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The key elements in defending and tackling are mobility and making the opponent do what you want and not what they would like to do.
In the clips and demonstrations, notice how the players are constantly keeping their feet moving and maintaining their balance - this allows them to keep mobile and adjust their movements to their opponent’s.
On closing down and channelling don’t run directly at your opponent - this puts them in charge. Think about where you want to steer them, almost always away from goal, and close down on a curve to force them in this direction. Look around you (scan) to find out where your team-mates are as this can help you decide where you’ll steer your opponent. Look at how the players don’t get too close - you need a bit of space (a stick and a step) so that you can react to their movement and you need to stay side-on so that you don’t get caught flat-footed.
See how good strong tackles are made with a low body position and the weight towards the ball to give power. Jab tackles can be used to keep the opponent’s eyes on the ball - if they can’t look up, they can’t see if a pass is on. Also see how the player, having successfully made the tackle, tries to get the ball under control in the proper position as quickly as possible and looks for passes.
Key point for defending - channel lots more and don’t tackle until you’re sure it’s the right moment! |
