Athlete Readiness The beginner player will usually chase the ball or an approaching opponent and make some kind of effort to kick the ball away. The player is either tentative and may fear making tackles or is somewhat out of control and makes contact with just about everything, except the ball. The intermediate player can successfully focus, track and close down on opponents dribbling the ball. The player has the coordination to make good, strong contact on the ball, using the inside of the foot. However, this player will often fall for fakes from the attacking player. Teaching Tackling When an opponent has the ball, instruct the player to move quickly to close the distance to that player. As you near the player, slow down and concentrate. Focus attention on the ball, not on the opponents body. Key Words Go To The Ball

Do Not Let Them Dribble 1. When you see an opportunity to get the ball, make a firm strike with the inside of the foot. Get your weight behind the tackle. Do not reach in. 58 Special Olympics Football Coaching Guide Created: February 2004 Teaching Football Skills Tackling Key Words See Your Foot Strike The Ball 2. Be alert after you make contact. The ball will often run loose. Be ready to pursue it and gain possession. Counterattack quickly. Key Words Make Contact Then Make It Yours!

Major Types of Tackles 1. Front Block Tackle 2. Side Block Tackle 3. Ground Block Tackle 4. Sliding Tackle To win ball possession, all players, including forwards, need to be able to correctly execute these different tackling techniques. Players who do not tackle correctly will give away free kicks, increase their chances of getting hurt and generally improve their opponents attacking chances. Front Block Tackle When a defender meets an attacker head-on and with his body square to the ball, a player makes forceful contact with the inside of his boot, often at the same time as his opponent. The defender needs a sound base where his weight is transferred over and through the ball. The supporting foot must be next to the ball. The upper body must lean into the tackle, and the whole body works through the action. Steady and even pressure is applied, using the tensed-up leg muscles. Coaching Tips Keep eye on ball. Upper body weight forward.

Coordinate body movement. Apply maximum force, aiming to block the ball, rather than kick it. Side Block Tackle Use this tackle when an attacker has partially gone past a defender or when the defender tries to close down an attempted angled pass. This technique requires good balance, due to the block being made with an outstretched leg. The outstretched leg needs to be tensed to make strong contact with the ball. A stable base is required to quickly carry out the action. Finally, the overall timing is very important. Coaching Tips Keep eye on ball. Teach athletes to not sell themselves as the attacker. Feint to shoot or pass. Try to touch shoulder to shoulder before tackling, as this can help reduce the risk of tackling too far away and letting the ball pass by the players leg. Special Olympics Football Coaching Guide Created: February 2004 59 Tackling