Jim’s Intro to Body Checking
Hi folks, Jim here, the only commentator who once tried to lay a textbook body check during a game and bounced off the guy like I’d hit a refrigerator.
What is body checking?
Body checking is a defensive technique where a player uses their body to impede or dislodge an opponent who has the puck, usually along the boards or in open ice. It’s not about crushing someone; it’s about positioning, timing, and control.
How does it work?
Body checking relies on balance, angles, and timing:
- Proper Stance: Stay low, knees bent, and weight centered for maximum stability.
- Angling: Guide the puck carrier toward the boards or into your path to set up the check.
- Shoulder or Hip Contact: Make contact through the body’s core, not with arms or sticks.
- Timing: Hit as the puck carrier reaches the boards or just after gaining possession.
- Drive Through: Maintain momentum through the contact without overcommitting.
- Follow the Rules: Keep elbows down, stick under control, and avoid hits from behind or to the head.
How do you make good decisions with it?
- Pick Smart Spots: Body checks are most effective along the boards or in controlled open-ice situations.
- Don’t Chase Hits: Missing a check can take you out of the play entirely.
- Read the Puck Carrier: Anticipate their next move to line up clean contact.
- Control Your Speed: Overzealous hits can lead to penalties or injuries.
- Use It to Separate, Not Destroy: The goal is puck possession, not highlight reels.
How do you master it?
Mastering body checking takes technical instruction, repetition, and confidence-building. Players learn safe contact mechanics, angling drills, and how to absorb and give checks effectively. Strength training and edgework help maintain balance through contact.
What does it look like when done right?
A great body check looks controlled and decisive. The defender guides the puck carrier into a clean hit, dislodges the puck, and stays in the play, often leading to a turnover or breakout.
Commentator’s Corner
Jim’s Take
A textbook body check is like a door closing right as you walk through it. The puck’s gone, you’re stopped, and the defender’s already moving the other way.
Parent Tip
Emphasize safety and technique over brute force. Proper checking teaches respect for the game and keeps players safer.
Player Tip
Stay low, angle smart, and finish through the body, not the head or arms. Clean hits win puck battles.
A Final Thought
Body checking is about control, not chaos. Master it, and you’ll break up plays, win possession, and set the tone without taking yourself out of the game.
