Checking in hockey is a defensive technique used to impede an opponent who has possession of the puck. Here are 5 supporting facts about checking in hockey:
1. Legal technique: Checking is a legal maneuver in hockey as long as it is performed within the rules of the game. It is an integral part of hockey strategy and is taught at all levels of the sport.
2. Physicality: Checking adds an element of physicality to the game of hockey. It allows players to use their body to create space, gain control of the puck, or disrupt their opponent’s offensive play.
3. Types of checks: There are different types of checks used in hockey, including body checks, stick checks, and poke checks. Body checks involve using the body to block, separate, or knock an opponent off balance. Stick checks involve using the stick to knock the puck away from an opponent. Poke checks involve using the stick to disrupt an opponent’s puck control.
4. Checking zones: There are specific areas on the ice where checking is permitted. In the National Hockey League (NHL), for example, checking is allowed in all areas except the goal crease. There are also specific rules regarding checking from behind or targeting the head, which are considered dangerous plays and can result in penalties.
5. Strategic importance: Checking is an important aspect of the game because it can change the momentum and tempo of a match. A well-executed check can break up a play, create a turnover, or force an opponent to make a mistake.
FAQs:
1. Is checking legal in all levels of hockey?
Yes, checking is legal in most levels of hockey, although the rules may vary slightly depending on the league or age group. In some youth leagues, checking is not allowed until a certain age or skill level.
2. Can checking result in penalties?
Yes, checking can result in penalties if it is performed illegally. For example, checking from behind or targeting the head is considered dangerous and can lead to penalties or even suspensions.
3. Are there different rules for checking in women’s hockey?
In general, checking rules are the same for men’s and women’s hockey. However, some women’s leagues have modified the rules to limit physical contact in order to focus more on skill development and player safety.
4. Can smaller players be effective at checking?
Size is not the sole determining factor for being effective at checking. Smaller players can still use their positioning, timing, and technique to execute effective checks. Hockey is a sport that values skill, strategy, and athleticism, so size is not the sole determinant of success.
5. Is checking the only defensive technique used in hockey?
No, checking is just one defensive technique used in hockey. Other techniques include stick checking, body positioning, shot blocking, and defensive zone coverage. Checking is often used in combination with other defensive strategies to disrupt the opponent’s play.
6. Does checking always involve physical contact?
Checking does typically involve physical contact, but it doesn’t always have to be a forceful hit. Stick checks and poke checks, for example, involve using the stick to disrupt an opponent’s puck control without necessarily making direct body contact.
7. Do all players need to be skilled at checking?
While checking is an important skill in hockey, not all players need to be experts at it. Different positions on the ice have different roles and responsibilities, and some players may focus more on other aspects of the game such as playmaking, scoring goals, or defensive positioning.
BOTTOM LINE:
Checking is a legal defensive technique in hockey that allows players to impede their opponent and gain control of the puck. It adds a physical element to the game and is an important aspect of hockey strategy. While checking is an integral part of the sport, it is essential for players to execute it within the rules of the game to ensure player safety.
