What Is Forechecking In Hockey? - Gaimday

Hockey is a sport where teams are constantly battling one another for puck control and outscore their opponent.

In the NHL, teams that aren’t in control of the puck are expected to work their tails off to retrieve it.

In fact, players train hard on optimizing their game away from the puck.

These drills require teammates to work in unison with a breakdown of individual assignments for each player.

The end goal is to check your opponents off the puck, regain possession and go on the offensive.

There are two types of puck-checking tactics: backchecking and forechecking.

Let’s focus on the strategy you researched – forechecking.

What is Forechecking in Hockey?

Forechecking is a strategy employed by teams to regain control of the puck in the offensive zone. Teams will apply the forecheck following a rebound, on the dump-and-chase or an offensive-end turnover. It is considered a defensive tactic using checking to disrupt your opponent and separate them from the puck, while in the offensive end of the ice.

In a typical forecheck scenario, you’ll see anywhere from 1-3 players applying pressure in the attacking zone.

The main player is either chasing after a loose puck or hounding the puck carrier.

The other two players would be cutting off the anticipated pass recipient or cover a clear-out attempt along the boards.

In the past, those three forecheckers would unquestionably be the forwards on the team.

But in today’s game, you’ll occasionally see a defenseman (on the attacking team) go behind the goal line to assist in puck recovery.

In that case, it’s up to one of the forwards (usually the centreman) to cover for their out-of-position defense.

If you ever catch this scenario during a game, you’ll notice the defenseman retreat within a second or two if they can no longer be effective on the forecheck.

Forechecking Strategies in Hockey

Forechecking strategies are described using a number system, very similar to formations used in American Football.

These strategies are carried out normally in the offensive zone but are also employed in the neutral zone as well.

Furthermore, strategies are described as aggressive or conservative.

The conservative tactics are used when a team is trying to protect a lead, while the more aggressive tactics are used when trailing on the scoreboard.

The first number in the “forecheck number system” represents the player chasing after the puck.

When it is a three-number system, the middle value represents the secondary support to the primary forechecker.

The last number represents the players holding the line should the opposing team get the puck past the initial forecheckers.

Let’s take a deep dive into each strategy:

1-4 Forechecking Strategy

The 1-4 Forecheck Strategy is the least aggressive of all the strategies.

This system dictates that only one player pursues the puck in the offensive zone while the other players sit back and hold the line against a counter offensive.

The purpose of sending in one player only is to cause some annoyance to the puck carrier.

The intent is to have the forechecker slow down an offensive breakout, pressure the carrier in passing off the puck to a certain area of the ice or manage to gain puck control.

As a note, the odds of recovering the puck using the 1-4 Strategy are slim.

1-2-2 Forechecking Strategy