Q&A for How to Slide Tackle in Soccer

It depends on the referees. Especially in the USA, referee's punish a lot the slide tackles. Always be aggressive towards the ball and never the player.

There are so many variables to consider here...Some instances require that you kick the ball to get it out of the defense and up the field.

Yes, keep your eyes open and on the ball and tackle the ball, rather than your opponent's feet.

Usually defenders don't use slide tackles, unless they have a good opportunity or it is to stop the attacker. So yes, defenders should us slide tackles, but not unless they need to. Also be careful of fouling people because it could result in a kick.

Wear long socks/thermals if it's cold. The slide tackles will work best when the ground is moist from recent rain.

Work with your teammates to initiate plays.

Clearances or clearing away the ball from an attack, intercepting the ball, and moving the ball up the field.

Slide tackles are generally only illegal if you come from behind and tackle or if you hit the player before you hit the ball, however sliding with two feet is going to make it harder to perform the slide in a way that is under control.

To clear the ball, it's best to make sure you're tackling the ball from your opponent without getting the man. It's best to use a standing tackle instead of a sliding tackle.

Attack as much as you can -- it's always dangerous to have that ball on your end so kick it forward.

Use a slide that looks like you could get hurt from it, when really you won't. Invite her to a game and try either a standing tackle or a sliding tackle, and if you can get up on your feet and possibly score, then she will surely be impressed.

If the grass is hard and patchy, you might get grass burns.

Try to be a few steps away. Remember, always target the ball and not the player, or you risk getting a foul.

If they trip over deliberately, they may be fouled for diving. But as long as it is accidental, it shouldn't be a foul.

When I slide tackle on hard surfaces, I always try to keep unclothed skin off the ground and keep my thigh in contact with the ground, as it's usually clothed by shorts.

No. Step on his/her heels/toes.

No. If you get caught pushing your opponent away when you aren't going for the ball, you may get carded by the referee. Instead of pushing an opponent that is crowding you, move around a bit. Your opponent will be focused on staying close to you and may lose focus on the game, which you can use to your advantage.

No, the same rules apply to the goalie as apply to everyone else.

Striking a player is a red card and you will have to be removed from the game.

No, you shouldn't do this. It could hurt him very badly.

You don't have to wear sneakers, but you can if you wish too. Using football boots is the most useful though, and it is what most football players use. Astros work just as fine too.

This is obviously a very difficult situation for a defender. It may be best in this case not to slide tackle, especially if doing so may mean you miss and run the risk of leaving the player on a 1v1 with the goalkeeper. Instead, keep applying pressure, and maybe look for a opening by a normal tackle, or simply wait to block the oncoming shot if you are sure you will fail to get the ball.