Forechecking Systems

[hockeypux99]

We been using the 1-2-2 forecheck (the old NHL system of the 60's and 70's). The coach wants to use something more aggresive. He'slooking for help on a simple but aggressive forecheck system. HELP!

[MNHockeyFan]

I am a girls JV coach and assistant varsity coach with experience coaching girls 12u and 14u plus many years of bantam hockey. I have been using the 1-2-2 forecheck (the old NHL system of the 60's and 70's). The head coach wants me to use something more aggresive but my JV players really don't have the skill that that the varsity girls have so I'm kind of stumped. Over the past few years I have observed that my best 7th & 8th graders can emulate the varsity system but the weaker 9th & 10th graders struggle with the read and react skills required and even during whiteboard talks they really don't get it. I need to get them all on the same page so I'm looking for help on a simple but aggressive forecheck system. HELP!

It seems to me there might be some benefit to follow the system that your varsity uses. The players that develop the necessary skills or begin to show they "get it" would become candidates for moving up to the varsity team.

[hockeypux99]

The more details are better.

[xwildfan]

I think you have to go along with what the varsity coach wants. Theoretically, the players from JV move up to the varsity and then they will already be familiar with the system the varsity uses. However, at this point in time, not many JV players end up on the varsity. They are typically passed over by the better skilled younger players. This is in contrast with the boys side, where JV players more often end up playing varsity.

So, in reality at most high schools it doesn't matter what forechecking system is used at the JV level.

Also, regarding systems. The type and ability of players should dictate the system used. I think coaches sometimes have favorite systems and try to fit their players to the system; when it really should be the other way around.

If you have speedy, smart defenders, you can have a much more aggressive forecheck because they will be better equipped to handle odd man rushes.

If you are a little weaker on D, then you will definitely have to keep a forechecker high to help the D when the opposition is leaving their zone.

Just a couple of thoughts as I watch my leaves blow into my neighbor's yard

[Can't Never Tried]

How about going with a 2-1-2 ?? but not having the 1st 2 players right on the puck??
1st player does what your doing now, take them hard and fast and stay on them, #2 plays the op side of the net to prevent the D to D and cut off the escape from behind the net, and the 3rd man plays the strong side to prevent the breakout pass to the wing or center to that strong side, and also supports #1,This player also mirrors the movement of the puck....but in the case that the puck gets by #2 forechecker on a ring around to the weak side, the weak side D has to read this and steps down to pick up that wing on the board, and the other D slides over and the # 3 forechecker drops back to fill the empty D spot effectively making the D a fwd. until things sort themselves out again.

Personally I like the 1-2-2 your running it's easy... it address's most of the coverage, but it does leave you vulnerable to the center break out...because IMO your bringing the D in to low to cover that....if they beat the D your in trouble, i'd rather bring the weak side wing over to pick up that center and have my weak side D watch their weak side wing from getting a ring around or something.
But I do like the ability to shut down the common board break out which is probably what I see most at younger ages as you say you have.

[keepitreal]

Sounds like your coach wants F1 and F2 on the puck instead of just F1.

Try the left wing lock. Really simple and you won't get caught in a 3-on-2. Plays like a 2-1-2 but is slightly more conservative and easier to execute.

[hockeypux99]

CNT, Oh baby, it sounds like you're describing a Swedish Torpedo. I have an old teammate that runs it in girls youth hockey with success. I never realized the importance of F2 cutting off the pass or escape behind the net. That is a good suggestion. I will have to do some whiteboarding but I think they would get it. Each player has about 2 realatively simple reads and it is still aggressive. The varsity's 2-1-2 run fairly similar but they don't pinch down as much and the F3 doesn't generally rotate up to the blueline but there are a lot of similarities. That well shorten the learning curve for the girls that move up to varsity later in the season. CNT, what do your think the merits of playing F2 on the strong side of the net versus on the weak side?



BTW, hsitorically most of our JV girls move up to varsity although it has been the 7th/8th grade kids that seem to make the leap to 1st/2nd lines and the 9th/10th graders teand to be 3rd liners eventually or else they leave hockey. They seem to have jobs, boyfriends etc that is more important to them compared to hockey. The varsity head coach definitely has his favorite systems but he is really good at recognizing the talent and adapting his systems. If we can get the talent ratcheted up during the season he adjusts again. He has his weaker skaters work with me since I focus more on fundamentals and he is a big picture guy. We could be a state contender if our feeeder system was stronger because he is very good at getting the most from the limited talent we see. (Hmmm, I gues everbody can say that about their program.)

xwidlfan, I totally agree that I do what the head coach wants. Even if I like something different its his baby. I want his job some day and our AD is very much into loyalty. If I eventually get the job here I have to be the total team player. I would have to look outside if I want to just do things my way. I like it here and will be patient.

[Can't Never Tried]

CNT, what do your think the merits of playing F2 on the strong side of the net versus on the weak side?

F2 will tend to do what F3 is supposed to do which is mirror the play, and protecting the strong side, or else they will suck into the play for a true 2 man forecheck...if they know not to do those things it does not matter, also your less likely to get blocked out (picked) by there weak side D if your playing off the far side of the net.