Closing Down and Tackling in Youth Soccer Football. 
3rd September 2011

Closing an opponent down is as much about team work as it is the individual. Closing down an opponent to deny them space and time on the ball and forcing them into an error is an important part of the phase of play, however if that player has an easy out ball, the closing down will be worthless. l. 

When the ball is lost, it is vital to win it back by putting yourself into a position to make a block or a tackle. Closing down the player with the ball is the first crucial step to winning it back,. To make closing down work the whole team has to work together to force the opponent with the ball into an error.  

An opponent who has received the ball must be put under pressure immediately, to be denied any space or time to control the ball. However closing down  and diving in for a tackle are not the same things, and you must attempt to hold the player up and not give an opportunity to get past you. By holding the player up, use your body position to direct the player away from goal.  

When closing players down, approach them with a side on stance, with your strongest foot back. This avoids giving your opponent the chance to catch you off balance, and allows you to make a cleaner tackle.  

Tackling the ball is a technique they must be perfected with practice. A player who can tackle well, will win the ball cleanly without giving away a free-kick. A poor tackler often lunges for the ball, missing it and most likely taking the player instead.  

Diving in or sliding into a challenge often results in a mistimed tackle, leaving the defender on the floor and watching the play go by them.  

A good well timed tackle can be the difference between a good result or not. Tackling well is not about lunging wildly or attempting to hurt your opponent, and is about timing and attempting to win the ball cleanly on your feet.  

You must be aware of where your team mates are before you attempt a tackle, ensuring there is cover of you do not win the ball. Hold the player be closing him down and wait for the best opportunity to make a clean tackle.  

Once you have committed to make your tackle don’t pull out, because doing so often causes injury to you and possibly your opponent.  

Use a slide tackle sparingly and only use it when you are level with your opponent and have a clear sight of the ball. When block tackling ensure you use your side foot and you have your head over the ball to give extra strength. Having the right body position means you don’t have to be the biggest strongest player to make the best tackles.  

When closing a player down or making a tackle, be confident and don’t go in half-hearted.

Further Reading:

• The FA's Youth Masterplan

• FA Small Sided Football Guide

• FA Coaching Badges