Essential Tips on How to Check in Hockey like a Pro

In ice hockey, checking is a physical maneuver used by a player to legally impede the progress of an opponent who has possession of the puck. Checking can be performed in various ways, including body checking, stick checking, and poke checking.

Checking is an essential part of hockey, as it allows players to disrupt the opposition’s offense and gain possession of the puck. It can also be used to intimidate opponents and create scoring opportunities.

There are several different types of checks that can be used in hockey. The most common type of check is the body check, which involves using the body to make contact with the opponent. Other types of checks include the stick check, which involves using the stick to poke the puck away from the opponent, and the poke check, which involves using the stick to jab at the puck and knock it away from the opponent.

1. Body checking

Body checking is the most common type of check in hockey. It involves using the body to make contact with the opponent. Body checking can be used to disrupt the opponent’s offense, gain possession of the puck, or intimidate the opponent.

• Types of body checks

  There are two main types of body checks: open-ice body checks and body checks along the boards. Open-ice body checks are performed when the puck carrier is in the open ice, while body checks along the boards are performed when the puck carrier is near the boards.

• How to perform a body check

  To perform a body check, the checker must first position themselves in front of the puck carrier. The checker should then lower their body and use their legs to drive into the opponent. The checker should make contact with the opponent using their shoulder or hip.

• Timing and positioning

  Timing and positioning are important aspects of body checking. The checker must time their check so that they make contact with the opponent at the moment the puck carrier receives the puck. The checker must also position themselves so that they can make contact with the opponent’s body, not their head or legs.

• Risks of body checking

  Body checking is a physical maneuver that can lead to injuries. The most common injuries associated with body checking are concussions, broken bones, and ligament tears.

Body checking is an essential part of hockey, but it is important to perform body checks safely and legally. Checkers must be aware of the risks associated with body checking and must take steps to minimize the risk of injury.

2. Stick checking

Stick checking is an essential part of hockey, as it allows players to disrupt the opponent’s offense and gain possession of the puck. Stick checking can be used to poke the puck away from the opponent, knock the puck away from the opponent, or tie up the opponent’s stick.

• Types of stick checks

  There are two main types of stick checks: poke checks and slap checks. Poke checks are performed by quickly extending the stick towards the puck and poking it away from the opponent. Slap checks are performed by swinging the stick at the puck and knocking it away from the opponent.

• How to perform a stick check

  To perform a stick check, the checker must first position themselves in front of the puck carrier. The checker should then extend their stick towards the puck and poke it away from the opponent. The checker can also swing their stick at the puck and knock it away from the opponent.

• Timing and positioning

  Timing and positioning are important aspects of stick checking. The checker must time their check so that they make contact with the puck at the moment the puck carrier receives the puck. The checker must also position themselves so that they can make contact with the puck, not the opponent’s hands or stick.

• Risks of stick checking

  Stick checking is a safe and effective way to check the opponent, but there are some risks associated with stick checking. The most common risk associated with stick checking is a slash. A slash is a penalty that is called when a player uses their stick to hit an opponent above the shoulders.

Stick checking is an essential part of hockey, and it is important to perform stick checks safely and legally. Checkers must be aware of the risks associated with stick checking and must take steps to minimize the risk of injury.

3. Poke checking

Poke checking is a defensive technique used in ice hockey to disrupt the opponent’s possession of the puck. It involves using the hockey stick to jab at the puck and knock it away from the opponent.

• Timing

  Timing is crucial in poke checking. The checker must anticipate the opponent’s movements and time their poke check so that they make contact with the puck at the moment the opponent receives it. If the checker is too early or too late, the poke check will be ineffective.

• Positioning

  Positioning is also important in poke checking. The checker must position themselves in front of the opponent and close enough to reach the puck with their stick. If the checker is too far away, the poke check will be ineffective.

• Angle

  The angle of the poke check is also important. The checker should angle their stick so that it makes contact with the puck at a downward angle. This will help to knock the puck away from the opponent and prevent them from regaining possession.

• Follow-through

  Once the checker has made contact with the puck, they should follow through with their stick. This will help to ensure that the puck is knocked away from the opponent and that the checker gains possession of it.

Poke checking is an effective defensive technique that can be used to disrupt the opponent’s offense and gain possession of the puck. By following these tips, players can improve their poke checking skills and become more effective defenders.

4. Timing

Timing is a crucial aspect of hockey checking. A well-timed check can disrupt the opponent’s possession of the puck, create turnovers, and lead to scoring opportunities. Conversely, a poorly timed check can be ineffective or even counterproductive, putting the checking team at a disadvantage.

• Anticipating the opponent’s movements

  One of the most important aspects of timing a check is anticipating the opponent’s movements. This involves reading the opponent’s body language, skating patterns, and puck handling skills. By anticipating the opponent’s next move, the checker can position themselves in the optimal spot to deliver an effective check.

• Reacting quickly to the puck

  Another important aspect of timing a check is reacting quickly to the puck. This means being able to identify when the puck is loose and moving quickly to intercept it. By reacting quickly to the puck, the checker can increase their chances of making a clean check and gaining possession of the puck.

• Delivering the check at the right moment

  The final aspect of timing a check is delivering it at the right moment. This means making contact with the opponent at the moment they receive the puck or are about to make a move. By delivering the check at the right moment, the checker can maximize the impact of the check and minimize the risk of injury to either player.

Timing is a complex skill that takes practice to develop. However, by following these tips, players can improve their timing and become more effective checkers.

FAQs about How to Check in Hockey

Checking is an essential part of hockey, as it allows players to disrupt the opponent’s offense and gain possession of the puck. However, checking can also be dangerous if it is not done properly. Here are some frequently asked questions about how to check in hockey:

Question 1: What are the different types of checks in hockey?

There are three main types of checks in hockey: body checks, stick checks, and poke checks. Body checks involve using the body to make contact with the opponent. Stick checks involve using the stick to poke the puck away from the opponent. Poke checks involve using the stick to jab at the puck and knock it away from the opponent.

Question 2: How do I perform a body check?

To perform a body check, you must first position yourself in front of the puck carrier. Then, you must lower your body and use your legs to drive into the opponent. You should make contact with the opponent using your shoulder or hip.

Question 3: How do I perform a stick check?

To perform a stick check, you must first position yourself in front of the puck carrier. Then, you must extend your stick towards the puck and poke it away from the opponent. You can also swing your stick at the puck and knock it away from the opponent.

Question 4: How do I perform a poke check?

To perform a poke check, you must first position yourself in front of the puck carrier. Then, you must jab your stick at the puck and knock it away from the opponent. You should angle your stick so that it makes contact with the puck at a downward angle.

Question 5: What are the risks of checking in hockey?

Checking in hockey can be dangerous if it is not done properly. The most common risks of checking are concussions, broken bones, and ligament tears.

Question 6: How can I avoid the risks of checking in hockey?

There are several things you can do to avoid the risks of checking in hockey. First, you should learn how to check properly. Second, you should wear proper protective gear. Third, you should avoid checking from behind or into the boards. Fourth, you should never check an opponent who is not looking at you.

Checking is an essential part of hockey, but it is important to do it safely and legally. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of injury and improve your overall game.

Conclusion: Checking is a physical maneuver used in ice hockey to legally impede the progress of an opponent who has possession of the puck. It can be performed in various ways, including body checking, stick checking, and poke checking. This article has discussed the importance of checking, the different types of checks, and how to perform them safely and legally.

Transition to the next article section: Now that you know how to check in hockey, you can start practicing this essential skill. With practice, you will be able to improve your checking technique and become a more effective player on the ice.

Tips on How to Check in Hockey

Checking is an essential part of hockey, as it allows players to disrupt the opponent’s offense and gain possession of the puck. However, checking can also be dangerous if it is not done properly. Here are five tips on how to check in hockey safely and effectively:

Tip 1: Learn how to check properly

The first step to checking safely and effectively is to learn how to do it properly. This means learning the different types of checks, how to position yourself, and how to deliver the check with the proper amount of force.

Tip 2: Wear proper protective gear

Wearing proper protective gear is essential for avoiding injuries when checking. This includes a helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and gloves.

Tip 3: Avoid checking from behind or into the boards

Checking from behind or into the boards is dangerous and can lead to serious injuries. Avoid these types of checks at all costs.

Tip 4: Never check an opponent who is not looking at you

Checking an opponent who is not looking at you is dangerous and can lead to a concussion. Always make sure that the opponent is aware of your presence before delivering a check.

Tip 5: Practice checking

The best way to improve your checking skills is to practice. Practice checking with a partner or against a wall. The more you practice, the more comfortable and effective you will become at checking.

Summary

By following these tips, you can improve your checking skills and become a more effective player on the ice. Remember, checking is an essential part of hockey, but it is important to do it safely and legally.

Transition to the article’s conclusion

Now that you know how to check in hockey, you can start practicing this essential skill. With practice, you will be able to improve your checking technique and become a more effective player on the ice.

Closing Remarks on Checking in Hockey

Checking is a fundamental aspect of hockey, enabling players to disrupt opponents’ possession and gain control of the puck. This article has thoroughly explored the concept of “how to check hockey,” providing insights into the various types of checks, their proper execution, and essential safety considerations.

By understanding the techniques described herein, players can enhance their checking abilities, contributing to their team’s overall success. It is imperative to prioritize safety, adhering to the guidelines outlined to minimize the risk of injuries. With diligent practice and adherence to proper form, players can master the art of checking, becoming formidable opponents on the ice.