Using the jab tackle like the legendary Barry Middleton

The jab tackle might not be so much in use lately, but take a look at the legendary England and Great Britain’s player Barry Middleton…
Middleton is the most capped English hockey international with more than 300 international games. Take a look at this short clip where we can see him using the jab tackle forcing his opponent to move backwards while protecting the ball.

Middleton’s left foot attacks the ball while he moves his left arm forward transferring his bodyweight. He is always in control of the tackle without exposing his feet and when the opponent runs out of space, he moves his body position to a two handed vertical tackle as the space has ran out and there is no need to keep on approaching with the jab.