Check out this simple forecheck Drill! Forechecking is a key element in ball hockey strategy, allowing teams to effectively disrupt the opponent’s breakout and create scoring opportunities. In this blog post, we’ll break down two essential forechecking systems—the Two-One-Two and the One-Two-Two—and provide a summary of a useful drill to help players implement these concepts on the floor. Watch our embedded tutorial video for a full walkthrough and practical demonstrations.
The Two-One-Two Forecheck
The two-one-two setup involves two forecheckers, F1 and F2, leading the charge into the offensive zone to put pressure on the ball carrier. Here’s how it works:
- F1 (First Forechecker): F1’s main role is to attack the ball carrier and force them to carry the ball on their backhand, making it harder for them to control the play. F1 does this by identifying whether the ball carrier is a left- or right-handed player and using body positioning to limit their forehand options.
- F2 (Second Forechecker): F2 supports F1 by cutting off the ball carrier’s path, ideally intercepting them before they reach the net. If they can’t reach them in time, F2 takes an angle to intercept the ball carrier as they move behind the net, effectively shutting down their escape options.
- F3 (Third Forward): F3 anticipates which side the defense will use as a safety outlet and attacks that area with speed. If the ball carrier escapes F1 or F2, F3 takes over as the primary forechecker while F1 rotates back to cover F3’s original role. This rotation ensures constant pressure without gaps in coverage.
Two-One-Two Forechecking Drill
- The coach starts by placing the ball at center ice.
- Two defensemen line up at their blue line, facing center, while three forwards (F1, F2, and F3) line up at the red line facing the offensive zone.
- The coach dumps the ball into a corner, and the defensemen retrieve it, aiming to pass or carry it out of the zone.
- The forwards quickly identify their roles (F1, F2, F3) and execute the two-one-two forecheck, maintaining pressure until they recover the ball or the defense clears the zone.
The One-Two-Two Forecheck
The one-two-two is a slightly more conservative but equally effective strategy, ideal for situations where maintaining a solid defensive structure is critical.
- F1 (First Forechecker): F1 attacks the ball carrier and forces them onto their backhand, just like in the two-one-two setup.
- F2 (Second Forward): F2 takes a position along the nearest boards, anticipating a pass or outlet. This positioning is key to intercepting passes or cutting off easy escape routes.
- F3 (Third Forward): F3 stays in the middle of the floor, near the blue line or hash marks, ready to adapt. If the defenseman reverses the ball or switches sides, F3 can take over as the primary forechecker.
One-Two-Two Drill Setup
The one-two-two drill is conducted in the same way as the two-one-two drill, with players dynamically switching roles based on the ball’s movement. The focus is on quick identification of responsibilities and seamless rotation to maintain pressure.
Why Forechecking Matters
These systems give players a framework to stay aggressive and coordinated, maximizing puck recovery and disrupting the opponent’s transition game. Mastering these techniques can significantly improve team performance and lead to more scoring chances.
For more in-depth guidance, be sure to watch our tutorial video embedded above and follow us on StickSkills.com or our social media channels for updates and training tips from the ball hockey world.
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