Checking is a fundamental skill in ice hockey that helps players establish position and control the puck. It involves using your body to disrupt an opponent’s play while maintaining your own balance and control. Practicing checking drills not only sharpens your technique but also enhances your overall gameplay. Here are three diverse and practical examples of checking drills that can elevate your skills on the ice.
Context: This drill is designed to help players learn how to angle their body effectively when approaching an opponent. By practicing this drill, players can improve their ability to force an opponent to the outside while maintaining their position.
To set up this drill, have two players on the ice, one acting as the checker (Player A) and the other as the puck carrier (Player B). Player B skates towards the boards, while Player A skates to intercept them at an angle, aiming to cut off their path. The focus is on using body positioning to minimize the puck carrier’s options without committing a penalty.
It’s important for Player A to stay low with their knees bent and to use their shoulder to initiate contact, ensuring they do it shoulder-to-shoulder. After the check, both players should reset and repeat, alternating roles.
Notes and Variations: To increase difficulty, introduce a puck for Player B to carry or have other players involved to simulate game situations. You can also change the angle of approach to help players practice different scenarios.
Context: This drill focuses on developing strength and technique when battling for the puck along the boards. It’s perfect for teaching players how to maintain puck possession while checking an opponent.
Set up two players at the boards, facing each other. On the coach’s signal, both players skate towards the boards, where they engage in a battle for the puck. The objective for Player A is to shield the puck while Player B tries to use their body to check them off the puck. Player A should focus on using their body to protect the puck and keeping their feet moving to maintain balance.
After a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 30 seconds), players switch roles. This drill encourages players to use their strength and technique effectively while fostering competitive spirit.
Notes and Variations: To add variety, you can allow one player to start with the puck or introduce a time limit for each session. Encouraging players to call out the score can also help keep the energy high.
Context: This drill combines checking with quick transitions to simulate game situations. It helps players learn how to check an opponent and quickly transition into offensive play.
To set this drill, divide your players into two lines at opposite ends of the rink. The first player in one line skates toward the other line, where a player awaits with the puck. As they approach, the checker must execute a check while the puck carrier attempts to evade. After the check, the puck carrier must pass the puck to the next player in line while the checker quickly transitions to offense and follows the play.
This drill should be done at game speed to help players get comfortable with quick decision-making and transitions. Encourage players to communicate with one another during the drill to enhance teamwork.
Notes and Variations: You can modify the drill by varying the distance between the lines or introducing additional players to create more chaos and realism, mimicking actual game situations.
Practicing these examples of checking drills for ice hockey will help players build the necessary skills to check effectively and maintain control of the puck. By incorporating these drills into your practice routine, you’ll gain confidence in your checking abilities, ultimately improving your overall game performance.