1. What Boarding Is All About
The term "boarding" in hockey refers to one player body-checking another player into the boards along the sides of the ice. Boarding is usually done by a defensive player trying to interrupt a scoring opportunity or to get the puck away from an opposing offenseman. Boarding in hockey also works to intimidate the other team and rile up teammates and fans. Some people consider boarding in hockey an unnecessarily violent part of the game, but it's an indispensable part of hockey.
2. Boarding Techniques
There are a few key boarding techniques that will make a boarding check hard-hitting and effective every time. Boarding checks are more effective when they're used as a surprise tactic; if the offenseman is preoccupied with clearing out the puck and doesn't see you coming, he won't be able to make any defensive counter-measures. Board players who are by themselves on the ice, not surrounded by teammates. This lets you deliver a your check and get away quickly. If your team is down a few goals, deliver a good boarding check to boost momentum.
3. Keep It Legal
As with all other checks in hockey, boarding checks that are clean and legal are always the way to go. To deliver clean boarding checks, keep your stick low and deliver the check with your forearms instead to avoid a high-sticking penalty. Only board players that are standing up, not kneeling or bending over. Board-checking a player whose head is close to the ice could result in serious injury like a concussion, eye injury or broken jaw. Aim for the opposing player's body straight on instead of hitting him at an angle to avoid risking a shoulder or arm injury.
4. Practice Proper Puck Control
Puck control is a key part of an effective boarding check. If you're boarding an offensive player who has the puck, knock the puck away from their stick using your stick or skate when you make physical contact. The other player will be so distracted by the impact of the that he won't be able to hold on to the puck, allowing your team to gain possession.
5. Boarding and Scoring
Boarding and scoring often go hand in hand; a boarding check can be a great way to open up scoring chances for your team. If an opposing player is trying to clear the puck out of their offensive end, deliver a solid check into the boards to knock the player off the puck so that your teammates can take possession. Since your boarding check caused the initial distraction, help your teammates out even more by using your momentum off the boards to check surrounding opposing players too. If one of your teammates is fighting for the puck along the boards, check the opposing player to let your teammate take possession.
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