Press A
Press A to slide tackle in the direction you’re moving. It is a very powerful defensive maneuver, but requires a lot of precision, especially when trying to hit a moving opponent. Yes, targeting opponents instead of the ball is a very perfidious and surprising tactic. For example try to predict when your opponent will pass the ball next, and knock down the pass receiver before the ball reaches him.
The slide tackle can be used also to “run” faster (without the ball), to score goals by going through the goalkeeper or to cancel precise shots.