedged in between your feet and your opponent’s. When this happens, place your foot under the ball, lift it and retrieve it.

Throughout the tackle, you must maintain firmness in your leg and ankle.

Once you start the tackle, be sure to fully commit to the technique since a lapse in any of the movements may cause you to get injured.

Sliding tackles

Given proper timing, the sliding tackle can be an extremely effective skill.
Although the technique may look really good, you must keep in mind that it should only be used as a last-ditch tackle.

The sliding tackle can also be problematic since it can render the defender temporarily motionless, and thus he will be out of the game.

If attempted without the proper timing, you may also get fouled. If you are within the box, you may get a penalty.

Football no longer allows players to tackle their opponents from behind. Therefore, you must make sure you tackle your opponent on his side, and when you are across his path.

Sometimes, you may have to run to your goal and your opponent may be ahead of you. If you want to tackle that opponent, you must place your tackling foot around the side of his body. Failure to do this will result in a foul.

While you are sliding in, try to hook or pass the ball with the use of the leg that is farther from your opponent.

Regardless of the tackle’s success, make sure you get up as soon as you finish the move.