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Tackling Drills Lower Ability — Tackle the Coach   Purpose of the Drill Encourage players to commit themselves to the tackle.   Steps Designate a 15-yard-by-15-yard square. Each coach has a soccer ball. Players try to pursue and tackle coaches. Coaches can call out the name of specific players, who then try to tackle. One point can be given for simply making any kind of foot contact with the coach's ball, or, for a higher ability group, the ball must be cleared out of the square to score a point.   Coaching Tips Do not tackle unless you are sure you will win the ball. This can be used as a fun exercise. Creates interest because players always like to beat the coach.     Intermediate Ability — One vs. One vs. One   Purpose of the Drill Assists timing of tackles. Increases friendly competition between players.   Steps Designate a 10-yard-by-15-yard square. Form groups of three; each group with one ball. One group plays, while other groups rest. Two players stand at one end with the ball. The third player stands at the other end. Player No. 1 dribbles and tries to get past No. 2 and over the end line. Player No. 2 must try to tackle and either regain possession of the ball or force it out of the square. If No. 2 successfully wins the ball, he/she dribbles against player No. 3. If  No. 2 is beaten to the end line by dribbler No. 1,  No. 1 turns around and dribbles against player No. 3. Award one point per successful tackle.   Coaching Tips Players must be encouraged to use correct technique. Playing game-like exercises encourages contact.

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