Tackling

[ForsolongaRover]

What stood out in the FA Cup tie in which Grimsby beat Southampton was Grimsby’s tackling. All over the pitch they challenged for the ball and often won it back. Tackling all over the pitch is a feature of PL matches so the ball “changes hands” more often, enabling the side in the opponents half to regain the initiative. Rovers managed only 5 tackles in the whole of the Stockport game. That is exceptionally low even for us, but in all the most recent 4 games we have tackled less than our opponents.

There is a risk of injury of course, and a risk of incurring a foul, but back peddling until the opposition reach the outskirts of the penalty box also carries a risk. Those who study modern coaching may well be able to rationalise this, but it reminds me of what I find most boring about basketball. Goals, runs, tries etc., bring joy, but  the competitive element of sport is what provides the excitement in between, and there was more in the Grimsby performance in that game than 5 or 6 of Rovers matches.

I’m sure that a case can be made for backpedaling, but a more competitive attitude all over the pitch might help to restore some enjoyment. 

[roversdude]

I’m sure Lakin did that many on his own on Saturday
It’s a great point and with Lakin in the team a tactic we seem much better at.
Not sure of those stats though

[ForsolongaRover]

I got the stats from the OS - the match report includes a whole slew of them - much more extensive than the BBC ones. Compiling them may be difficult, but they should give general indications. I have noticed that some players, like Olowu, do more of it and getting it right must help in improving ball control skill and practising close control which is not a prominent feature in all of our squad.

[ravenrover]

The art and skill in tackling has gone out of the game, it has become virtually a no contact sport

[Campsall rover]

The art and skill in tackling has gone out of the game, it has become virtually a no contact sport

It has and the game is worse for it ravenrover. 
I miss some of those Alan Little, John Doolan tackles, they were part of the game. Hard but fair tackles nothing wrong with them.
Yes get rid of the tackle from behind, no problem with that but a full on tackle face to face, feet on the ground should be part of the game.
Trouble is now the players only wear slippers for boots so any contact with the foot is painful & the players just make it look worse with their pathetic antics.

[Spud]

The art and skill in tackling has gone out of the game, it has become virtually a no contact sport

It has and the game is worse for it ravenrover. 
I miss some of those Alan Little, John Doolan tackles, they were part of the game. Hard but fair tackles nothing wrong with them.
Yes get rid of the tackle from behind, no problem with that but a full on tackle face to face, feet on the ground should be part of the game.
Trouble is now the players only wear slippers for boots so any contact with the foot is painful & the players just make it look worse with their pathetic antics.

Agree, the one Oluwu got booked for the other week (Bradford game?) was a great, solid tackle, officials wouldn't have batted an eye ten years back.
As Dude says, Latin has been a great addition in that respect, great at putting a foot in, usually high up the pitch, & legally.

[ForsolongaRover]

Who remembers Wilcockson? He would run alongside a winger and time his intervention so well that the winger would rarely be felled - clean as a whistle! And instead of the big boot to clear the ball from the penalty box, he would often dribble his way out; nerve-racking, but usually successful!

Somebody suggested Grimsby would be right up there next season with their Cup winnings and like them, teams at all levels really ought to be working on improving these skills. PL refs now seem to have a policy of letting the game flow more and it surely adds to the excitement and entertainment value.

[eastender]

Opponents don't have to tackle us to get the ball back, we give it them back after about 3 passes anyway .

[EasyforDennis]

As I have said before. There is a reason why we are top of the fair play league. We don't get many yellow cards because we don't put many tackles in.

[ForsolongaRover]

As I have said before. There is a reason why we are top of the fair play league. We don't get many yellow cards because we don't put many tackles in.

Grimsby are 7th which is significant in a different way. It would be interesting to see the total number of tackles made team-by-team.

[i_ateallthepies]

Who remembers Wilcockson? He would run alongside a winger and time his intervention so well that the winger would rarely be felled - clean as a whistle! And instead of the big boot to clear the ball from the penalty box, he would often dribble his way out; nerve-racking, but usually successful!

Somebody suggested Grimsby would be right up there next season with their Cup winnings and like them, teams at all levels really ought to be working on improving these skills. PL refs now seem to have a policy of letting the game flow more and it surely adds to the excitement and entertainment value.

Captain, Stuart Robertson in that team was the best slide-tackler I think I've ever seen.