There is a time for everything. In the same frame of mind, timing is everything.
The slide tackle is one of those elements of the game that has to be used to perfection. The success of a slide tackle is based on three factors:
The fullback, aka the left or right back, plays a very crucial role in modern day football. It is not to say that it never played a crucial role, it suggests that in today’s day and age, the fullback is given much more room to maneuver, but much more responsibility as well.
In the modern day 4-4-2 formation, the fullback has very little support from a defensive standpoint. Because the defense is arranged in a flat line and the two central defenders have the responsibility of marking the two forwards, the fullbacks are left to fend for themselves in many regards.