Slide Tackle In Soccer
What is slide tackle in soccer?
A slide tackle is a type of tackle in soccer used by a player to get possession of the ball for their team. The player performing the tackle will slide into the ball while it is possessed by an opposing player, but they must be careful not to do so from behind or they risk getting a yellow card. They could even risk a red card if they make contact with anything other than the ball first or make an especially reckless tackle.
Slide Tackle Pros and Cons
A slide tackle is when a player goes into a feet first slide towards the ball, with the goal of completing a successful tackle. The benefits of this over a regular tackle are that:
- The tackler, if successful, is able to tackle even if the attacker is larger than the defender.
- The tackler, if successful, is able to tackle without making contact with the other player.
However, any slide tackle is risky as any contact with their cleats on something other than the ball can be called a foul and often results in a card. The punishment for poorly timed or malicious slide tackles is often a card because it puts the attacking player at risk for injury.
FAQ
Is a slide tackle a legal move in soccer?
While slide tackling is a legal maneuver, there are several ways that a slide tackle can move from legal to illegal territory. If a player does any of the following, the tackle can be called for a foul and given a card: 1) tackling from behind, 2) endangering the safety of the player with the ball, 3) making contact with the opponent before the ball, and 4) coming into contact with the opponent with a raised leg or cleat during the tackle.
Why can slide tackles be so dangerous for players?
Illegal slide tackles can be dangerous due to the high possibility of leg injury. If a player slides into another player and hits their ankle or knee, that player can very easily injure themselves. Ultimately, the rules that regulate slide tackles are in place to keep players safe and protected.