Teaching Checking

Checking is an essential skill in hockey for players playing both non-contact and contact hockey. Teaching the fundamentals of checking can not only help a player be better prepared to experience contact, but can also teach them how to check without body-checking. Properly developed checking skills can create opportunities in the areas of defense, puck possession, and scoring. As with all other hockey skills, checking must be taught in a progressive manner and routinely practiced. Coaches should commit practice time to teach the 4-Step progression.

The transition from non-contact to contact hockey can be very uncomfortable for young players, but if coaches are able to effectively put the building blocks in place, it means a smoother transition. The full Hockey Canada Checking course is included in the GTHL Development 1 clinic.

Below you can download the Hockey Canada-Checking Manual, download full practice plans for teaching all 4 progressions and take the online Hockey Canada Skills Checking program.

NCCP 4-Step Checking Progression Model

The NCCP checking model is based on the principle that checking should be taught in four logical steps. Each step builds upon the previous step and brings the hockey player that much closer to being able to give and receive body checks competently and confidently.

Remember, checking is a 4 Step Progression and Body Checking is the last step.

To access the Online Hockey Canada Checking Skills program 1.5hrs click HERE

Checking Manual: Introduction (PDF)

Step 1 – Positioning & Angling:  Angling can be considered the first line of defense for a player. Body and stick positions are important in checking without making contact. This section will examine angling as one technique of checking (Step 1) without making contact.
Checking Manual: Positioning and Angling (PDF)

Step 2 – Stick Checks: Stick checking may be considered the second line of defense as angling forces the opposition to a position where contact can be made with the stick.
Manual: Stick Checks (PDF)

Step 3 – Contact Confidence (Body Contact): Body contact is the third step in the progression and is used to gain separation, when a player positions his/her body between the puck and the puck carrier.
Checking Manual: Contact Confidence (PDF)

Step 4 – Body Checking (begins in U14): Body checking is the final step in the 4 step checking progression. A body check can be defined as body contact primarily caused by the movement of the checker. The checker uses their body for the purpose of stopping the attacking progress of the puck carrier and/or to separate the carrier from the puck.
Checking Manual: Body Checking (PDF)