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Ice Hockey Forecheck

A forecheck in ice hockey is a strategy designed to regain possession of the puck in the opponent's defensive end of the rink or the neutral zone. It involves applying pressure and trying to create turnovers using specific forechecking systems put forth by the coach. Teams that forecheck well will often be disciplined, hard working, anticipate well and have an understanding of each player's role.

One of the most popular forechecks that is widely used at all levels, especially at the youth level, is a basic 2-1-2 forecheck. For more information view and watch an explanation of a basic 2-1-2 forecheck explained by Hall of Famer Denis Savard. Within this type of forecheck there are a lot of variations that can be implemented by coaches depending on their team's strengths and preferences.