1. Forechecking Defined
Forechecking is when a hockey team pressures the opposing team that has possession of the puck. Forechecking is when one player checks or makes contact with the opposing offensive player with the puck and attempts to dislodge the puck, then another player providing support tries to capture the puck and create an offensive scoring opportunity for his team. If you have ever seen a basketball game, forechecking is the hockey equivalent of a full court press in basketball.
2. Timing is Everything
There are many factors that go into the timing of a forecheck. A hockey player must take into account the score of the game. You do not want to forecheck aggressively if you are ahead by multiple goals. The capabilities of the other players on the ice are another factor in forechecking. If a defenseman starts to forecheck but does not have a sufficiently talented player to support him, the forecheck play may be a waste of ice time.
3. Forechecking Basics
If you decide to forecheck you must have a support player in position to receive the puck. Then before committing the forecheck, you need to keep both hands on the hockey stick, maintain ice contact with the stick to make passing easier and lessen the chance of a penalty. The forechecker must also remain between the offensive player with the puck and the center line until the carrier is vulnerable to the check. All the while the forechecker should be talking to the support player.
4. Supportive Teammate
As a support player in the forecheck, always be aware of the puck position and make yourself available for a pass after the other player checks the offensive player with the puck. To make the play easier the support player should stay between the puck and the center line at all times during the forecheck. He should watch the passing lanes to try and intercept the puck and move forward for a scoring opportunity. Or if he is away from the play he should move towards the opposing net as soon as a teammate captures a loose puck and it appears there is a scoring opportunity.
5. Don't Overskate
Another key to being an excellent forechecker is to cut off all other available options for the opposing player, thereby forcing the puck loose and causing a scoring opportunity for the support player. Keep in mind that you shouldn't overskate the puck and leave a center ice pass open for the opposing offense. This can lead to a breakaway goal for the other team. Therefore, when you forecheck it must be under control but aggressive enough to change the puck position to your advantage.
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