Checking (ice Hockey) - Types

Types

There are various types of checking:

Body checking

There are many different techniques of body checking. The most common is side checking, driving the shoulder, upper arm and hip and elbow, equally into the opponent to separate them from the puck. Using the body to knock an opponent against the boards or to the ice. This is often referred to as simply checking or hitting and is only permitted on an opponent with possession of the puck. Body checking can be penalized when performed recklessly.

Hip-checking

When a player drops to a near-crouching stance and swings his hips toward an opposing player, sending the opponent off balance, often falling to the ice. Mostly done up against the boards (see Brian Fleming for more information). A hit at or below the knees is considered an infraction in the National Hockey League, and called "clipping".

Shoulder-checking

The most common type of body-check, in which a player puts his shoulder into his opponent to muscle the opponent out of position. The elbow must be tucked in, or the player risks taking a penalty for elbowing.

Poke checking

Using the stick to poke the puck away from an opponent. Mostly done while the defensive player goes straight at the puck carrier and hitting the puck out of his possession before making physical contact.

Sweep checking

Using the stick in a sweeping motion to knock the puck away from opponents or deter them from passing.

Stick checking

Using the stick to interfere with an opponent's stick.

Forechecking

Forechecking refers to the skating done in the offensive zone, often to recover possession of the puck after a dump in or turnover.

Backchecking

Rushing back to the defensive zone in response to an opposing team's attack. Players often try to 'rub up' behind the player with the puck to bother them. At the same time they try to hit the puck away with their stick.

Cross-checking

The act of checking an opponent with the shaft of the stick held in both hands and with arms extended. This is illegal and earns a minor or major penalty depending on the severity of the infraction.

Lift checking

A player lifts or knocks an opponent's stick upwards with his/her stick followed immediately by an attempt to steal the puck. This may also be used by a defenseman to keep an opposing player from deflecting shots when both players are positioned in front of the net.

Press checking

A type of stick check used to stop or control the movement of an opponent's stick by placing stick pressure over the top of the opponent's stick.