Checking refers to any defensive techniques aimed at separating the puck from an offensive player who is currently in possession.There are several different types of checks in hockey. The two main categories of checking are body and stick checks.
Body Checking
Body checking refers to any type of check that is initiated through contact with the body. Body checking is highly regulated at all levels of hockey because body checking is the root cause of most hockey-related injuries. Most youth hockey leagues do not allow body checking.However, body checking is allowed in leagues from high school to the professional level and is a vital part of the game.
Hockey players cannot be afraid to be physical. Physicality can be the reason teams win games.At experienced levels of hockey, every good defense will have players that are exceptional at body checking. Body checks can change the momentum of the game. First, fans love a great hit, and they will uproar loudly, raising team morale and energy.Moreover, an exceptional body check will cause a turnover. A quick change in possession can lead to tremendous scoring chances. Below is a list of legal body checks:
- Shoulder Checking
- Hip Checking
Shoulder Checking
Shoulder checking is the most common form of a body check. Shoulder checking is when a player leads with their shoulder when initiating contact with the offensive player.These types of hits can be quite vicious when they occur on open ice. Shoulder checks tend to happen when two opposing players are skating side by side.The defensive player will lean in with their shoulder to try and knock the offensive player off balance.
Shoulder checks can also be used as a recovery tactic to stop an offensive player from skating past a defender. The defensive player can nudge a player with their shoulder while the offensive player is skating by them. However, players must tuck their elbows in when shoulder checking, or they will be assessed an elbowingpenalty.
Hip Checking
Hip checking occurs when a defensive player is skating backward and forcefully thrusts their hip into an oncoming offensive player.Hip checks are harder to achieve because it is difficult for a defender to remain balanced. Hip checks usually occur along the boards when offensive players are pinched between the defender and the wall.Hip checks are considered a penalty when a defender aims at or below the knees. This will be called a clipping penalty by the referee.
Stick Checking
Stick checking refers to any attempt by a defender to separate the puck from an offensive player by using their stick.Stick checks may not have the intimidation factor that body checks have, but stick checks can be more effective in defending strategically.Stick checks allow defenders to keep space between themselves and the offensive player. Defenders have to be quick and agile to perform a successful stick check. Types of stick checking include:
- Poke Checking
- Sweep Checking
- Lift Checking
- Press Checking
Poke Checking
Poke checkingis when a defenseman uses their stick to jab at the puck controlled by the offensive player.Poke checks mostly occur when the defensive player is skating backward and the offense is attacking.It is key for the defensive player to keep their stick tucked on their hip when attempting a poke check.This position generates the most force and control.
Sweep Checking
A sweep check is when a defender sweeps their stick across the ice in a broad motion to try and swipe the puck away from a defender.Sweep checks are impossible to execute in a head-on battle because the defender will most likely trip the offensive player, resulting in a penalty. That is why sweep checks are often used by forwards who are approaching an offensive player at an angle.Sweep checks are also utilized to force a defender out of position.The sweeping motion of this type of stick check blocks passing lanes, hindering an offense's chances of scoring.
Lift Checking
A lift check is when the defender purposefully lifts an offensive player’s stick off the ice in a quick motion to steal the puck from underneath.This technique is hard to pull off, so a defender usually conducts it as a surprise. Lift checks mostly occur when the defender is trailing behind the offensive player.Lift checks can also be effective when two opposing players are chasing after a puck. The player who arrives a tad later may lift their opponent’s stick and steal the puck away.
Press Checking
The press check is when a defenseman presses their stick down upon an offensive player’s stick to disrupt their range of motion and steal the puck away.This technique is exactly the opposite of a lift check and occurs mostly in front of the net.When a player is approaching the goal, it is vitally important for the defense to limit their range of movement. Press checks enable the defense to slow down the offensive player and hinder their chance of scoring.
Illegal Checking
Illegal checks are types of hits that are banned from hockey leagues and result in penalties for the offender.Any form of body checking is illegal if a player does not have possession of the puck. Also, any hit above the shoulders or to the head will automatically be considered a penalty. Types of illegal checking include:
Cross-Checking
Cross-checking is when a defender holds their stick with both hands and uses the stick to hit the offensive player.Cross-checks are extremely illegal and can cause serious injury. A player can in no way use their stick to hit another player. If a player is called for cross-checking, they will typically be assessed a two-minute minor penalty. If the offender has been deemed to have acted with intent to injure their opponent, a major penalty or ejection will be assessed.
Boarding
Boarding occurs when a defender excessively shoves a defenseless player into the boards.This type of hit usually results in a player’s head being slammed into the boards.Since a defenseless player cannot prepare for impact, boarding can lead to a major penalty being assessed.
Charging
Charging is when a defender gears up for a hit by taking three or more strides or when a defender leaves their feet when hitting another player.Charging will be called when a player’s intent to hit is to purposefully cause harm. Depending on the severity, a minor or major penalty will typically be assessed for charging. If the charging is deemed to be especially dangerous and with intent to injure, a player may also be ejected from the game.
Elbowing
Elbowing is when a player checks an opponent with an extended elbow, which is an extremely dangerous play in hockey.Elbowing typically occurs when a player is attempting a check, but instead of leading with their shoulder, they lead with their elbow. In most situations, elbowing will warrant a minor penalty, but if a player has acted with intent to injure, either a major or match penalty can be assessed.
FAQ
What is tripping in hockey?
Tripping is a penalty in hockey where a defender uses their stick or any part of their body to purposefullycause an offensive player to lose balance by tripping their legs.Tripping results in an automatic penalty, since serious injuries can occur when players are tripped whileskating at full speed. Most often, tripping penalties occur during break-aways when a defenseman is trailing behind a player with the puck. A defender will purposefully trip the offensive player to limit a one-on-one scoring opportunity with the goalie.
What is hooking in hockey?
Hooking is a penalty in hockey where a defensive player uses their stick to tug at the offensive player and gain a positional advantage.Hooking is considered illegal and may result in varying levels of penalties. A penalty for hooking may also be called if a defender uses their hand to pull on the body or jersey of an offensive player.Hooking destroys the flow of a hockey game because a player’s movement becomes severely limited.
How do I teach the proper form of body checking?
Coaches must always stress the importance of safety when it comes to body checking.Body checking requires proper balance and stick placement.Players must learn how to skate backward before they are ready to learn body checking techniques. However, it is vitally important to teach hockey players at a young age to keep their heads on a swivel to be prepared for oncoming defenders.
When can you body check in hockey?
Body checking is only allowed when an offensive player is in possession of the puck.Hitting a player who does not have the puck will result in a penalty.Defenders can still annoy offensive players without the puck by blocking their intended path or lifting their stick.Also, a defender is allowed to hold their position or ‘box out’ an offensive player. This will hinder the ability of the offensive player to move around.
