)))))))) Play Right Specialty Coach Clinic Program. Checking Skills Manual. Hockey Canda Centres of Excellence and Saskatchewan Hockey Association

Transcription

1 )))))))) Hockey Canda Centres of Excellence and Saskatchewan Hockey Association Play Right Specialty Coach Clinic Program Checking Skills Manual

2 )))))))) Table of Contents 1. Purpose of the Manual Page 2 2. Checking Progression Model Page 5 & 6 3. Ideas to Develop Understanding Page 7 & 8 Objectives Skill Learning Teaching Techniques Whole Part-Whole Contact vs. Checking 4. Key Checking Concepts Page 9-24 Safety & Respect Contact Confidence Checking Progression Model & Drill Development Step #1 Skating Step #2 Positioning / Angling Step #3 Stick Checks Step #4 Body Contact Contact Confidence Step #5 Body Checking 5. Resources Page Dynamic Warm Up Page Ice Session Practice Plan Template Page Checking Progression Drills Pages Glossary of Terms Pages 35-37

3 )))))))) Purpose of the Manual Checking is a critical skill in the game of hockey that when performed properly can create quality scoring opportunities or help a team regain control of the puck. Just like skating, puck control, passing and shooting there are key progressions to the skill of checking when taught effectively, can greatly enhance a player's enjoyment of the great game of hockey. A common misconception is that the skill of checking begins at a certain age or age category of play. In fact, checking is a 5-step progression that begins the first time a young player steps on the ice. Body checking is the fifth and final step of a four step teaching progression. The purpose of this manual is to provide coaches with an introductory package of information, which contains progressions for beginning to teach checking skills. 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, players will be able to make a smoother transition. The manual is designed so that individual pages may be copied and brought into a dressing room or classroom setting for discussion. Coaches are encouraged to take the time to become familiar with the material in this manual and to adopt the progressions that are presented. After all, it is the players who benefit from quality coaching and if we develop as coaches, then our players will improve. Remember, checking is a 5 STEP PROGRESSION.

4 )))))))) Purpose of the Manual Objectives of the Manual To clearly present and explain the logical progressions necessary for learning the skill of body checking To enhance the safety of the province's players by ensuring that all those who play the game learn to give and receive body checks properly To emphasize the importance of playing and staying within the rules of the game. to ultimately improve the quality of hockey being played in Saskatchewan How to Use the Manual The Manual is divided into 7 parts. Parts of the manual are designed to be used as visual posters for dressing room or a classroom discussion and as a practice outlines with drill banks for delivering the Checking practice plan Part I Checking Progression Model Players & Coaches introduced to the 5 Step Checking Progressions Part II Safety & Respect Section dealing with Fair Play and Safety Part III Checking Techniques Touches on the areas of receiving and delivering a body check Part IV Key Defensive Concepts Discusses Pressure vs Patience and Defensive Side Positioning Part VI Dynamic Stretching Routine To be used as an off-ice warm-up prior to on-ice practice Part VII Practice Plan & Drills Final section of the manual provides a practice plan outline 5 pages of drills that following the Checking Progression order

5 )))))))) Checking Progression Model Purpose of Checking Regain possession of the puck Separate the puck from the puck carrier in a legal and safe manner Delay or contain your opponent to enable your back checkers to assist Checking is a challenging skill which superior skating skills, strength, concentration and timing. Checking should never be used to intimidate an opponent There are 5 steps to the Checking Progression Model Body Checking Body Contact Stick Checks Positioning & Angling Skating & Agility

6 )))))))) Characteristics of a Good Checker Skating ability Anticipation Positional Ability Read and React Skill Tenacity The Desire to Check Bantam-Midget Body Checking Body Contact Pee Wee Atom Novice & Pre-Novice Stick Checks Positioning / Angling Skating & Agility

7 )))))))) Teaching Skills Skills Learning 1. Explain the Skill Name and describe the skill State the importance and proper use Review the key teaching points or key words used in instructing or providing feedback 2. Demonstrate the Skill Provide a demo of the whole skill and state the key teaching points again 3. Allow for Trial and Error Let players practice and keep everyone involved. 4. Provide Feedback and Revisions Move about to all players Provide individual instruction. - get assistant coaches involved Whole Part Whole Method Demonstrate the entire skill with 4-5 key teaching points Break the skill down into identifiable parts and build them progressively back together to complete the whole skill Allow players the opportunity for trial and error with error detection and correction from the coaches Progress through all the parts to complete the whole skill so as to ensure success by all athletes Repetition of the 4-5 key teaching points is essential

8 )))))))) Body Checking Checking is used to regain possession of the puck Progression Skating, positioning and angling are used to direct the puck Body contact is the fourth step in the progression and is used to gain separation Body contact, by definition, must result only from the active movement of the puck carrier Body checking is the final step in the 5 step checking progression A body check can be defined as body contact primarily caused by the movement of the checker. That movement can be and often is in a direction different than that of the puck carrier 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 The skills needed for body checking are the effective mastery of the first four steps in the checking progression

9 )))))))) Safety & Respect Do s Always be aware of the "danger zone" which is close to the boards. Be prepared to absorb impacts along the boards with your arms & body Always maintain a strong balanced position when giving or receiving a check Always keep their sticks on the ice. Once committed to deliver a check, complete it. Keep your primary vision on your opponent at all times. Only deliver a check if you are on balance Always ensure that a full and proper warm up is done, prior to conducting contact and checking drills Defensive player takes ownership for injury and the safety of the offensive player in potentially dangerous situations Dont s Never cross-check an opponent into the boards or anywhere on the ice Never push, shove, or trip an opponent into the boards Never use the butt-end of the stick to hold or hook an opponent Never attempt to deliver a check if you are off balance NEVER HIT AN OPPONENT FROM BEHIND.

10 )))))))) Checking Techniques Receiving a Check Be aware of the Danger Zone (3-4 Metres from boards) Stay close to the boards Head on a swivel know where your opponents are Skate through checks don t slow down & don t duck Use hands and arms as a cushion Keep the head up Soft shoulder and allow the body to rotate from the hit Giving a Check Quick pressure applied Establish approach angle to steer in a desired direction Get body in contact ready position Maintain gap control for reaction/initiation Square body and skates from defensive side positioning Body focus Use boards on extra man One hand or two hands on stick? If puck carrier stops you stop Pressure or contain - #'s or letters Track the puck "head off at the pass"

11 )))))))) Key Defensive Concepts I. Pressure or Patience Decision based on the following: 1. Proximity of offensive player to the goal area 2. Proximity of offensive player to the mid-ice corridor 3. Danger of the offensive player(s) to direct attack on the net 4. Number of defensive players vs number of offensive players 5. Ability of defensive players to `close the gap' and close on the man II. Defensive side / Goal side Key Points: 1. Position between puck carrier and your goal 2. Align your body the same as goalie does with angle in the net 3. Protect the mid-ice corridor 4. Force offender by delaying and deflecting 5. Choice of pressure or contain

12 )))))))) Key Defensive Concepts When to Pressure? 1. When play is in goal area, slot area, mid-ice or at direct scoring threat 2. When outnumbered 3. When approaching back of players i.e. back-checking 4. When puck carrier has poor puck control 5. When you have support When to Contain? 1. Where there is no immediate threat 2. When outnumbered 3. When puck carrier is moving towards you 4. When puck carrier has good puck control 5. When support is not available

13 )))))))) Key Defensive Concepts Key Defensive Concepts III. Angling Attack to Unfavorable Ice Position through: Deflecting forcing the opponent to where you want them to be. (To unfavorable position on the ice.) Delaying as you move back towards defensive position, the time, space and gap given is less. Steering refers to the defensive player's approach angle. The ultimate goal is to put the player into a poor position along the boards. Always playing inside out and therefore over playing one side. Defensive Gap Control Key Points in playing 1 on 1 2 stick length rule Line up outside shoulder to offensive player's inside shoulder Always keep offensive player to the outside Try to steer to their backhand less threat Read the attack options any late players able to join the rush? Hold your blue line and don't back in on goalie

14 )))))))) Checking Skills Skating & Agility Skating and Agility Skills For Checking Include: Forward and Backwards Striding, Lateral Crossovers, Forward and Backwards Starts and Stops, Forward and Backward pivots, Edge Control, Posture, Balance & Agility, Stance, Speed, Strength Body Checking Body Contact Stick Checks Positioning & Angling Skating & Agility

15 )))))))) Checking Skills Positioning & Angling Positioning & Angling Skills For Checking Include: Read and React, Stall and Contain, Low Control vs. Full Control, Shoulder Alignment - Inside / Outside, Take Away the Center Lane, Timing & Location, Posture and Balance, Gap Control Body Checking Body Contact Stick Checks Positioning & Angling Skating & Agility

16 )))))))) Checking Skills Stick Checks Stick Check Skills Include: Stick Lift, Stick Press, Sweep Check, Tap Check, Poke Check Stick checking may be considered the second line of defense Player must maintain control of both their stick and the opponent's stick Stick checks are effective to: delay the advancement of the opposition force a loss of puck control by the opposition control the puck yourself or gain possession for one of your teammates Body Checking Body Contact Stick Checks Positioning & Angling Skating & Agility

17 )))))))) Checking Skills Stick Checks Drills

18 )))))))) Checking Skills Contact Confidence Key Teaching Points for Body Contact Reinforce angling/positioning skills as well as further enhancing the required skating skills Emphasize and further enhance the concept of controlling and the containing of your opponent Give contact confidence Inversely enhance the offensive players puck handling and puck protection skills Allow for teaching, stressing and reinforcing puck carrier/opponent safety tactics and the mature attitudes of respect Provide fun and enjoyment while learning in a competitive but safe environment How to use body contact Two main categories of drill progression for body contact: 1. Contact Confidence, Falling activities, Combative activities, Bumping drills 2. Angling and Positioning with Checking Body Checking Body Contact Stick Checks Positioning & Angling Skating & Agility

19 )))))))) Checking Skills Body Checking Key Teaching Points for Body Checking The actual body check is executed as a two step continuum. Initial Contact Once the gap has been closed under control, the actual body check is made During the last part of the checker's controlled approach a 'body coiling' should occur Widening of the stance, the knees being well flexed and a 'gathering' of the upper body As contact occurs with the opponent, the checker 'uncoils' The checker's eyes, prior to and during contact, are focused on the opponent's contact area The initial contact should momentarily control the opponent's progress and neutralize her/his stick and arms disrupting any pass attempt Follow Through A proper follow through of the body check should result in the opponent being left off balance The checker is in a balanced position to either regain puck possession or to be first back into the play This follow through is accomplished by driving the body check 'through' the opponent's contact area (with possible pin) The checker must not 'over check' whereby losing her/his balance Body Checking Body Contact Stick Checks Positioning & Angling Skating & Agility

20 )))))))) Checking Skills Body Checking Shoulder Check Shoulder Check (With/Without Stick Lift) The shoulder check can be a check in itself or can be used in conjunction with a stick lift Most successful along the boards The checker may pin the opponent momentarily following the check so that he/she/teammate may regain possession of the puck Key Teaching Points: -Primary vision on opponent; peripheral vision on puck; Bend the closest knee and place it in front of the attacker; - if check includes a stick lift Place your stick under the opponent's stick Lift the stick: Hit the opponent with the hip and/or shoulder; Momentarily pin the opponent's stick and arms on the boards; and Recover the puck with your stick or skate

21 )))))))) Checking Skills Body Checking Block Check Similar to the shoulder check Player attempts to block off momentarily, the advancement of the puck carrier while allowing time for the checker/teammates to regain possession of the puck The block check may be applied in any zone or along the boards Key Teaching points: Widen grip on the stick; Bend the closest knee and place it in front of the attacker; -drive bump opponent with hip and/or shoulder; Momentarily pin the opponent's arm on the boards; and Recover the puck with the skate Along Boards Open Ice

22 )))))))) Checking Skills Body Checking Hip Check Most difficult of body checks to be adept in executing It can be applied in open ice but care should be taken A key in making a hip check is surprise - do not 'telegraph' the check to your opponent. NOTE: This check is a high risk play and requires great skill Key Teaching Points: The checker angles, closes the gap in an upright position suggesting a shoulder or block check to the puck carrier; It is important to be close to the opponent as eye contact is lost momentarily during the check; at the last second the checker bends trunk forward parallel to the ice, and bend the knees; Pivot by extending far leg, and drive extended hips and buttocks into the carrier, making contact at the carrier's waist/hips and thighs; and Immediately following impact, the checker drives up with the legs to erect her/himself. Along Boards Open Ice

23 )))))))) Checking Skills Body Checking Roller Check The roller check is used along the boards to force the puck carrier off the puck and gain possession without having to stop It can also be a popular check for a smaller checker who is giving away size and strength to the puck carrier Key Teaching Points: Forcefully push the opponent with the forearm or shoulder to provoke a rubbing contact of the opponents hip and/or shoulder with the boards; The rubbing will cause a pivoting or rolling around the point of impact forcing the opponent's chest to the boards; and Keep skating taking possession of the puck while the opponent is off balance

24 )))))))) Checking Skills Body Checking The Pin: The pinning technique is an effective follow up to a board body check The checker employs a pin against the puck carrier to momentarily take him/her out of the play, allowing time for a teammate to retrieve the puck Key Teaching Points: Following the check turn the opponent towards the boards by driving the arm and shoulder under the opponent's outside arm from the backside; As the opponent's body is rotating towards the boards, push with the legs and hips; place the inside leg between the opponents legs; and Once against the boards, press in and up to lift at least one or both of the opponent's skate blades slightly off the ice, thus neutralizing the opponent

25 )))))))) Resources Checking Manual Practice Plan Outline Checking Progressions Drill Bank Skills Development Manuals Hockey Canada Checking Video

26 )))))))) Warm-Up Dynamic Stretching Important keys to success is the need to be physically ready to play when a game starts Begins before the player even steps on the ice with a series of proper dynamic stretching exercises. Proper stretching allows the player to develop greater range of motion as well and decreasing the risk of injury Ensure all main body parts are worked Trunk / Shoulder Thigh / Quadriceps Thigh / Hip Flexor Groin Hamstring / Lower Back Hip Extensor Gluteal / Hips

27 )))))))) Warm-Up Dynamic Stretching PLYOMETRICS by Cathie Filyk, M.Kin. Brandon Bobcats, CIAU (Canada West) Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL 1. Skaters low power stride: Stride side to side, keeping their body low (the length of stride will depend on their leg length). The players can stay on the spot or move forward or backward. For variety and added intensity, these can be done on a hill. 2. Skaters power leap: As above, but this time the players will leap up and over to the other side. They will explode up and land in a squat. Watch the landing make sure that they are tracking their ankles, knees and hips just like they would when performing squats in a gym**. 3. Running up and down on a platform or stairs Try to find a platform that is about 4 6 inches off the ground ( or use a stair) and have the players run up and down as fast as they can. Try to ensure that they land softly with their feet to absorb the impact. Have them land only on the balls of their feet, both stepping up and down. Have the players stay close to the platform and keep their chest and head up**. 4. Two-footed hop over a hockey stick - anywhere from 2-12 inches off the ground (depending on the age of the player). Have the players bend their knees upon landing, to absorb the impact, tuck their knees up as they jump over the sticks. For added intensity, do this exercise one foot at a time**. 5. Forward lunges Lunge forward, one leg at a time. The movement is much like a cross-country ski motion. The weight on landing should be through the heel of their front foot. The knee, ankle and toes should be in alignment, travelling forward as they do these. To increase intensity for this exercise, add power to the movement. 6. Reverse lunges As above, but lunging backwards. Watch their alignment. Have the players land with their weight going through the heel of their front foot. This exercise is advanced and is not recommended for younger players. 7. 3, 2, 1 Tuck jump Have the players start off standing, with knees soft (slightly bent). They should pulse down for a count of 3, 2, 1 and then tuck jump (knees to your chest). Land quietly and absorb the impact by bending into the landing.

28 )))))))) Warm-Up Dynamic Stretching Plyometrics and Quick-Feet Activities Continued 8. Quick taps on a platform or stair - Instead of running up and down, the player taps the ball of their foot up on the platform - alternating each foot as they do it. The players should try to keep as quick a pace with this as they can. This is much like running on the spot. 9. Skipping - As fast as the players can. 10. Squat thrusts Have the players start in an upright position, then drop to all fours and thrust their legs out behind them ( they are now in a push-up position ), then quickly pull their legs back in and return to an upright position. 11. Leap frogs Just as the title says. Go for height or go for distance**. 12. Crossovers Staying low, cross one leg in front of the other and travel for crossovers in one direction. Walk back to the start point and repeat with the other leg. These can be done on a hill for variety and intensity. 13. Stair running Find a long flight of stairs (a stadium, arena, etc.). The players can run up and down them; bound two by two; three by three; one-legged; hop up; use both feet; or the crossover technique**. 14. Cones - Set up 6 to 10 cones or pylons (6 to 18 inches in height - depending on the age of the players) in a row and have them tuck jump forward over each cone with both feet. To add variety to this exercise, arrange the cones (pylons) in different patterns, space them farther apart (more distance in the jump for strength), closer (more for quick feet and agility)*. 15. Directional Change Shuffle Drill Have the players stand in a ready position (eyes looking forward, knees bent and butt down). The idea of this drill is to get the players shuffling back and forth, side to side and diagonally as fast as possible, to enhance their foot speed. They are to keep low during the drill. A coach instructs the players on what direction they are to be moving. Keep the drill moving at a quick pace. This is good for reaction work. Stick handling with a tennis ball can also be done with this drill. ** Any of these exercises can be done backwards, as hockey players should develop strength and agility in both directions. Note: The duration of each of these exercises will depend on the age and fitness levels of your players.

29 )))))))) On-Ice Session Plan Skating Warm-up 10 (Tops & Bottoms, Pivots, Lateral Crossovers, Knee Bend) Positioning Angling 15 Mirror Skating Gap control skating Angle Up Angle Down Backwards / Forwards Neutral Zone Mid-Ice Angle Back-checking skills progression Stick Checks Lift, Press, Sweep, Tap, Poke 15 Leap Frog Checking, Partner Poke Check, Stationary & Moving Last Man Standing in Circle Contact Confidence - Body Contact 25 Safety / Awareness Arm Lock without sticks / Unlock with sticks Combative Balance - Sumo Protect the Dot Dot Tag Body Checking 25 Shoulder, Bump/Roll/Pin Progression Block Check Gap Control 1 on 1 Pressure/contain 1 vs. l Total Time 90

30 )))))))) On Ice Skating Drills Drop 1 or 2 knees

31 )))))))) Positioning & Angling Drills

32 )))))))) On Ice Stick Check Drills

33 )))))))) Contact Confidence Drills

34 )))))))) Body Checking Drills

35 )))))))) Glossary of Terms Angling The ability to force an opponent to go in a desired direction. This would normally be towards the boards or to the outside. Body Checking A player's attempt at gaining the advantage on the opponent with the use of the body. Checking results when two opposing players collide while skating in opposite directions or when positioning and angling allow the checker to use the force of the body to gain the advantage. Body Contact Incidental contact of two opposing players in pursuit of the puck or position on the ice in the same direction. Body contact occurs as a result of movement by the offensive player. Box the Hips A pinning technique used to control the opponent's hips along the boards. Pressure is placed on both hips to eliminate movement and seal the player to the boards. Bump and Roll A technique used by a player who is about to be checked in order to roll off the pressure of the checker and maintain possession of the puck. Closing the Gap A retreating defender adjusts speed and skating pattern so the distance between the defender and the puck carrier is lessened in order to get the puck carrier within poke checking range. Contact Confidence A player s ability to play physical while maintaining safety in the play. Contain A defensive position/tactic which ensures the defensive player maintains a proper defensive position on the opponent (remaining between the offensive player and the net or between the offensive player and the net). Control Skating A method of skating used by a defensive player to ensure proper body positioning while maintaining a defensive side on the opponent. Defensive Side The checker always tries to maintain a position which keeps his/her body between the opponent, the puck and the checker own net.

36 )))))))) Glossary of Terms Gap Control Maintaining a desired distance between the offensive and defensive players. A tight gap refers to very little distance between players. A loose gap refers to significantdistance between players. Head on a Swivel A technique utilized to observe and to read the entire ice surface, by quickly rotating the head and glancing over both shoulders. Inside Out Refers to defensive positioning where the defensive player keeps the offensive player to the outside. Lasso A technique used to wrap the opponent after a checker has angled him/her by steering into a no ice situation along the boards and the pin technique is used to contain the check. Lift Check A stick check used while checking the puck carrier from the side or from behind. The checker attempts to lift the opponent's stick on the shaft near the blade enough to sweep the puck and gain possession. Mid Lane An imaginary lane on the ice which extends from end to end and is the centre of three equal divisions running the length of ice. Pressure Eliminating the time and space of the opponent in both offensive and defensive situations. Pin Technique Used along the boards after a check has been made to control the movement of an offensive player by steering the player parallel to the boards, driving one knee between the player s knees, pressuring up with the power leg and boxing the hips with pressure. Poke Check A stick check used while facing the opponent and allowing the opponent inside the range to reach them with the stick. Top hand elbow is tucked in and then is extended with quickness straight to the exposed stick and puck of the opponent. Press Check A stick check used to stop movement of the opponent's stick by placing stick pressureover top of the opponent's stick shaft and blade.

37 )))))))) Glossary of Terms Puck Protection A strategy used to keep the puck as far away from the opponent as possible. Puck protection ensures that a player's body and stick are positioned between the opponent and the puck and that the puck is not exposed to the opponent. Support An offensive or defensive concept where players away from the puck position themselves to be available for a pass or take away attacking options for the opponent. Steering To shadow the offensive player forcing him/her into an area where the checker may eliminate time and space in order to angle the opponent to be checked. Sweep Check A stick check used to check the puck from the opponent using a sweeping action the checking player. Tracking The individual skill of pursuing the puck utilizing the shortest possible distance.