Hockey is an exhilarating sport, filled with speed, skill, and physicality. The fast-paced nature of the game, combined with its physical demands, creates an electrifying atmosphere for players and fans alike. One of the terms often heard in the rink is “finish the check.” But what does it mean to finish the check in hockey, and why is it important? This article will delve into the concept of checking in hockey and why finishing the check is a crucial part of the game. Understanding this element of hockey can enhance one’s appreciation of the sport’s strategic depth and intensity.
Understanding Checking in Hockey
Before we discuss finishing the check, it’s essential to understand what checking is in hockey. Checking is a defensive technique used to disrupt an opponent’s play and regain control of the puck. It’s a fundamental aspect of the game that involves physical contact, often with the aim of separating the player from the puck. Beyond just being a physical maneuver, checking serves as a tactical approach to gain positional advantage and control over the game’s flow.
Types of Checks
There are several types of checks in hockey, each with its specific technique and purpose. Here are some of the most common:
- Body Check: This involves using the body to hit the opponent, usually targeting the upper body, to knock them off balance or off the puck. Body checks are often used along the boards and in open ice to disrupt the opponent’s momentum.
- Stick Check: This involves using the stick to poke or sweep the puck away from the opponent without making significant body contact. Stick checks require precision and timing to be effective, often used by defensemen to negate the offensive threat.
- Hip Check: A more advanced move, the hip check involves using the hips to knock the opponent off the puck, usually near the boards. This technique is less common but highly effective when executed properly, often leading to turnovers and counter-attacks.
Each type of check requires skill and timing to execute effectively and legally. Players must be trained to deliver these checks within the rules, ensuring they provide the desired impact without incurring penalties.
What Does It Mean to Finish the Check?
Finishing the check refers to following through with your body check even after the opponent has passed the puck. This tactic is used to ensure that the opposing player is taken out of the play, at least temporarily, allowing your team to gain an advantage. The idea is to make sure the opponent feels the full impact of the check, making them think twice before returning to that area or making a similar play again. By finishing the check, players can establish a physical presence that can dictate the flow of the game.
Importance of Finishing the Check
Finishing the check is not about unnecessary roughness or violence; it’s about strategic gameplay. Here’s why it matters:
- Intimidation: A well-timed check can intimidate opponents, making them more hesitant and potentially causing them to rush their plays. This psychological edge can be pivotal, as opponents might alter their strategies to avoid contact.
- Fatigue: Consistent physical play can wear down opponents over time, making them less effective as the game progresses. This cumulative effect can be crucial, especially in tight games where endurance becomes a deciding factor.
- Puck Possession: By finishing checks, players can create turnovers, leading to more opportunities to control the puck and create offensive plays. This can shift momentum and provide the checking team with a tactical advantage.
The strategic use of finishing checks can alter the dynamics of a game, providing teams with a crucial edge in both defense and offense.
Rules and Regulations
While checking is a legal part of hockey, there are rules to ensure it is done safely. The National Hockey League (NHL) and other hockey organizations have strict rules about the nature of checks to prevent injuries. Understanding these regulations is vital for players and coaches to ensure fair play and safety on the ice.
Legal vs. Illegal Checks
- Legal Checks: These are checks that are performed within the rules of the game, targeting the opponent’s body without hitting the head or back. Legal checks are designed to maintain the game’s integrity while allowing physical play.
- Illegal Checks: These include hits to the head, checking from behind, or using the stick inappropriately. Such actions can lead to penalties, including minor or major penalties, game misconducts, or suspensions. Illegal checks are penalized to protect players from unnecessary harm and maintain the sport’s competitive fairness.
Understanding these rules is crucial for players to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of all participants. Coaches often emphasize the importance of playing within the rules to avoid giving the opposing team a power play advantage.
Techniques for Finishing the Check
Finishing the check requires proper technique to be both effective and safe. Here are some key techniques:
- Timing: Ensure you make contact as the opponent is playing the puck to avoid penalties for late hits. Proper timing maximizes the impact of the check while minimizing the risk of penalties.
- Positioning: Approach the opponent from the front or side, never from behind, to maintain legality. Good positioning ensures that the check is both effective and within the rules, allowing players to maintain control and balance.
- Balance and Stance: Keep your knees bent and core engaged to maintain balance and control during the check. A strong stance allows players to absorb and deliver hits effectively, reducing the risk of injury to themselves and others.
Practicing these techniques helps players execute checks confidently and within the rules. Mastery of these skills can enhance a player’s effectiveness on the ice, contributing to their team’s overall performance.
The Role of Finishing the Check in the NHL
In the NHL, finishing the check is an integral part of the game. It’s seen as a way to establish physical dominance and control the pace of the game. Many NHL players are known for their ability to finish checks effectively, contributing to their team’s defensive and offensive strategies. This aspect of the game is often highlighted in playoff hockey, where every play is crucial.
Famous Checkers in the NHL
Over the years, several NHL players have gained reputations as formidable checkers. These players use their physicality to their team’s advantage, often turning the tide of the game with a single, well-timed check.
- Scott Stevens: Known for his hard-hitting style, Stevens was a master of the body check, often changing the course of a game with his physical play. His ability to deliver impactful checks made him one of the most feared defensemen of his era.
- Dustin Brown: A modern-day power forward, Brown is known for his ability to finish checks and create space for his teammates. His physical play is a key component of his team’s strategy, often leading to scoring opportunities.
These players exemplify how finishing the check can be used as a strategic tool to influence the outcome of games and contribute to team success.
Conclusion
Finishing the check in hockey is more than just a show of physical strength. It’s a strategic component of the game that can influence the outcome by wearing down opponents, creating turnovers, and establishing a physical presence on the ice. Understanding and mastering the art of finishing the check can be a game-changer for players at all levels.
Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, appreciating the nuances of finishing the check adds a deeper understanding of hockey’s physical and strategic nature. As you watch or play the game, notice how finishing the check can shift momentum and open up opportunities for the team that executes it well. By grasping the importance and technique of finishing the check, players can enhance their gameplay and contribute to their team’s success in meaningful ways.