In hockey, the term forechecking refers to actively trying to retrieve a loose puck from the opponent's defensive zone. Forechecking helps regain puck possession, creates scoring chances and even wears down the opposition, forcing defenders to skate and absorb heavy hits. Yet forechecking doesn't always have to be aggressive and physical. A passive forecheck also provides significant advantages.
Identification
In an aggressive forechecking scheme, the team will shoot the puck deep and then chase it down with two men. The first player in looks to eliminate the defender with a check or to force a turnover, while the second player offers support and tries to collect the loose puck. In a passive forecheck, the first player in the zone will only offer token pressure on the puck, instead looking to occupy ice and limit passing lanes. The second and third forecheckers also hang back in defensive positions.
Control
Hockey coaches employ passive forechecking to maintain greater defensive control. When multiple forecheckers race in to initiate contact, they become vulnerable to a quick counter or a bad bounce, catching them out of position and sending a scoring chance the other way. However, a passive forecheck keeps the puck in front of the forecheckers, allowing them to stay in proper defensive position and eliminate any quick counterattacks.
Turnovers
While aggressive forechecks attempt to actively force turnovers through pressure, passive forechecks create just as many turnovers, although in a different way. Passive forechecks keep players back in sound defensive positioning, clogging the ice and eliminating passing lanes. If the offensive team becomes too aggressive and attempts to force passes up ice, it will often lead to cheap, lazy turnovers. This is what occurs in a neutral-zone trap, where the first forechecker funnels the puck-carrier to one side of the ice while the other forecheckers hang back at center and trap him into a turnover.
Protection
Since passive forechecks stress defense and control, the opposition must be patient when trying to generate offense, costing them valuable time off the clock. Once a team gets a lead late in the game, a coach will often switch to a passive forecheck to protect the lead and kill clock. Critics complain passive forechecks try not to lose rather than win, but the tactic can be highly effective if properly executed.
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