A "flying tackle" is a football move in which a player jumps or launches themselves at an opposing player in an attempt to knock them to the ground. There are different terms used to describe this maneuver depending on the country or region. In rugby, it is known as a "scissor tackle" or a "spear tackle." In American football, it is sometimes called a "spear" or a "helmet-to-helmet hit." Some less aggressive synonyms for the "flying tackle" are "slide tackle," "sliding challenge," or "diving tackle." Regardless of the term used, these types of tackles can be dangerous and are often penalized by referees.