Jab Tackle Intro

When jabbing, the stick should make impact with the ball between the ball and the turf, causing the ball to pop up and away from the ball carrier. Use this activity to practice the technical grip, step, engaging distance and stick control to master this skill. Set-up: Set the ball up on the cone so that it is elevated from the turf. Players are set up in pairs - each set have a red and yellow cone with a ball on each side (Note: set cones up with enough space between pairs so you don't have to move them for the next drills). Coach should remind them to step with their left leg, and jab with their left hand. Engaging distance is one step and one stick away from the cones. Game: Coach calls out Red and both players jab at the red cone trying to be the first one to get the ball. As a progression, players can first jab, and then second win the ball and carry it back to their start position. See Coaching Points Below from FHC Community Coaching Course: Awareness of engaging distance: Not too close, but also not so far that the stick cannot reach the ball Grip: Open stick grip (like holding a frying pan), 2-handed grip to 1-handed jab and immediately back to a strong 2-handed set position Body must be low and agile, footwork to step toward the ball, arms relaxed and free from the body The action: The fake jab forces the attacker to put their eyes down, limiting their attacking options and making it easier for the defender to step back and win the ball with a second tackle Controlling space: The defender should use their body position to pressure the attacker and keep them to an outside space, not allowing the ball carrier to move in-field over the defender’s back hand