Хоккей. Оборона: форчекинг : принципы

Forechecking

There are basically three situations when a team would apply forechecking pressure. The most common is when a team dumps or chips the puck in from the neutral zone and then tries to retrieve it while the opponent tries to break out. The second is when the offensive team takes a shot that creates a rebound and then they forecheck to get the puck back. The final forechecking situation occurs off a turnover. When the offensive team turns the puck over they now need to apply forechecking pressure to get the puck back. Essentially, there are six keys to successful forechecking pressure:

1. F1 (the first forechecker in) must get in quickly and establish an angle when pursuing the puck carrier. This will limit the options for the breakout team. Taking away time and space from the breakout team forces hurried plays and mistakes. The quicker F1 responds to the puck the less time the offensive team will have to make a play.

2. Once the puck is moved, F1 must recover to a high position above the puck while F2 or F3 responds to pressure the pass. If F1 follows through on the hit he must get off the check right away and move above the circles while observing where the puck is and what is happening.

3. Continue to pressure and recover, pressure and recover until the puck is turned over. The response of the second and third player is key to keep heat on the opposition and force a turnover.

4. If the defensemen are going to pinch (pressure down the boards), they have to get to the puck before it is under control. Pinching defense must read the play and anticipate when the pass is being moved up to the wingers on the boards. One forward must always be in a position to back up the D. Having the high forward in a position to back up the pinching defense will prevent odd-man rushes the other way.

5. Good forecheckers use their sticks to take away passing lanes. Keep it on the ice and in the right lane. The “right lane” is the one that leads to the best breakout option for the other team. Take this option away, or make it difficult to make the pass by having an active stick.

6. Finish hits when appropriate. Physical play on the forecheck often forces the defense to move the puck quicker next time. There are times when a hit is not the best choice. When the forechecker is within striking distance of the pass then continue to pressure the puck instead of hitting the first opponent.

Forechecking Systems

This section describes five forechecking systems that a team can use to get the puck back. Which one you use may depend on the level you are coaching. For example, pressure forechecks work well against younger teams who have difficulty making quick decisions or sequential passes. It will also depend on the risk you want to take as a coach. More conservative coaches like to employ a system where one player is in on the forecheck but all other players are above the puck. More aggressive coaches will have their defense pinching on a regular basis. Once again, the key is proper execution. Therefore, any of the five systems could be used from novice to pro.