In the world of ice hockey, the goaltender is the last line of defense for a team. They are responsible for stopping the puck from entering the net, and their performance can make or break a game. But what happens when the opposition’s goalie becomes too much of a threat? Can you ever check a goalie? This is a question that has been debated among hockey fans and experts for years. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the rules and strategies surrounding checking a goalie, and examine the pros and cons of this controversial tactic. So, get ready to lace up your skates and dive into the exciting world of hockey!
Understanding the Rule
What is checking a goalie?
Checking a goalie refers to the act of physically challenging the goalkeeper’s possession of the puck, usually by using a stick to knock the puck away from the goalie’s control. This maneuver is only allowed in specific situations and is governed by strict rules set by the respective league.
Definition of checking a goalie
Checking a goalie involves the offensive player targeting the goalie’s possession of the puck, with the intention of disrupting their control and gaining possession for the team. This is typically done by using the stick to knock the puck away from the goalie’s grasp, or by forcing the goalie to make a pass or save.
When it is allowed
Checking a goalie is only allowed when the goalie is in possession of the puck outside of the crease, and the offensive player is within the vicinity of the goalie. Additionally, the check must be made with the intention of playing the puck, and not with the intention of injuring the goalie.
Examples of checking a goalie
One example of checking a goalie is when an offensive player skates up to the goalie while they are in possession of the puck, and uses their stick to knock the puck away from the goalie’s control. Another example is when an offensive player jumps on top of the goalie, forcing them to make a save or pass the puck. In both cases, the goalie’s possession of the puck is challenged, and the offensive player is attempting to gain possession for their team.
The consequences of checking a goalie
Checking a goalie is a dangerous maneuver that can have severe consequences. The National Hockey League (NHL) has specific rules in place to prevent players from checking the goalie, as it can lead to injuries and alter the outcome of the game. Here are some of the consequences of checking a goalie:
- Penalties: When a player checks the goalie, they are likely to be penalized with a minor or major penalty, depending on the severity of the check. The referee will blow the whistle, and the goalie will be awarded a power play.
- Dangers of checking a goalie: Checking the goalie can lead to serious injuries, both for the goalie and the player who initiated the check. The goalie may be injured by the force of the check, or they may be injured while falling to the ice. The player who checks the goalie may also be injured if they collide with the goalie or another player.
- Examples of dangerous checks: Some examples of dangerous checks include:
- Tripping the goalie: This occurs when a player trips the goalie while they are moving or trying to make a save.
- Charging the goalie: This happens when a player charges the goalie, which is considered a dangerous play.
- Hip checking the goalie: This is when a player checks the goalie from behind, using their hip as the primary contact point. This type of check is illegal and can result in a penalty.
- Roughing the goalie: This occurs when a player roughs up the goalie or hits them after the whistle has blown. This is a penalty and can result in a game misconduct or an ejection.
It is important for players to understand the consequences of checking a goalie and to avoid engaging in this dangerous play. Instead, players should focus on playing defensively and strategically to score goals and win games.
Techniques for Checking a Goalie
Body positioning
When checking a goalie, proper body positioning is crucial to ensure a successful check and avoid injury. Here are some tips for successful body positioning when checking a goalie:
- Keep your head up: It’s important to keep your head up and eyes on the goalie while checking. This allows you to see the goalie’s movements and positioning, and adjust your body position accordingly.
- Stay on your feet: Try to avoid making a tackle or taking the goalie down to the ice. Instead, focus on making contact with the goalie’s body while staying on your feet. This will help you maintain control of the play and avoid injury.
- Use your legs: Use your legs to position yourself for the check. Keep your legs shoulder-width apart and use them to push off and make contact with the goalie.
- Use your stick: Use your stick to poke the puck away from the goalie and disrupt their play. Keep your stick on the ice and use it to make contact with the puck or the goalie’s body.
- Stay upright: Avoid leaning over or hunching over when checking the goalie. Keep your back straight and your shoulders squared to the goalie to maintain proper body positioning and avoid injury.
By following these tips for body positioning, you can successfully check the goalie and maintain control of the play. Remember to keep your head up, stay on your feet, use your legs and stick, and stay upright to avoid injury and make a successful check.
Stick handling
Proper stick handling is an essential aspect of checking a goalie effectively. It involves using the stick to gain leverage and control the puck while positioning oneself strategically in front of the goalie. The following are some tips for successful stick handling when checking a goalie:
- Positioning: The positioning of the stick is crucial when checking a goalie. It should be held at a comfortable height and angle, allowing for quick and precise movements. A lower stick position is preferred when attempting to block shots, while a higher stick position is ideal for passing and controlling the puck.
- Grip: A firm grip on the stick is necessary for maintaining control and accuracy during stick handling. The blade of the stick should be held firmly between the thumb and index finger, while the middle finger should be placed on the shaft of the stick.
- Movement: Efficient movement of the stick is crucial for effective stick handling. Quick and smooth movements allow for better control and faster reactions. Practicing stick handling drills can help improve coordination and muscle memory, leading to more efficient movement.
- Leverage: Using the stick for leverage is an essential aspect of checking a goalie. It involves placing the stick in a position that prevents the goalie from seeing the puck and making saves. The stick should be positioned in such a way that it obstructs the goalie’s view of the puck, while also allowing for quick movements to control or redirect the puck.
- Timing: Timing is crucial when checking a goalie. The timing of stick movements should be in sync with the movements of the puck and the opposing players. Being aware of the play and anticipating the next move can help with timing and allow for more effective stick handling.
- Puck control: Effective stick handling involves not only controlling the stick but also controlling the puck. Quick and precise movements of the stick should be combined with a good sense of timing to ensure successful puck control. Maintaining control of the puck while checking the goalie can lead to better scoring opportunities.
In conclusion, proper stick handling is a critical aspect of checking a goalie effectively. It involves positioning, grip, movement, leverage, timing, and puck control. Mastering these techniques can lead to improved performance on the ice and better scoring opportunities.
Timing
Proper timing is crucial when checking a goalie. Anticipating the goalie’s movements and executing the check at the right moment can disrupt the goalie’s ability to make saves and create scoring opportunities for your team. Here are some tips for successful timing when checking a goalie:
- Observe the goalie’s positioning and movements: Before attempting to check the goalie, watch their positioning and movements closely. Look for clues such as where they are standing, their body position, and how they move when a player shoots the puck. This information can help you anticipate the goalie’s movements and position yourself for a successful check.
- Timing based on the shot: The timing of your check should be based on the type of shot being taken. For example, if a player is taking a wrist shot, you may want to wait until the puck is close to the net before attempting to check the goalie. If a player is taking a slap shot, you may need to anticipate the shot earlier and get into position to check the goalie before the shot is taken.
- Use your stick: Your stick can be a valuable tool when timing a check on the goalie. Use it to poke the goalie or disrupt their ability to make a save. Be careful not to cross-check or use your stick in a way that could be considered dangerous or unsportsmanlike.
- Practice timing: Like any skill, timing takes practice. Spend time practicing your timing when checking the goalie during drills or scrimmages. This will help you develop your skills and improve your ability to anticipate the goalie’s movements.
By using these tips and practicing your timing, you can become a more effective checker and disrupt the goalie’s ability to make saves, helping your team to score more goals.
Angling
Proper angling for checking a goalie
Proper angling involves using body positioning and stick handling to maneuver around the goalie and gain access to the net. It requires careful planning and execution to be successful.
How to use body positioning and stick handling to angle effectively
To angle effectively, a player must use their body to shield the goalie from the puck while using their stick to control the puck and maintain control of the situation. This involves a combination of skating, stick handling, and positioning to create space and gain an advantage.
Tips for successful angling
- Start by identifying the weaknesses in the goalie’s positioning and use that information to plan your approach.
- Use your body to shield the goalie and protect the puck, making it more difficult for them to make a save.
- Keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings, looking for opportunities to pass or shoot.
- Stay patient and don’t rush your shot, taking the time to find the best angle and position for a successful shot.
- Be prepared to adjust your strategy if the goalie changes their positioning or reacts differently to your approach.
Goaltender interference
Goaltender interference is a penalty called when an attacking player makes contact with the goalie while they are in their crease, or when an attacking player interferes with the goalie’s ability to make a save. This penalty is called when the goalie is attempting to make a save and an attacking player makes contact with them or their equipment, or when an attacking player is in the crease and impedes the goalie’s ability to make a save.
Definition of goaltender interference
Goaltender interference is a penalty called in ice hockey when an attacking player makes contact with the goalie or interferes with their ability to make a save. This penalty is called when the goalie is attempting to make a save and an attacking player makes contact with them or their equipment, or when an attacking player is in the crease and impedes the goalie’s ability to make a save.
When it is called
Goaltender interference is called by the referee when they determine that an attacking player has made contact with the goalie or has impeded the goalie’s ability to make a save. This penalty is called regardless of whether the goalie is able to make the save or not.
Examples of goaltender interference
- An attacking player crashes into the goalie while they are in their crease, making it difficult for the goalie to make a save.
- An attacking player reaches out and makes contact with the goalie’s equipment, preventing them from making a save.
- An attacking player stands in front of the goalie, blocking their view of the puck and impeding their ability to make a save.
- An attacking player jumps on top of the goalie, making it difficult for them to move and make a save.
- An attacking player pushes or shoves the goalie, causing them to lose their balance and making it difficult for them to make a save.
Strategies for Checking a Goalie
Team play
The role of teammates in checking a goalie
Team play is a crucial aspect of checking a goalie. Each teammate plays a unique role in creating effective pressure on the goalie, and the team’s overall success depends on their ability to work together seamlessly. The following are some of the key roles that teammates play in checking a goalie:
- Forwards: Forwards are responsible for applying pressure on the goalie and creating scoring opportunities. They need to position themselves strategically around the net and work together to create a crowded area in front of the goalie, making it difficult for the goalie to see the puck and make saves.
- Defensemen: Defensemen are responsible for protecting the puck and keeping it away from the opposition. They need to be able to pass the puck quickly and accurately to their forwards, while also maintaining a strong defensive position to prevent the opposition from gaining control of the puck.
- Goaltender: The goaltender is responsible for stopping the puck from entering the net. They need to be able to react quickly to shots and passes, and be in the right position to make saves.
How to work with teammates to check the goalie effectively
To check the goalie effectively, teammates need to work together and communicate constantly. Here are some tips for successful team play:
- Communication: Communication is key to effective team play. Players need to communicate with each other about their positions on the ice, and their intentions with the puck. They should also communicate with the goalie to let them know when they are under pressure, and when they need support.
- Positioning: Players need to position themselves strategically on the ice to create effective pressure on the goalie. Forwards should position themselves around the net, while defensemen should position themselves in front of the goalie to block shots and passes.
- Puck control: Players need to maintain possession of the puck to keep the pressure on the goalie. They should pass the puck quickly and accurately to their teammates, and be aware of their surroundings to avoid turnovers.
- Support: Players should provide support to their teammates by being in the right position to make a play, or to provide support in case of a turnover.
Tips for successful team play
Here are some additional tips for successful team play:
- Work together: Players need to work together as a team to create effective pressure on the goalie. They should support each other and be aware of each other’s positions on the ice.
- Be aware of the game situation: Players should be aware of the game situation, such as the score and the time remaining in the game. This will help them make better decisions on the ice and work together more effectively.
- Be adaptable: Players need to be adaptable and able to adjust their strategy based on the game situation. They should be able to change their positions on the ice and adjust their play style to suit the game.
- Have fun: Finally, players should have fun and enjoy the game. When players are having fun, they are more likely to play their best and work together effectively as a team.
Game situations
Checking a goalie is a crucial aspect of hockey, as it can help a team gain control of the puck and score goals. The effectiveness of checking a goalie depends on various factors, including the game situation. In this section, we will discuss when to check the goalie, how to adjust checking strategy based on game situation, and provide examples of effective checking in different game situations.
When to Check the Goalie
Checking the goalie is not just about physical play, but also about timing. There are specific moments in a game when checking the goalie can be particularly effective. These include:
- After a save: When the goalie makes a save, they are likely to be in a vulnerable position, as they are likely to be out of position to make another save.
- After a turnover: When the other team loses possession of the puck, it is an opportunity to check the goalie and regain control of the puck.
- On a power play: When the other team is on a power play, it is an opportunity to pressure the goalie and create scoring chances.
How to Adjust Checking Strategy Based on Game Situation
The way a team checks the goalie should change based on the game situation. For example, in the last minute of a game, a team may opt for a more aggressive checking strategy to try and score a goal, while in the first period of a game, a team may opt for a more conservative checking strategy to avoid taking penalties.
Examples of Effective Checking in Different Game Situations
Trailing in a close game
In a close game where the team is trailing, checking the goalie can be an effective way to create scoring chances and get back into the game. For example, a team may opt for a more aggressive checking strategy, such as using physical play to disrupt the goalie’s ability to make saves.
Leading in a close game
In a close game where the team is leading, checking the goalie can be an effective way to protect a lead and prevent the other team from scoring. For example, a team may opt for a more conservative checking strategy, such as using positioning and angle to limit the goalie’s ability to make saves.
Late in a blowout
In a blowout where one team is leading by a large margin, checking the goalie can be an effective way to keep the other team from scoring any more goals. For example, a team may opt for a more conservative checking strategy, such as using positioning and angle to limit the goalie’s ability to make saves.
In the playoffs
In the playoffs, checking the goalie becomes even more important, as the stakes are higher and the games are more intense. Teams may opt for a more aggressive checking strategy, such as using physical play to disrupt the goalie’s ability to make saves, or a more conservative checking strategy, such as using positioning and angle to limit the goalie’s ability to make saves.
Individual skills
Checking a goalie requires a combination of individual skills and teamwork. Here are some of the most important individual skills to master when checking a goalie:
The importance of individual skills in checking a goalie
- Good body positioning
- Proper timing and spacing
- Effective stick handling
- Quick thinking and decision-making
How to improve individual skills for checking a goalie
- Practice skating and stickhandling drills to improve your speed, agility, and puck control.
- Watch game footage and analyze the movements of successful checkers to learn from their techniques.
- Get feedback from coaches and teammates on your performance during games and practices.
- Incorporate strength and conditioning exercises to improve your overall physical fitness and stamina.
Tips for successful individual skills in checking a goalie
- Keep your head up and maintain a good field of vision to anticipate the goalie’s movements.
- Use your body to shield the goalie from the puck and prevent them from seeing it coming.
- Use your stick to poke-check or lift the goalie’s legs and get them off balance.
- Use your speed and agility to get around the goalie and get to the puck before they do.
Mastering these individual skills will not only help you become a better checker, but also improve your overall hockey game.
FAQs
1. What is checking a goalie?
Checking a goalie is a term used in certain sports, such as ice hockey and field hockey, that refers to the act of physically disrupting the opposing team’s goalkeeper from making a save. This can be done by making a tackle or by distracting the goalkeeper with a well-timed movement.
2. Is checking a goalie legal?
Whether or not checking a goalie is legal depends on the specific rules of the sport and the level of play. In some leagues and tournaments, checking a goalie is strictly prohibited, while in others it is allowed within certain guidelines. It is important to familiarize oneself with the rules of the sport before attempting to check a goalie.
3. What are the benefits of checking a goalie?
Checking a goalie can be an effective strategy for creating scoring opportunities and putting pressure on the opposing team. It can also disrupt the goalkeeper’s rhythm and make it more difficult for them to make saves. However, it is important to weigh the potential benefits against the risk of giving up a penalty or getting injured in the process.
4. How do you check a goalie effectively?
Checking a goalie effectively requires good timing, spacing, and technique. It is important to approach the goalkeeper at an angle and use proper tackling form to avoid penalties. It can also be helpful to create a distraction, such as a well-timed movement or a fake shot, to draw the goalkeeper out of position.
5. What are the risks of checking a goalie?
Checking a goalie can be a risky strategy, as it can result in penalties, injuries, or even ejection from the game. It is important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and to be aware of the potential consequences before attempting to check a goalie.
6. Can checking a goalie be dangerous?
Checking a goalie can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. It is important to be aware of the potential for injury and to take steps to protect oneself, such as wearing appropriate protective gear and using proper tackling technique. It is also important to be aware of the potential consequences of a failed check, such as giving up a penalty or getting ejected from the game.
