Backcheck Progressions (2 on 1, 3 on 2, 3 on 5, 5 on 5)
Description
Backchecking Keys: Move your feet, head up and on a swivel to read the play, Communicate!
ON a 2 on 1 - it is key for the defense to recognize the situations and communicate with the forward. The defense should take away space from the puck carrier when they realize that the backchecker can get to the other player on the weak side. Here are some key points:
•defense recognizes they have a backchecker
•defense communicates with backchecker to take the weak side
•defense takes away space from puck carrier and makes it tough for them to pass the puck to the middle of the ice with good stick position
•backchecker has to move their feet until they are on defensive side of the weak side attacker
•backchecker needs to take care of the attackers stick so they cannot get a pass or a rebound
On a 3 on 2 - the backchecker has a couple of options. Sometimes the correct option is based on their position.
If F1 is on the strong side (same side as the puck carrier) then they will most likely want to apply backside pressure. However,
If F1 is in the middle of the ice then they can communicate with the defense and take the weak side of the ice. This allows the defense to shift and take away space from the puck carrier. Here are some key points for backchecking to the weak side:
•backchecker communicates with defense that they will take the weak side
•defense shifts to limit space of puck carrier
•defense in the middle has to stay with the player driving the net
•backchecker has to move feet until they are on the defensive side of the weak side attacker
•backchecker has to stay on the defensive side of the attacker and be ready to take care of their stick in case of a pass or rebound
F2 - Skates with there heads up and on a swivel to pick up next offensive player. Could be weakside or high guy (F3) joining in on the rush.
* skates hard to gain defensive side of the puck.
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