ICE HOCKEY CHECKING

Introduction:

Ice Hockey Checking is a physical act to deep the player in the opposite team in check. It is not considered a penalty. There are various methods of checking involved. They are:

• Body checking: This method involves the use of the shoulders or the hips to knock out the opponent, against the ice or the boards. This method is referred to as hitting or simply checking and is allowed only on an opponent, who is in the possession of the puck. Taking the method of body checking to the extreme limits is considered illegal. This method is not allowed in the female version of the game.
• Poke checking: In this method, the stick is used to poke the puck from the opponents.
• Sweep checking: In this method, the stick is used in the sweeping motion in order to knock the puck away from the rivals or stop them from passing it.
• Stick checking: The opponents stick is interfered with the help of the stick, in this method.
• Fore checking: In this method, the opponent’s puck carrier is pressurized.
• Back checking: Rushing back in the defensive zone is involved in this method.

Other checking methods include cross checking, lift checking and press checking.

New standards for Checking:

The national hockey league has instituted strict rules for checking from the 2005-06 season. This was done, in order to fundamentally change the method of play of the game of hockey. The result of this change has been the faster nature of the game today having higher scores than before.