What Is a Tackle in Soccer?

A tackle is a defensive move in soccer and a poor one can result in a punishment.

Tackling in soccer is a key skill. / Eric Canha-Imagn Images

A perfectly timed tackle in soccer has the power to change the momentum in a game, especially when a team needs a big defensive play.

The term "tackle" in sport is most often associated with football, where players literally tackle each other to the ground to stop the other team from progressing down the field. The tackles are hard-hitting, brutal, and engage the full bodies of both athletes.

In soccer, though, tackles are wildly different. The level of contact between the opposing players is much less violent, and solely concentrated on the lower body. The best soccer defenders in the world, like Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, have all-but perfected the art of stopping a side's counter attack or making a game-saving play with a single, clean tackle.

So, what exactly is a tackle in soccer?

What is a tackle in soccer?

Almost! / Icons Sportswire/IMAGO

A tackle in soccer is when a player uses their feet to dispossess the ball from their opponent. They can be made while standing or sliding.

A successful tackle will result in the challenger gaining possession and/or the opponent losing possession. Any player on the pitch can challenge someone on the other team, but center backs and fullbacks are the most skilled at elite tackles.

What is a slide tackle?

A good tackle can make a big difference. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

A slide tackle is a type of tackle where, as the name suggests, the tackler slides along the ground to win the ball from an opponent.

Typically performed when the tackler is trying to dispossess a player who is running with the ball at speed, it requires precise timing and control to execute properly. The player will often extend one leg to make contact with the ball, using their body to shield against any potential follow-through.

When done correctly, a slide tackle can be a thrilling and impactful way to regain possession. They can, however, be very risky, and even dangerous.

What are the rules of tackling in soccer?

There are strict rules to tackling in soccer. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

There are, of course, rules to a proper tackle in soccer.

According to the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) Laws of the Game, a tackle is legal if the player wins the ball fairly and does not endanger the opponent’s safety.

Tackles must be executed with the intent to play the ball, not the player, and should not involve excessive force or reckless behavior.

If a player commits a foul tackle deemed to be "careless"––meaning they showed a lack of attention or consideration when making the challenge––the referee will award a free-kick. If the tackle is deemed "reckless"––when a player acts with disregard for the potential danger to the opponent––the referee will show a yellow card.

If a tackle is considered "serious foul play"––meaning it endangers the safety of an opponent or involves excessive force or brutality––the player who committed the tackle will be shown a red card.

Types of illegal tackles in soccer

Foul! / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

There are multiple types of illegal tackles in soccer.

Tripping occurs when a player intentionally or unintentionally trips an opponent, usually by blocking their legs. Tackling from behind, meanwhile, is dangerous and can result in a foul if the player doesn’t win the ball first.

Any tackle where a player's studs are showing is also considered hazardous. This type of tackle can result in cuts or damage to the legs, particularly if the studs make contact with the shin or ankle.

Two-footed tackles are perhaps the most dangerous of all illegal tackles, especially if a player leaves the ground entirely to commit one. This type of challenge significantly increases the risk of serious injury, as it is executed with uncontrolled force.

An infamous example of a highly illegal tackle in soccer is when Roy Keane made a brutal challenge on Manchester City’s Alf-Inge Haaland in 2001. Keane, angered by a previous incident with Haaland, deliberately fouled him with a two-footed tackle to the knee, resulting in a severe injury.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is a tackle a foul in soccer?

A tackle is a foul in soccer if it endangers an opponent, is reckless, or makes contact with the player before the ball.

What counts as a tackle in betting?

According to Opta, in betting, a tackle is credited when a player successfully takes the ball from an opponent in possession without committing a foul.

Are two footed tackles allowed in soccer?

No, two-footed tackles are not allowed in soccer as they are considered dangerous.

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