INTRODUCTION TO BODY CONTACT

Beginner Levels

A Publication Of The USA Hockey Coaching Education Program

The USA Hockey Coaching

Education Program is Presented By
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
USA Hockey Body Play Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Checking Videos/Manuals Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Beginning Body Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Points of Interest on Body Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Body Play – Pyramid to Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Types of Body Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Developing Checking Skills – Age Group Progression . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Steps to Total Team Defense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Teaching of Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
The Teaching Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Suggestions for Teaching Body Contact/Checking Skills . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Body Play Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Puck Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Body Play & Puck Protection Drills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
“Heads Up Hockey” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

CREDITS
Writers: Dick Emahiser, Gary Gregus, Bob O’Connor
Editors: Chuck Menke, Mark Tabrum
Layout & Design: Dana Ausec
Illustrations: Mike Curti, G.A.S. Productions (Spring Park, Minn.)

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Introduction To Body Contact
 LEGEND

FORWARD SKATING
SKATING with PUCK

BACKWARDS SKATING

PASS or DUMP IN
PYLONS
PIVOT

C
check BODY CONTACT
S STOP
PUCK

ii
 USA HOCKEY BODY PLAY COMMITTEE
Mark Tabrum Director, Coaching Education Program

Bob O’Connor National Coach-In-Chief

Matt Walsh Central District Coach-In-Chief

Mike MacMillan Minnkota District Coach-In-Chief

Dick Emahiser Minnkota District Associate Coach-In-Chief

Gary Gregus Minnkota District Associate Coach-In-Chief

Bob McCaig Southeastern District Coach-In-Chief

BODY PLAY COMMITTEE ADVISORS

Ken Asplund Alaska District Coach-In-Chief

Ed Herneisen Atlantic District Coach-In-Chief

Joe Mallen Massachusetts District Coach-In-Chief

Nick DeMarco Massachusetts District Assoc. Coach-In-Chief

Dan Esdale Massachusetts District Assoc. Coach-In-Chief

Jack Witt Michigan District Coach-In-Chief

Bill Switaj Mid-American District Coach-In-Chief

Jim Tortorella New England District Coach-In-Chief

Bill Corbo New England District Assoc. Coach-In-Chief

Tim Gerrish New York District Coach-In-Chief

Ron White Pacific District Coach-In-Chief

Dave Delozier Rocky Mountain District Coach-In-Chief

Dr. Alan Ashare Director At-Large

Ted Brill High School Section Director

Ken Martel Scouting Coordinator, NTDP

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Introduction To Body Contact
INTRODUCTION

USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program and its Body Play

Committee believe that providing coaches with the proper methods of

teaching body contact are the first lines of defense against injury.

We further believe that how to play with body contact should be

taught beginning in the 8-and-Under (Mite) age group and continuously

in a progressive manner through 10-and-Under (Squirt), before body-

checking is introduced at 12-and-Under (Pee Wee).There is a great deal

of body contact in all levels of hockey. Players need to know safe ways to

play along the boards, even if they are the only one near the boards. Body

contact (body blocking) is the concept of using leverage to play the puck

or puck carrier. Developed through drills and practice, contact

confidence allows a player to feel that he/she can successfully compete

in body contact situations. Having the skills and confidence to play in

contact situations is a primary and essential step to becoming an effective

hockey player.

Body checking, the physical separation of a player from the puck,

should be the last step taught in the progression of body contact skills.

(See the “Body Play Pyramid to Success” to view the four levels of body

contact development).

The Body Play Committee hopes this manual will help in teaching the

progression of body contact skills and make the game of ice hockey a

better and safer sport.

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Introduction To Body Contact
ACTION PLAN

“Body contact is separating the player from the puck, not the
player from the game.”
— Bob O’Connor, National Coach-In-Chief

In order to implement the first phase of a checking program, the

Body Play Committee strongly recommends that every local youth
hockey association conduct a workshop on body contact and checking.
Coaches, players and parents should be encouraged to attend this
meeting. At this meeting, the video tapes, “Heads up Challenge” and
“Body Play/Contact Versus Body Checking,” should be shown.
To follow up, every team should view the video, “Beginning
Checking.” Associations should provide ice time at the beginning of the
season specifically for the development of body contact skills and require
that coaches cover body contact skills at every practice.
The Body Play Committee recommends the following guidelines for
teaching body contact skills:
• Respect for the rules
• Having pride in exhibiting good sportsmanship
• Agility skating
• Angling concepts
• Stick checks
• Contact confidence through repeated skill development drills
and game experience
• Leverage of body blocking
The second phase of body contact skills is the teaching of body
checking which is discussed in materials developed for the Level 3
(Intermediate) Clinic.

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Introduction To Body Contact
 VIDEOS/MANUALS ON BODY PLAY & BODY CHECKING
USA Hockey Heads Up Challenge – Dr. Alan Ashare – Short
informational video aimed at showing players how to protect themselves
when playing along the boards.
Total time: 13 minutes
Available: Visit the “Heads Up Hockey” section on USA
Hockey’s web site at [Link]
You can get a complete multi-media kit for
$29.95 plus shipping and handling from USA
Hockey by calling (888) 222-2313
USA Hockey Officials Checking Video – distinguishes between
coincidental body contact situations and body checking situations. The
video shows examples of body play situations and then pauses to allow
time for discussion.
Smart Hockey Video – Mike Bossy – Identifies both proper and
improper ways of playing along the boards. Discusses the possibilities of
serious injuries when playing along the boards.
Beginning Checking Video – Canadian Hockey Centre of Excellence –
Introduces players and coaches to the fundamentals of body play that
include skating, contact confidence and stick-checking skills.
Body Checking Video – Canadian Hockey Centre of Excellence –
Continuation of “Beginning Checking” video which teaches all body-
checking skills.
Coaches Checking Handbook – USA Hockey – The handbook is an
illustrated text for coaches covering basic to advanced body contact and
body-checking skills.
Developing Defensemen Video – Matt Walsh – Series of two
[Link] first covers skill development including skating, puck control,
passing, shooting and different body checking techniques. The second
video incorporates defensive concepts with team play, including angling,
gap control, defensive positioning and one-on-one play.
To order this video contact Matt Walsh at (608) 758-7285 or
walee0514@[Link].

4 VIDEOS/MANUALS
BEGINNING BODY PLAY

“The objective of a body check is to separate the opponent from

the puck, not to separate him from consciousness.”
— Dr. Alan Ashare
Chair, USA Hockey Safety & Protective Equipment Committee &
President, Hockey Equipment Certification Council (H.E.C.C.)

Official Playing Rules Definition of Body Checking – A legal body

check is one in which a player checks an opponent who is in possession
of the puck, by using their hip or body from the front, diagonally from the
front, or straight from the side, and does not take more than two fast
steps in executing the check.
Legitimate body checking must be done only with the trunk of the
body (hips and shoulders) and must be above the opponent’s knees and
below the neck. If body checking is unnecessarily rough, it must be
penalized. (USA Hockey 2003-05 Official Rules of Ice Hockey).
A Misunderstanding of Body Checking – the phrase body
checking refers to only one phase of body contact. From now on the
correct term to be used is Body Contact.
There are four levels of body play:
1st line of defense ...... ANGLING
2nd line of defense ...... STICK CHECKS
3rd line of defense ...... BODY BLOCKS
4th line of defense ...... BODY CHECKS
Before one can teach team defense, one must teach all the skills
needed to perform all phases of body play.
Body play skills must begin to be taught at 8-and-Under (Mite). At
this early age, several important skills must be taught before actual body
contact can be introduced.
1. Skating
2. Angling
3. Stick checks
4. Contact confidence. Contact confidence is being comfortable
with incidental body contact – contact that occurs when
competing for a puck.

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Introduction To Body Contact
 5. Body blocking
6. Take out/rub out checks
7. Solid body checks
It is important that coaches teach this progression of body play skills.
This will allow players to enjoy the game more and will also make it a
safer sport.

POINTS OF INTEREST ON BODY PLAY

Five Common Components of Body Play
1. Skating Ability
– Speed & Quickness – in all four directions, and can change
directions quickly.
– Strength – strong legs and aggressive edges (“dig in”).
– Balance & Agility – remain in “ready position” to execute
various types of body play. Practice the skills of turning,
stopping, starting and pivoting.
2. Anticipation
– “Read” what the opposition is going to do and deliver the
correct body play technique.
– Preparation – know ahead of time what an opponent’s
tendencies are.
– Observing – when resting on the bench, watch your
opponents’ tendencies.
3. Positional Play
– Angling – force the opponent to go a certain way or
direction.
4. Head Up and On A Swivel
– Be aware of all of your options, see the entire ice surface and
do not have “tunnel vision.”
5. Body Position
– Being in the ready position.
– Resisting your opponents’ counter to body play.
– Understanding the position of your body when delivering a
body check.

6 POINTS OF INTEREST ON BODY PLAY

BODY PLAY – PYRAMID TO SUCCESS

BODY
CHECKS
Takeout
Pin
Shoulder
Hip

BODY BLOCKS
Picks and Screens
Impede progress of the opponent
Slow-down/Prevention

STICK CHECKS
Poke
Stick Lift
Sweep/Hook
Stick Press

ANGLING
Forecheck
Confrontation coming out of the corner
Backcheck
Open Ice Confrontation
Contact Confidence – Puck Protection
Skating Skills – Balance, Agility, Strength, Power & Speed

BODY CHECKS – 4th line of Body Play

BODY BLOCKS – 3rd line of Body Play
STICK CHECKS – 2nd line of Body Play
ANGLING – 1st line of Body Play

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Introduction To Body Contact
 TYPES OF BODY PLAY
Angling – 1st Line of Defense
• Do not allow your opponent open ice
• The basic fundamental to performing any body play technique
including forechecking, backchecking, open ice rushes and play
out of the corner
• The most important skill to be taught is skating
Contact Confidence
• Puck protection
• Taking a hit safely away from the boards
• When getting checked from behind near the boards
• When getting hit from the side when playing near the boards
Stick Checks – 2nd Line of Defense
• Poke Check – taught first, usually done skating backward
• Stick Lift – used in coverage, when backchecking and
approaching from the side or behind
• Stick Hook (Sweep) – approaching from behind and unable to
overtake the opponent
• Stick Press – typically executed in close, one on one
confrontations, usually in front of the net or along the boards
Body Blocks – 3rd Line of Defense
• Using the body to impede the progress of an offensive player
trying to get to a certain area of the ice (with or without
possession of the puck)
Body Checks – 4th Line of Defense
• Take Out (rub out) Check – first body contact skill to teach
– Technique of angling the opponent into the boards. This is
not a solid body hit
– Attacking with hips onto opponent’s gloves
• Pinning Techniques – containment skills
– Lasso Pin Technique – approach from behind, use your stick
and arms to surround the puck carrier’s body and press
against the boards
– Knee Bend Technique – approach from behind, press the puck
carrier’s body into the boards, put your knee in between the
opponent’s legs and press hard

8 TYPES OF BODY PLAY

 – Body Surround Technique – approach the puck carrier from the
side and behind, get your stick and elbows in front of the
puck carrier’s body, put your legs behind the puck carrier’s
legs, squeeze back with your elbows while pushing forward
with bent knee
• Shoulder Check – open ice contact
– The defensive team must outnumber the offensive team
when the defensive player steps up and makes an open ice
check
– High risk check, possibility of only partial or no body contact
with the puck carrier
– Opponent must be close enough so that only one stride
forward is required to make contact (gap control)
– Drive shoulder into opponent’s chest, do not lunge forward
• Hip Check – used mainly along the boards
– Difficult check to deliver, timing must be perfect
– When delivering a hip check, bend at the waist and turn hips
into the puck carrier’s stomach

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Introduction To Body Contact
 DEVELOPING CHECKING SKILLS – AGE GROUP PROGRESSION
8-AND-UNDER (MITE)
Area of Concentraion: balance, agility, skating, concept of
angling, assertive attitude, stick press, stick lift, poke check
Method: aggressive skating, obstacle courses, chase games,
challenge drills, relay races, cross-ice games, angling drills
Tactical Situation: allow enthusiasm to prevail

10-AND-UNDER (SQUIRT)
Area of Concentration: review all areas covered in 8-and-
Under (Mite), backward skating, concept of body blocking,
play along the boards, taking the hands away, forechecking,
concept of “taking the lane,” odd-man situations
Method: crossovers, backward starts, pivots, backward lateral
movement, partner drills, competitive drills, compete for
pucks in small areas, controlled takeouts, one-on-one drills
along the boards, one-on-one drills in offensive zone,
breakdown defensive responsibilities and cross-ice games
Tactical Situation: introduce one-on-one situations – forcing
the puck carrier wide to the near boards, open ice
(backchecking), play in front of the net, play in the defensive
corners, covering points, covering the slot

12-AND-UNDER (PEE WEE)

Area of Concentration: review all previously taught skills,
introduce body checking, defensive team play
Method: checking technique, drills for taking a check, drills for
giving a check, drills that address odd or even man situations
(one-on-one, one-on-two, two-on-two, two-on-one, three-
on-three, and three-on-two) and cross-ice games
Tactical Situation: body checking vs. containing a puck carrier,
support of the player who is attacking the puck carrier,
understanding of defensive zone coverages and breakdowns,
introduction of “team systems”

10 DEVELOPING CHECKING SKILLS – AGE GROUP PROGRESSION

14-AND-UNDER (BANTAM)
Area of Concentration: review all previously taught skills,
continued emphasis on defensive team play, development of
“team systems” with zone-to-zone continuity, transition
from offense to defense and defense to offense
Method: drills that teach player responsibilities in each zone,
drills that teach reaction and decision making when there is
a change of possession either way, cross-ice games
Tactical Situation: 5-on-5 play in each zone from zone-to-zone,
5-on-5 play situations where players transition from offense
to defense and defense to offense

18-AND-UNDER (MIDGET/HIGH SCHOOL)

Area of Concentration: review and training is based on the
individual skills, the team skills and the levels of play
Method: emphasis is on drills for game-specific responsibilities
of forwards, defensemen and the goalkeeper. Emphasis on
improvement of individual skills
Tactical Situation: breakdowns, transition, implementation of
several “team systems” to be used (i.e., forechecks, defensive
zone coverages, specialty teams)

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Introduction To Body Contact
 STEPS TO TOTAL TEAM DEFENSE

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12 STEPS TO TOTAL TEAM DEFENSE

TEACHING OF SKILLS
We can have all the knowledge and know all the drills, but unless we
consider the individual when we teach skills, we are missing a big part of
what we are trying to accomplish.
What should coaches do in order to develop the skills of their
players?
1. Demonstrate clearly
2. Use part-to-whole instruction
3. Introduce read and react concepts
4. Utilize good drills
A workshop can provide aspects of skill development, but only you
can provide the special interest and concern that each player will need.
1. Build confidence. At first, many players will struggle or have
difficulty. Encourage players to keep trying until improvement
takes [Link], the motivation itself will keep them trying.
2. Support. It is frustrating when a player struggles or is having
difficulty. It is the true coach who can continue to encourage that
player to keep trying.
3. Faith. Remember, players will believe in themselves more if they
know you believe in them. A consistent, calm, reassuring
atmosphere that encourages the attempt and celebrates success
will lead players to greater skill development.

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Introduction To Body Contact
 THE TEACHING PROCESS
Our objective in working with youth hockey players is to expose
them to effective methods of skill development. The outcome of that
objective is measured by how much the skill level of our players
improves. In order to attain significant outcomes for our efforts, coaches
must use effective teaching principles like those listed below:
1. Learning begins where the learner is and not where the coach
might hope him/her to be.
2. Too much detail only confuses – use the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple
stupid) method.
3. People learn at different rates and in different ways. Personalize
as much of your instruction as you can.
4. Repetition consolidates learning, provided the skill is repeated
correctly. Correction needs to be individual, short and positive.
5. Drills are great for skill development, but by themselves do not
ensure learning. Any exercise must be understandable and
meaningful to the learner.
6. Players tend to practice skill strengths. Coaches must be sure to
drill on weaknesses. Be positive with correction and reinforce
the attempt to improve often.
7. The battery of drills a coach uses must include “game situation”
type drills. In that way, the skill becomes meaningful within the
context of the game itself.

14 THE TEACHING PROCESS

SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHING BODY
CONTACT/CHECKING SKILLS
1. Body contact and checking drills should be a part of each and every
practice. During drills, emphasize the body contact/checking side of
the drill. Example: during one-on-one’s or two-on-one’s, work more
with the defensemen than the forwards on their responsibilities.
2. Make checking skills a priority for all players on your team – a
responsibility of every player. All players must backcheck, forecheck
and play the body, etc.
3. When introducing body contact and checking drills, especially for the
first time, perform the drill at half speed. Confine the offensive
players to ensure the success of the defender. As the defenders gain
success, make their job more difficult by making the drill more
competitive.
4. Use competitive drills that place skaters in the situation of “winning
the short races” to the puck. Develop drills that provide one-on-one
battles in confined areas and provide a shot on net for both players.
5. Develop drills that simulate game situations and reflect the tactical
systems that your players will be using.
6. Use video tape to evaluate and correct technical and tactical
mistakes. Be sure to use the video tape in a teaching manner and not
as a tool to criticize players. Identify errors with the purpose of
correcting them.
7. Most of all, remember that you are dealing with children. Body
contact, checking, playing along the boards and trying to dominate
someone physically may be something new to [Link] is a lot
of fear in thinking about being checked into the boards (if you don’t
think so, then it has never happened to you). If you want to make
someone more assertive on the ice, do it by having them realize
success in a physical situation. Shaming a person or questioning their
courage will do little more than damage their self-worth and self-
esteem.

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Introduction To Body Contact
 BODY PLAY SKILLS

ANGLING
Objective
• Basic fundamental to performing any type of body play skill
• Force opponent in a certain direction
• To prevent the opponent from getting to open ice; to contain the
opponent to the outside of the rink
Teaching Points
• Forechecking – when the puck carrier comes from behind the net, be
slightly behind your opponent until he/she clears the net
– Quick acceleration is important once the puck carrier is
contained
– Continue skating when making body contact with your opponent
• Backchecking – when skating alongside your opponent, be slightly in
front of him/her.
– Always have your stick in the passing lane of the opponent you
are covering
– Contain your opponent to the outside. Don’t allow your
opponent to cut into the middle of the open ice
• Skating Backward – force the puck carrier to go to the outside by lining
your outside shoulder up with your opponent’s inside shoulder.
– Maintain proper “sitting in chair” stance, with one hand on your
stick
– Keep your body between your opponent and the net
– Maintain a tight gap between you and your opponent
– Once the opponent is committed to the outside,pivot outside to
“angle” the opponent toward boards.

Fig. 1 Angling

16 BODY PLAY SKILLS

 Common Errors
• Gliding when you’re at the side of your opponent
• Approaching your opponent “head on”
• Not accelerating once your opponent is in a contained area

STICK CHECKS
A. Poke Check
Objective
• To knock the puck off the puck carrier’s stick
Teaching Points
• Stick hand is held close to body, elbow bent
• Palm of hand down
• As the puck carrier gets within range, quickly extend the stick,
making contact with the puck
• Finish the check by sliding your stick between the opponent’s
legs and performing a body block check

Fig. 2 Poke Check

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Introduction To Body Contact
 Common Errors
• Stopping when making the poke check
• Lunging when making the poke check
• Not watching the body of the puck carrier
• Committing too soon
B. Stick Press
Objective
• To prevent the opponent from gaining control of the puck
• To prevent the opponent from receiving a pass or shooting on
net
Teaching Points
• Executed on one-on-one coverage situations
• Press your stick down over the opponent’s stick
• Use the back and shoulder muscles to create leverage
Common Errors
• Reaching with the arms
• Failure to move into the opponent with your body

Fig. 3 Stick Press

C. Stick Lift
Objective
• To take possession of the puck from the puck carrier
Teaching Points
• Lift the puck carrier’s stick in the shaft by using the blade or shaft
of your stick
• Lift with both your legs and arms

18 BODY PLAY SKILLS

 Fig. 4 Stick Lift

Common Errors
• Timing
• Reaching in too early with your stick
• Not moving into the opponent after the initial stick lift
D. Hook (Sweep) Check
Objective
• To sweep the puck away from the puck carrier when
approaching from behind
Teaching Points
• Stick shaft is extended along the ice
• Stick side knee is bent
• Stick blade flat on ice
• Use a “hooking” motion to sweep the puck away from your
opponent

Fig. 5 Hook Check

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Introduction To Body Contact
 Common Errors
• Timing
• Reaching in too early
• Not accelerating before reaching in to hook the puck away
• Not bending the inside leg when hooking the puck

CONTACT CONFIDENCE
A. Checked Into The Boards – Body Protection
Objective
• To protect the body when being checked while facing the boards
Teaching Points
• If at all possible, try to turn skates parallel to the boards before
contact is made
• If checked while facing the boards, distribute the force of the
impact over as wide a surface as possible, including putting your
stick and gloves on the glass to cushion the blow
Common Errors
• Not getting your stick and gloves up and spread out on the glass

Fig. 6 Protecting Yourself Along The Boards

B. Checked Along The Boards – Body Protection

Objective
• To protect the body when being checked while skating parallel
to the boards
Teaching Points
• Press your forearm and upper thigh (hip area) against the boards
• Avoid hitting the boards with the shoulder
• Keep a low center of gravity with your feet apart and knees bent

20 BODY PLAY SKILLS

 Fig. 7 Checking Along The Boards

Common Errors
• Standing too upright with your feet together (not having a low
center of gravity)
• Not having your body against the boards when contact is made
C. Checked Away From The Boards – Body Protection
Objective
• To protect the body when being checked in open ice
Teaching Points
• Keep a low center of gravity with your feet apart and knees bent
• Gain momentum by moving toward the checker
Common Errors
• Standing too upright with your feet together (not having a low
center of gravity)
• Trying to avoid the check by leaving your skates (jumping out of
the way)

Fig. 8 Body Protection Away From The Boards

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Introduction To Body Contact
 BODY BLOCK
Objective
• To impede the progress of the puck carrier in open ice situations
where a body check would be too dangerous
Teaching Points
• The purpose of this check is to slow down the puck carrier and
angle him/her toward the boards
• The checker must focus on the body, although a poke check is
often used to help slow down and steer the attack
• Keep a low center of gravity with your feet apart and knees bent
• Your outside shoulder is lined up with the center line of puck
carrier
• Keep your body between the opponent and the net
• You may have to use lateral movement skills
• Gradually skate backward to tighten “gap”

Fig. 9 Body Block

Fig. 10 Body Block Using Lateral Movement

22 BODY PLAY SKILLS

 Common Errors
• Being overly aggressive, trying to use a body check rather than a
body block
• Lifting the hands and elbows and striking the puck carrier above
the shoulders
• Not having a low center of gravity

BODY CHECKS
A. Take Out (Rub Out) Body Check
Objective
• The technique of pinching the opponent into the boards
• The skill of angling is very important in this check

Fig. 11 Take Out Check

Teaching Points
• Accelerate on an angle to slightly in front of the puck carrier
(checker’s hips are slightly ahead of puck carrier’s hips)
• Pinch the opponent’s hands and stick with hips
• Stick goes under the puck carrier’s stick
• Keep your feet moving
Common Errors
• Attacking the puck carrier’s body too aggressively with checker’s hips
• Checker starts to hit the opponent when even with the
opponent’s body (too soon)
• Not pinching the opponent’s stick off hard enough into the
boards with checker’s hips
• Checker doesn’t keep his/her feet moving allowing the player to
skate away

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Introduction To Body Contact
 B. Pinning Against The Boards
Objective
• To separate and contain the opponent off the puck during play
along the boards
1. Knee Pin and Body Press
Teaching Points
• Approach from the back side of the opponent
• Press the puck carrier’s body against the boards
• Hold the opponent’s body against the boards with a wide
stance
• Put bent knee between the opponent’s legs and press hard
• Bend knees and keep your feet apart (low center of gravity)
Common Errors
• Over aggressively playing the body into the boards
• Not maintaining a low center of gravity

Fig. 12 Pinning Against The Boards

2. Stick Lasso Technique

Teaching Points
• Approach the opponent from behind with a wide stance and
one hand on the stick
• The checker’s stick surrounds the puck carrier’s front side

24 BODY PLAY SKILLS

 • Press the opponent against the boards with a low center of
gravity
• Put hand not holding the stick on opposite side of
opponent’s body
• Hold the opponent’s body up
Common Errors
• Trying to “lasso” with your stick too far way from the boards
• Not maintaining a low center of gravity when pressing the
opponent to the boards
• Holding the opponent too long after pinning against the
boards
3. Body Squeeze Technique
Teaching Points
• Approach the opponent from slightly behind and from the
side
• The checker’s hands and elbows are in front of the
opponent’s body
• The checker’s legs are behind the opponent’s body
• Squeeze back with elbows and hands while pushing forward
with inside leg that is bent
• Outside leg is away from the boards as a brace
Common Errors
• Not having a brace leg out far enough from the boards
• Lack of upper body strength to squeeze the opponent
C. Shoulder Check
Objective
• Open ice check intended to physically knock the puck carrier off
the puck by use of the shoulder
Teaching Points
• The opponent must be close enough so that only one stride
forward is required to make contact
• The checker must focus on the chest of the opponent
• The checker needs to get his/her shoulder lower than the puck
carrier’s shoulders to gain leverage
• The checker should step forward and deliver the shoulder into
the chest of the opponent

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Introduction To Body Contact
 Fig. 13 Shoulder Check

• The checker’s back foot turns sideways to drive his/her body

into the opponent
• The checker must continue to keep his/her feet moving after the
initial contact is made
• The checker should try to put his/her stick between the
opponent’s legs when delivering the check
Common Errors
• Lunging at the puck carrier
• Looking at the puck rather than the body/chest of the opponent
• Extending the arms out in front of the body when delivering the
check
• Not keeping your feet moving through the opponent
D. Hip Check
Objective
• To physically knock the opponent off the puck by the use of a hip
check
Teaching Points
• The puck carrier must be committed to a course which he/she
will have difficulty changing
• Line up the opponent like a shoulder check
• At the last minute, the checker drops his/her head and shoulders
(bending at the waist) and thrusts hips into the stomach of the
opponent
• Keep the leg closest to the check bent
• The hip check is best used against the boards where you have
the puck carrier contained

26 BODY PLAY SKILLS

Fig. 14 Hip Check

Common Errors
• Poor timing will result in a complete miss

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27
Introduction To Body Contact
 PUCK PROTECTION
What angling is to the defensive side of body contact puck
protection is to the offensive side.
Puck protection is the ability of the puck carrier to protect the puck
from a defender who is trying to take it away. It is as simple as keeping
your body between the puck and the defender. It is different from
stickhandling and deking in that the puck carrier is trying to maintain
control of the puck, while stickhandling and deking are used to attack a
defender or the goal.
A player should protect the puck anytime he/she needs to create
time in order to find a teammate. It is most often used along the boards
where time and space are limited.

28 PUCK PROTECTION
SKATING DRILLS
“J” Cross-Over Start to Sprint
Objective: To develop the quick cross-over start when beginning a backcheck
Age Group: 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-Under (Bantam), 18-and-Under (Midget)
Organization of Drill:
a) Put a cone on the face-off dot in one end of the rink
b) Player X starts one stick length behind the cone
c) On the whistle, X does three quick forward cross-overs around the cone and
sprints up the ice to at least the far blue line
Competitive Option: Add a second player O at the bottom of the circle, and have a coach
with pucks at the far face-off dot. Place the puck on the dot, players X and O race for
the puck to get a shot on goal.

Circle Stop & Start & Turn

Objective: To develop quickness needed for forechecking by doing quick stops & starts for a
short distance
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
a) Start a player in every circle on the face-off dot
b) On the whistle, sprint forward to the edge of the circle and stop
c) Sprint forward back to dot and do a 90 degree turn and sprint to the edge of the
circle
Competitive Option: Coach may use the scoreboard. Horn sounds to begin the drill,
players try and finish the pattern before the time runs out.

S S

S S
S S
S S

S S

S
S
S
S S

S S
S S
S S

S S

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Introduction To Body Contact
 Partner Tag
Objective: To develop skating agility and the concepts of defensive coverage and
backchecking
Age Group: 8-and-Under (Mite), 10-and-Under (Squirt), 12-and-Under (Pee Wee)
Organization of Drill:
Players partner up and on the whistle, the X’s chase the O's.
a) Every time the whistle blows, the chaser changes, or
b) When the X tags the O, the chaser changes
Teaching Points: Players should skate hard to stay close to their partner

Pom Pom Pull Away

Objective: To develop skating and angling skills
Age Group: 8-and-Under (Mite) and 10-and-Under (Squirt)
Organization of Drill:
The object of the game is for X to tag all the O’s before they can get to the other end
of the [Link] the O’s are tagged, they become X’s and help in tagging the other O’s. Last
O caught gets to be the X to start the next game.
Teaching Points: For younger, less experienced skaters, set cones up for boundaries around
the boards and end.

30 SKATING DRILLS
 Four Directional Wave
Objective: To develop quick agility skating skills, moving laterally, forward and backward
Age Group: 10-and-Under (Squirt), 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-Under (Bantam), 18-
and-Under (Midget)
Organization of Drill:
a) Start three players across the ice near the blue line with a coach at center ice
b) On the whistle, players have to move forward, backward and laterally in the
direction the coach’s stick points

Forward, Backward, Pivot, Race to Puck

Objective: To develop your defensemen’s skating skills of forward to backward, pivoting and
quick acceleration to the puck
Age Group: 10-and-Under (Squirt), 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-Under (Bantam), 18-
and-Under (Midget)
Organization of Drill:
a) Have players in four lines, one at each blue line against the boards.A coach is behind
each net with pucks. Put a puck in each corner. Place two cones 15 feet apart at the
blue line and just below the hash marks of the circle.
b) On the whistle, players skate forward around the cone then backward to the cone
on the hash mark, pivot and race to the puck in the corner.
Option #1: Retrieve the puck and pass it quickly to the coach to win.
Option #2: Retrieve the puck and accelerate around the cone at the hash mark and shoot –
1st to score wins.

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Introduction To Body Contact
 Circle Directional Agility
Objective: To develop quick skating skills moving laterally, forward and backward
Age Group: 10-and-Under (Squirt), 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-Under (Bantam), 18-
and-Under (Midget)
Organization of Drill:
a) Start a player in every circle on the face-off dot
b) Player does the following skating skills to the outside edge of the circle: Lateral
cross-overs, forward to backward, backward to forward
Competitive Option: Use the scoreboard clock. Press the horn and start the clock. Players
try and complete all the moves before the time runs out.

32 SKATING DRILLS
ANGLE – STICK CHECKS – BODY BLOCKING OUT DRILLS
Angle Behind Net, Stick Check
Objective: To develop proper angling skills
Age Group: 8-and-Under (Mite), 10-and-Under (Squirt), 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-
Under (Bantam), 18-and-Under (Midget)
Organization of Drill:
a) O’s start in the corner with pucks, X’s start near the top of the circle on the same
side of the ice
b) On the whistle, both players go. O’s carry the puck behind the net. X’s force O's
behind the net and skate in front of the [Link] the puck carrier into the corner.
c) X’s can do a stick lift, stick press or take-out check
Option: Allow X’s to either confront the puck carrier before or after going behind the net.

Ccheck

Ccheck

Open Ice One-on-One Angling and Stick Lift

Objective: To develop the proper open ice angle and then deliver a stick lift check
Age Group: 8-and-Under (Mite), 10-and-Under (Squirt), 12-and-Under (Pee Wee)
Organization of Drill:
a) Put a cone at the bottom of the circle with pucks. Put three cones in an arc to teach
open ice angling.
b) O’s start with the puck and try to beat the checker to the red line.
c) X’s start in the neutral zone behind the last cone.
d) On the whistle, the race is on to see if X can open ice angle and execute a stick lift.
O accelerates quickly and tries to beat X with speed or break to open ice.

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Introduction To Body Contact
 One-on-One Race to Cone
Objective: To develop the skills of angling and stick checks
Age Group: 10-and-Under (Squirt), 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-Under (Bantam), 18-
and-Under (Midget)
Organization of Drill:
a) Use three cones. Put one cone on the face-off dot near the blue line, the second
halfway between the blue line & red line and the third below the goal line.
b) X is the checker and starts out skating backward. O is the puck carrier and skates
forward with the puck.
c) On the whistle, X contains O to the outside, pivots forward, angles the puck carrier
toward the boards and does a stick lift or stick hook check.
d) O is trying to get to the cone at the goal line with control of the puck.

Take Out Check Competition, One-on-One Block Out

Objective: To develop the skills of angling, take out check and blocking out
Age Group: 10-and-Under (Squirt), 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-Under (Bantam), 18-
and-Under (Midget)
Organization of Drill:
a) Two players partner up. A coach stands near the net with pucks, two cones are
placed near the blue line. One cone is 15 feet above the blue line and the other is
five feet inside the blue line.
b) On the whistle, O’s try and carry the puck behind the net, X’s angle the puck carrier
and perform a take out check.
c) Once in the corner, O’s skate behind the net, retrieve another puck and accelerate
up around the high cone, X’s skate behind net and accelerate up to nearest cone.
d) Play turns into a one-on-one with X trying to do a block out check.

Ccheck

34 ANGLE – STICK CHECKS – BODY BLOCKING OUT DRILLS

BODY TAKE OUT – STICK CHECK DRILLS

Take Out Check Weave

Objective: To develop the skills of angling and taking the hands out with the hip (start of take
out check)
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
a) Players pair up according to size.
b) The O’s and X’s will weave around the boards in one end.

C
check
C
check

Ccheck

C
check
C check
C
check

One-on-One Cross Ice, Poke Check

Objective: To develop the skill of poke checking while skating backward
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
a) O’s carry the puck cross ice going half speed. X’s start backward, one stick length
in front of the O’s.
b) Defensive players (X) slow down gradually while skating backward, when the puck
gets a stick length away, deliver a poke check, poking the puck off the offensive
player’s stick (O) and body blocking the puck carrier’s body.
c) Switch positions on the other side.

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Introduction To Body Contact
 BODY BLOCK OUT DRILLS

Mirror Weave, Battle for Puck & Shot

Objective: To develop the skill of moving laterally and block out check
Age Group: 10-and-Under (Squirt), 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-Under (Bantam), 18-
and-Under (Midget)
Organization of Drill:
a) O’s start at the cone at the bottom of the circle. X’s start at the second cone on the face-
off dot.
b) Coach with pucks is at the other end of the rink. Place the puck near the face-off dot.
c) On the whistle, O skates forward, weaving between the cones and the boards trying to
beat X. X skates backward and “mirrors.” X moves and blocks O from getting the puck.
d) If O gets the puck, he/she skates in and shoots on goal.

Shadow Crease Competition

Objective: To develop the skill of blocking your opponent from getting the puck
Age Group: 10-and-Under (Squirt), 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-Under (Bantam), 18-
and-Under (Midget)
Organization of Drill:
a) Put a puck in the goal crease, start O (offensive player) in the corner and X in front
of the net off the strongside post.
b) On the whistle, O tries to get the puck and score. X must maneuver O away from
the puck by angling, moving laterally and using body block techniques.
c) Let the drill run about 15-20 seconds.

✪
✪

36 BODY BLOCK OUT DRILLS

 One-on-One Dump In, Block Out Competition
Objective: To develop the skills of blocking out and moving laterally
Age Group: 10-and-Under (Squirt), 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-Under (Bantam), 18-
and-Under (Midget)
Organization of Drill:
a) O starts with the puck on the center circle, X starts on the blue line.
b) On the whistle, O skates around the circle and dumps the puck into the corner, X
skates forward close to the red line then pivots backward and challenges O to
dump the puck in the zone.
c) After dumping the puck in the zone, O tries to retrieve the puck, X uses lateral
movement and block out skills to prevent O from touching the puck.
d) Allow 15 seconds time limit. Blow whistle and both X and O race to the pucks. Each
player picks up a puck in the corner, goes up and around the cone and takes a shot
on goal.

Three One-on-One’s Across

Objective: To develop open ice one-on-one’s or “body blocking” skills.
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
Use cones to divide the rink into three [Link] X’s pass the puck to the O’s and then
skate [Link] O’s try to get past the far blue line; the X’s try to play the body or
prevent the O’s from getting across the far blue line.
Teaching Points: The defenders cannot lunge; they must keep their feet underneath them if
they expect to block the forward with the puck.

✪
✪

✪
✪

✪ ✪

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Introduction To Body Contact
 CONTACT CONFIDENCE DRILLS

Take The Lane

Objective: To improve shoulder-to-shoulder contact positioning in a battle for a loose puck
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
The players and cones are lined up as [Link] coach puts a puck about 10’ past the
third cone. On the whistle, X and O skate toward the [Link] must make contact with
each other before they battle for the [Link] objective is to carry the puck to the other
side of the [Link] battle for the puck should continue until the coach stops play.

Twigs Body Contact Drill

Objective: To improve safe, effective play along the boards
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
Players line up facing the boards even with the face-off dots. The player dumps a puck
softly by the boards and then circles/angles so that when they get near the boards, their
skates are parallel to the boards. The player picks up the puck and then skates past the
coach, who bumps them against the boards.
Teaching Points: Players should keep their feet moving as they are bumped by the coaches.
Players should turn to their right and left to get bumped going both ways.

38 CONTACT CONFIDENCE DRILLS

 War
Objective: To develop contact confidence in young players and to teach them how to shift
their weight when they are in checking situations.
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
Players line up on either side of the blue line as shown (the drill may be duplicated on
the other blue line at the same time). Players lock arms and then, while skating forward
must try to push their way into the other player’s territory. Stop them at the dots on the
other side of the rink.
Teaching Points: Players need to keep in good hockey position. If they lean forward, they will
fall down face first. Do not allow players to face each other and push.

Bump Back Drill

Objective: To develop contact confidence and proper body position when being checked; to
be able to play safely and effectively along the boards.
Age Group: 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-Under (Bantam), 18-and-Under (Midget)
Organization of Drill:
X’s and O’s are lined up as shown. On the whistle, O skates forward with X skating
behind. The coach blows the whistle again and O braces for a check by X. Whistles
continue to start and stop the drill. When X and O reach the other side of the ice, O
then begins checking X.
Teaching Points: The player being checked should brace and try to “bump back.” Look to
see that both players maintain good hockey position with head, chest, knees and skates
in good alignment.
Variation: Line up X and O as shown. O moves to the puck and protects himself/herself and
the puck from the check from X. Players start and stop on the whistle.
✪ ✪
✪ ✪
S S

USA HOCKEY
39
Introduction To Body Contact
 Corner Bump Drill
Objective: To develop safe play in contact situations along the end [Link] teach the lasso
checking maneuver when attacking a player from behind.
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
When the puck hits the boards, X and O race for the puck. Before touching the puck,
each player tries to make shoulder to shoulder contact with the other to bump their
opponent.
Teaching Points: Continually remind players that they should make shoulder to shoulder
contact to bump their opponent. The defenders should never, ever make contact
through the number on the backs of their opponents. Instead, they should steer to
the side of their opponents and then use their arm or stick to “loop” or lasso their
opponents from the side (preferably inside out).When first performing this drill, bounce
the puck away from the boards. Later, when players show you that they have a level of
control and understanding about what you want them to do, allow the puck to nestle in
closer to the boards.

40 CONTACT CONFIDENCE DRILLS

 Partner’s Bump Along the Boards
Objective: To teach players how to give and take a check along the boards (pre-checking
teaching to check the hands)
Age Group: 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-Under (Bantam), 18-and-Under (Midget)
Organization of Drill:
O’s line up against the boards at the blue line. X’s line up alongside them at the face-off
dot. On the whistle, X angles O and checks him/her using proper technique. (O uses
proper technique to take the check).The partners alternate checking each other around
the boards. Alternate direction to allow for checking with each shoulder.
Teaching Points: Checkers need to use their hips and shoulders, not their arms, to check.
The checker’s stick should lift their opponent’s stick and the outside skate should be used
to push the player into the boards, with control. Keep the head up. The player being
checked needs to keep the head up and turn the far shoulder toward the boards to
prevent shoulder injury.

Ccheck
C
check
C
check
C
k
ec
C ch
check

C
check
C check

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41
Introduction To Body Contact
 New Jersey One-on-One,Two-on-Two
Objective: This drill can be done to develop pre-checking skills or as a more complete
checking drill that includes body checking skills.
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
Designate an area of the ice.A puck is dumped in and the player tries to maintain control
while the player without the puck uses stick checks, angling and possible body checks (12-
and-Under and above) to gain possession of the puck. In the two-on-two drill, partners
try to maintain control of the puck, while their opponents use the skills mentioned and
have to decide when to support their partner in gaining control of the puck.
Teaching Points: Players need to be reminded to use proper checking skills. Stop the drill at
any time when illegal or dangerous use of the body or stick [Link] is a fun drill that
players should enjoy. For younger players, create a playing area away from the boards.

42 CONTACT CONFIDENCE DRILLS

PUCK PROTECTION DRILLS

Shadow Drill with a Puck

Objective: To develop puck protection skills and angling skills
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
Players pair off. The offensive player tries to maintain control of the puck, while the
defensive player tries to stay a stick length away or closer to the puck carrier. Alternate
roles every 30-45 seconds.
Variation: Perform the drill as shown, then when the coach blows the whistle, the chasing
player tries to take the puck away from the puck carrier.

Dot Tag with a Puck

Objective: To teach puck protection and contact confidence skills
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
Players pair off and alternate being on offense and defense. The object of the drill is to
maintain control of the puck while staying in the circle.

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43
Introduction To Body Contact
 Crease Tag
Objective: To develop skating agility and puck protection skills to move into the scoring areas
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
The offensive player (O) and defensive player (X) line up by the pylons as shown. O’s
objective is to skate the puck through the crease while maintaining [Link] defender
(X) tries to use body blocking and checking techniques (12-and-Under and above) to
keep O out of the crease.

One-on-One Into the Corner

Objective: To develop puck protection, contact confidence (“soft shoulder”) and angling skills
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
The offensive and defensive players are lined up as [Link] coach dumps a puck into
the corner (favoring the offensive player).The offensive player then tries to attack the net.
As he/she is near the boards, they may need to use tight turning maneuvers as they try
to avoid the defensive player.
Teaching Points: Remind the offensive player to not use the soft shoulder until he/she is
close enough to the boards so they don’t get injured should contact occur. Player “X”
should be reminded to try to stay square to the offensive player and to move in and play
the body (do not turn your back).

44 PUCK PROTECTION DRILLS

 One-on-One Out of the Corner

Objective: To develop puck protection, contact confidence and body blocking skills
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
O has control of the puck in the corner and X is positioned off the near post. On the
whistle, O attacks the net with X defending. O should use aggressive skating,
puckhandling and puck protection skills to get a good shot on net.

✪
✪

Two Cone Drill

Objective: To develop puck control and contact confidence skills. To develop body blocking
skills.
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
Two cones are placed across the [Link] object of the drill is to gain control of the puck
and then tap the cone with the puck (no long shots). As the cone is hit, the player picks
up the puck and attacks the other cone right away.

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Introduction To Body Contact
 HEADS UP HOCKEY
A program to decrease the risk of serious injuries due to contact
with the boards or other players
Basic Principles of Heads Up Hockey
• Rule One: Heads Up – Don’t Duck!
• Hit the boards or goal posts with an arm, a leg, or anything but
your head first.
• Skate into the boards on an angle to dig out the puck.
• Taking a check: Keep your head out of it. Keep skates parallel to
the boards, knees bent and a low center of gravity. Skate through
the check and get away quickly.
• NO CHECKING FROM BEHIND. It’s illegal, dangerous and bad
hockey.
• Wear a snug fitting, HECC-certified helmet in good shape, plus
full facial protection.
• Use a mouth guard every time you are on the ice.
1. If you think a player may have sustained a spinal injury, get help and
keep the player calm and immobile. After a spinal impact, look
for these symptoms:
• Pain in the area of the injury.
• Buzzing or tingling in the arms or legs.
• Loss of movement in the arms or legs.
• Radiating pain in the arms and legs.
2. After calling for immediate medical help, give care as follows:
• Ensure adequate airway and breathing.
• Observe the ABC’s: Airway, Breathing and Circulation.
• Reassure the player.
• Do not allow the player to move. Instruct the player not to move
and immobilize him or her to prevent motion, especially motion
of the head and neck.
• Keep the player warm.

Sideline evaluations for concussions

Use the following guidelines to help decide whether a player may
have sustained a concussion:

46 HEADS UP HOCKEY
 Orientation
Ask the player to tell you the time, the place, the players, and the
situation of the injury.
Concentration
Ask the player to tell you the months of the year backward.
Memory
1. Ask the player the names of the last two teams you have played
against.
2. Ask about the details of the game or practice in progress,
strategies, moves, plays, etc.
3. Ask the player to recall three words and three objects
immediately; and then the same three words and objects five
minutes later.
Areas/Drills to Cover When Teaching: “Heads Up” Hockey
1. “Angling In”
Skating into the boards at an angle means better puck control
and less risk of injury.
• Skating in on an angle affords players a better approach angle
to the puck, and by giving the body a better position to
accept impact with the boards, it allows players to keep
skating and gain control of the puck.
• When players skate into the corners at an angle, the risk of
hitting the boards with their helmets first is greatly reduced.
A leg or side or an arm will absorb most of the impact.
When demonstrating “angling in,” be sure to cover these points:
• Go in on an angle
• Keep a low center of gravity
• Keep knees bent, back straight, head up
• Absorb the shock over the widest possible part of your
body
• Keep your feet parallel to the boards
• Prepare forearms – hands – legs
• Lean into the impact
• Never hit the boards or glass with the tip of your shoulder
– it can cause injury
• Check over your shoulder to see where your opponent is

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Introduction To Body Contact
 Angling In and Retrieve Puck In Corner
Objective: To develop the skill of angling in to retrieve a puck in the corner, which allows the
player to keep skating and gain control of the puck
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
a) Set up two lines of players (O1, O2) at the face-off dots and a pile of pucks in O1’s
corner.
b) On the whistle, the first player in O1 line angles into the corner, picks up puck,
skates behind the net and makes a pass to O2 who has moved into the slot and
shoots.
Option: For age levels with checking, add a line X1 who try and catch O1 and angle them into
the boards.

2. “Hitting the Boards”

Good ways and bad ways to have a close encounter with a goal
post, the boards, or another player.
• Don’t duck
• Hit the boards with anything but your head first
When demonstrating, the best way to cushion an impact with
the boards is:
• With both hands on the stick if possible
• With arms out to create a three-part “shock absorber”
• To have players try to absorb the impact over as much of
their bodies as possible

48 HEADS UP HOCKEY
 Hitting The Boards
Objective: To develop an awareness when being checked or bumped into the boards
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
a) Set up two lines of players (X1, X2) at the face-off dots.
b) On the whistle, a player from each of the lines skates at an angle toward the corner
boards. The players should make contact with the boards and glass with their
extended arms, forearms, side of body and legs, but with no head contact at all.
c) The speed at which the players hit the boards must be managed, depending on the
skill level of the players.

Body Slide With Head Up

Objective: To teach players to keep their heads up when sliding into the boards
Age Group: All levels
Organization of Drill:
a) Start with four lines down behind the goal line at one end of the rink. Coach stands
near the center red line.
b) When the whistle is blown, the first player in each line skates to the top of circle
and slides either on their stomach or back with their head up. Have them imagine
the blue line as an impact with the boards.
c) Coach reminds players to keep their head up.
Option: When players are sliding, the coach holds up a certain number of fingers, players must
yell out the number.

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Introduction To Body Contact
 3. “Taking a Check”
What players should do when they see a check coming:
• Heads Up – Don’t Duck
• Keep your head out of it, take the impact with anything else
first
• Know where your opponents are, work on peripheral vision
and overall awareness
• Skate through the check, this provides a better chance of
maintaining balance and staying in the play
When demonstrating taking a hit, be sure to cover these points:
• Keep skates parallel to the boards
• Move out of the area quickly
• Keep your feet moving
• Use arms/legs as shock absorbers
• Keep feet apart, knees bent, low center of gravity
• No shoulder contact on the boards, if possible

Taking A Hit On The Boards

Objective: To learn to prepare for a check while skating close to the boards
Age Group: 12-and-Under (Pee Wee), 14-and-Under (Bantam) and H.S./18-and-Under
(Midget)
Organization of Drill:
a) Set up a line of puck carriers (O’s) in the corner and one line of checkers (X’s) at
the face-off dot.
b) The puck carrier (O1) moves up boards and skates through the check of (X1).
c) Emphasize heads up position to the puck carriers, keeping the legs moving with the
feet apart, knees bent and the stick down.
d) Stress contact with the shoulders, not the head, elbows, knees, stick or feet with the
checkers.

50 HEADS UP HOCKEY
4. “Giving a Hit”
Separating the puck from your opponent, not separating your
opponent from consciousness.
• Checking is just one part of the game, along with skating,
shooting, passing and puck handling
• Checking and body contact are not about intimidation and
not about inflicting pain and injury
• As a coach, the caliber and sportsmanship of your team’s play
is in your hands
• Put the emphasis on the right type of body play skill that
allows your team to get possession of the puck
5. Checking From Behind
Checking from behind is illegal, extremely dangerous and less
than courageous.
• It’s illegal
• Even a light hit from behind could inflict a severe head or
neck injury
• It exposes your team to the possibility of a major penalty

6. A Word About Reckless Play

• DUMB!!!
• This type of play does nobody any good
• It rarely results in a goal or a good play, and often ends up as
a penalty, an injury or both

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Introduction To Body Contact
52 NOTES
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