Sliding tackles are a big part of soccer, and you can’t watch a game without seeing players sliding into one another!
While the nature of tackling has changed in recent years and is no longer as aggressive as it once was, slide tackles are still an important part of the game.
Below, we explain everything you need to know about the soccer sliding tackle, so you can execute them properly and don’t risk giving away a foul.
Are you allowed to do a slide tackle in soccer?
Yes, you’re allowed to do a slide tackle in soccer. The most important thing to remember is that you need to play the ball first, before the player. If you slide in and make contact with the ball first, you will have successfully reclaimed possession for your team. If you make contact with the player first, you will give away a foul.
What exactly is a sliding tackle?
A slide tackle in soccer is when one player goes to ground to try and win possession from another. They’re normally made by defenders who are looking to win back possession from a distance, and they’re often done at a fast pace.
For a slide tackle to be legal in soccer, a player must play the ball first before connecting with the player. Also, if ‘excessive force’ is used in a slide tackle, the referee is obliged to give a foul, even if the player wins the ball first.
In cases of excessive force, the referee will also issue a yellow or even red card, depending on whether the tackle endangered the safety of the opponent. In other words, timing is everything, making or breaking a slide tackle in soccer.
Can you use two feet in a sliding tackle?
If you go into a slide tackle with two feet showing, you’re very likely to be penalized by the referee. In fact, if you go into a slide tackle with two feet showing, it’s deemed to be dangerous and reckless, which may cause the referee to send you from the field of play.
After all, when you lunge into a challenge with two feet, you’re not really in control of your actions. You’re also much more likely to cause your opponent an injury, whether you mean to do so or not.
Therefore, it’s really important that you only go into a soccer sliding tackle with one foot showing, not two feet. You should also keep your studs down, as raising your studs towards your opponent is another sign of dangerous play.
When is a soccer sliding tackle a foul?
When executed properly, soccer sliding tackles are an important part of the game. Defenders who are skilled at slide tackles often have better powers of recovery than other players and are a real asset to their teams. However, a slide tackle is a foul when:
- The tackler makes contact with the player before the ball.
- The tackler uses ‘excessive force’ or jumps in with studs showing towards the player or ball.
- The tackler is deemed to be out of control by the referee, which may be due to the angle or distance from which the tackle is executed.
- The tackler commits the challenge with two feet.
As is the case with all tackles on a football field, the referee is the one that decides if it merits a foul or not. The referee then needs to decide if it was worthy of a red or yellow card, as we explain below.
Can you get a red or yellow card for a sliding tackle?
If the referee deems that a soccer sliding tackle has endangered an opponent, they may issue a yellow or red card to accompany the award of a foul. Most referees use a scale to determine the severity of a foul, which is how they will determine whether it’s worthy of a yellow or red card.
Ultimately, cautions and sending off offenses in soccer are down to a subjective decision made by the referee. This is often why there is controversy surrounding such decisions, as everyone has their own opinion on whether or not a card was merited.
But the key thing to remember with slide tackles is that you need to be in control of your actions and make sure you don’t use excessive force. If you follow these tips, you should be fine when executing a soccer sliding tackle.
Tips for making a soccer sliding tackle
Committing a slide tackle is a skill, particularly one that isn’t deemed as a foul. So, to help you perform a slide tackle to perfection, here are our top tips:
Only slide in if it’s necessary
When you commit a slide tackle, you essentially take yourself out of the game. If your opponent tricks you and you don’t connect with the ball, you’ve put your team in a sticky situation.
As such, you should first consider if making a slide tackle is necessary before going to ground in the first place.
Don’t dive in with both feet
If you make a sliding challenge with both feet, you will almost certainly give away a foul and are likely to be shown a red card by the referee.
As such, lead with one leg and keep your feet under control. If the referee thinks you’re out of control with your tackle, you will be sent from the field of play.
Always go for the ball
The main reason why you should perform a slide tackle is to win the ball back for your team. So, keep your eye on the ball and slide in to try and win it back.
While you might be frustrated or angered about something, you should never perform a slide tackle to seek retribution on your opponents. Doing so is regarded as dangerous play, and you will be punished by the referee.
Recap: Soccer sliding tackle explained
Slide tackles in soccer are an important part of the game and are 100% permitted. But you need to time them correctly and take the ball before your opponent.
If you mistime a slide tackle in soccer, you will commit a foul and may even be cautioned or sent off, which will cause your team no end of issues.