There are many reasons why hockey check up is important. A solid check on the ice means a less likely chance of an injury to a player or to the ice itself. Checking of the puck by an opponent is the most basic and fundamental of hockey activities. Checking requires that a player take one skate into the attacking zone with him and simultaneously apply the other two power shifts into the defensive zone. If the opposing defensemen take a hook shot, the checking defensemen must have both skates turn into the puck and apply the two pressure. Failure to do either of these will result in a penalty for slashing.
A hockey check is an attempt to get inside the other team’s ice without initiating a hit to the puck. The check takes place when a player, usually the checking player, approaches the puck from behind the hash mark or from the center of the ice. The checking player may not touch the puck with his stick or even his body. He may also step into the hash mark and still do the check but not actually touch the puck. When a player does initiate a hit to the puck it is called a “hit”.
Many players make the mistake of thinking that a hockey check is a minor hockey term. This is not true, though. A hockey check that results in a penalty is known as an illegal hit and it is called a slashing for the player who initiated the contact. Even if a slashing occurs, the other team is not spared since their sticks are usually also touched and they are given a penalty for slashing.
A legal hit that involves a defending player touching the puck-carrier or any offensive player making a sudden movement toward the puck-carrier is known as an aggressive play. The other team has the opportunity to defend their goal or attempting to clear the zone by staying near the boards. An illegal hit that results in a penalty for slashing will stay on the ice and will not be allowed for the rest of the period.
One way to avoid having too many infractions is to keep the play as fair as possible. Players should always attempt to stick handle the puck with at least one hand. If a player tries to stick handle the puck with two hands, the other team can step onto the ice and check. Checking without control of the stick is not allowed. Another way to avoid too many dangerous plays is to stick handle when moving towards the boards in normal skating actions. There is a fine line between controlling a situation and being too aggressive.
Many people think that a hockey check is a minor hockey term. While this is a recognized term in the National Hockey League, most leagues do not use this term. If a player does not check in accordance with league rules, he may be penalized with a game misconduct. Most major hockey leagues have rules stating that checking is permitted but not required. Playing a safe game and not causing too much damage is what makes hockey so exciting. Players know they have to clean up after they hit a player or they will receive a game misconduct.