Football Tips

These holidays should be used to train and improve your football. So get on outside, play a scratch match, hit the treadmill, kick a ball against a wall but don't play with your self, its much to messy.

Here's some professional tips from the Internet.

Defending

Containing an opponent - When containing an opponent you need to lower the center of your gravity by first bending your knees and then lean forward. You may also backpedal if your opponent starts to move sideways. Never run straight at your opponent as you will make it pretty easy for him to get around you. Instead, have patience and let him make the first move.

Block Tackle - This one is great for stealing the ball from your opponent while keeping your own balance. A block tackle is performed by first paling your non-kicking foot in a position that will make it possible to maintain good balance.

Then, just as your opponent touches the ball, you need to put your kicking foot quickly in the direction in which your opponent is moving. If you perform this tackle with determination and full concentration your opponent will not have a chance against you.

Poke Tackle - By using this type of tackle you will simply stab the ball away from your opponent. However, you need to keep in mind to use the foot that is currently closer to the ball. You can’t either expect to always gain possession of the ball as this method is little risky.

Slide Tackle - This one is very effective but can also be pretty dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. A slide tackle should be your last tackling option. For example, if you feel that you can’t reach the ball by using a poke or block tackle you may use a slide tackle.

Although this tackle may seem to be pretty easy to perform you should not lose the respect for it. Remember, a slide tackle should not be your first option when the opponent is approaching you.

Just remember Contain, Posture, Tackle, Angle

Containment: Never rush blindly at an opponent. When pressuring an enemy, stay between him and your own goal. Be prepared to move laterally with your opponent.

Posture: Bend the knees and stay on your toes when defending against an enemy. Always approach him at an angle. This will prevent the enemy from nutmeging you and even if he beats you will ensure that you can turn around quicker.

Tackling: Go in for the ball only when certain that you will get it. The best time to go in is when the ball is not close to his body (at the moment he dribbles or pushes it forward.)

Covering angles: When playing against a number of opponents, approach the ball carrier so that you are blocking his most immediate passing options