There comes a time when you have to tackle hard to make a statement. Momentum is often led by goals and near goals, but a tough tackle can turn the tide and lift the team as well. It's more about the intensity of the play than anything else that gets your team going.
When the time is right, get stuck in and make a tough tackle to get your team going. Older players on the team have to stick up for younger players if they're on the receiving end of a hard tackle. Also, the captain of the team has to set the tone and sort things out if the right tone’s not there. Sometimes this can be done with actions rather than words, and via getting stuck in.
Also, if one of your players suffers an unfair tackle, is pushed off the ball, or roughed up and the referee doesn’t call it, your team has to react, don’t let the other team intimidate you. This is true especially if one of your players is being targeted when they're playing well, say your team's skillful attacking midfielder, you have to snuff this out. Don’t put up with this. Show the other team that you can play tough but fair soccer.
A tough tackle can steer the direction your team takes from the start of the game. Let the opposing team know you’re there to play. This means winning any knockdowns or fifty-fifty balls and challenging any play. Show the opposing team that this isn’t going to be any stroll in the park. This is especially true if you're playing a team that's supposed to be better than your team say on paper, and who are used to waltzing through games with other teams laying down for them from the get go. Instead, work hard to win lose balls and get stuck in when you need to.
I’m sure if you add up all the stats on this you’d find that the team that’s winning the winning the knockdowns or the fifty-fifty balls ends up winning the game. Players have to challenges balls in the air and win the ensuing flicks that come from these challenges. If one player is playing tough defense the other players need to read the play and see where and how they can win the ball. Don’t wildly rush in to win the ball or recklessly foul another player, but read the play and see where you’re needed. Strive to play level headed but with some toughness to your game when it's called for.
Some of these challenges in the video below might be deemed unfair, but the point is that sometimes you have to make a statement with a tough tackle. The best kinds of tackles are ones that are fair but hard. You get most of the ball but maybe a bit of leg or body to let them know you're there. And, the best tackles are when you go in hard but fair and then you reach your hand out afterwards to help the player up. You know the play was a bit harsh but also just part of the game. Take a look at some of the tackles below.
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