Stick Check Fundamentals
Checking
Legend
- player
- defender
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Develop proper stick-checking technique, poke check and sweep check, in a controlled one-on-one setting.
What you need
- hockey stick
- puck
- ice
Your focus
Stick checking is a legal, effective tool at all age levels and forms the bridge between pure angling (younger ages) and full body checking. Proper stick-check mechanics prevent injury and teach players to win puck battles using timing and technique rather than size. These skills become even more valuable at older ages when defending against faster puck carriers.
Players pair up; one is puck carrier, one is defender.
Defender practices the poke check, extending stick blade flat on ice to knock puck away, while the puck carrier shields at half speed.
Defender then practices the sweep check, sweeping stick blade low and wide to intercept the puck along the ice.
Switch roles after 5 reps of each technique.
Goal
You're there when your stick-check knocks the puck off the carrier's blade cleanly, no high stick, no body contact, just a clean strip.
Helpful cues
- Keep your stick blade flat on the ice for the poke
- Reach through the puck, don't swipe at it
- Your feet position the stick, don't lunge with your upper body
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Puck carrier stands stationary while defender practices each technique in isolation
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Puck carrier skates at 3/4 speed with active evasion, forcing the defender to time the checkNo account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.