2 v 3 Forechecking System

Description
This system allows 2 players to aggressively pursue the puck in the opponents end without fear because there are 3 players back on the blueline just in case the opposition is able to breakout.

·IT DEMANDS THAT THE FIRST PLAYER IN THE ZONE MAKES HIS CHECK ON THE PUCK CARRIER TO FREE UP THE PUCK. IT REQUIRES A LOT OF HARD SKATING AND CHECKING BY THE TWO FORWARDS IN THE ZONE.

By having three players on the blueline, the possibility of being out-manned as the opposition breaks out is lessened and the possibility of turning over the puck in the NZ is increased.

The forward on the blueline wil be required to play defense at times because on a breakout we want to force the play at center ice, by the defenseman in the middle of the ice, hopefully regain the puck on a turnover and effectively play from center ice in.

·THIS SYSTEM ALSO ALLOWS US TO PLAY A "TRAP" FROM THIS ALIGNMENT WHEN CONDITIONS WARRANT.

This system also has a lot of offensive options once we get the puck in the other team's zone. By having 3 players on the blueline we can keep showing different looks by sending in either a forward or one of the defensemen into the attack, attempting to cause the player with the puck to "panic" and whom to "cover".

·THE DISADVANTAGE TO THIS SYSTEM IS THAT WE ARE VULNERABLE TO THE OPPOSITION BRINGING THE PUCK OUT OF THEIR END UP THE MIDDLE. BUT THAT IS A HIGH RISK PLAY FOR THEM SO WE CAN TAKE THAT CHANCE.

As in any system of play a high commitment to the system by everyone is critical. If ONE player on the ice is NOT playing their position, it WILL breakdown causing havoc for the team.

The forecheck starts with a "soft dump" into the zone away from the net. The reason for the "soft dump" is that it allows the forecheckers to get to the puck carrier as he is still retreiving the puck. THE CENTER AND THE WINGER ON THE SIDE THE PUCK IS DUMPED INTO BECOME THE FORECHECKERS. If the puck is passed from one side to the other (behind the net), THE WINGER AT THE BLUE LINE ATTACKS THE PUCK CARRIER, THE CENTER COMES OVER TO HELP, AND THE WINGER THAT WAS IN THE ZONE GOES BACK TO THE BLUE LINE NEAREST TO THE BOARDS ON HIS SIDE, AND THE DEFENSEMEN SHIFT OVER.

If /when we gain control of the puck, one of the players on the blueline can jump in to the play to create an offensive chance, (usually the winger), but for a different look, we can send in one of the defensemen to keep the opposition off-guard.

When the opposition is able to breakout, the winger at the blueline and the defenseman (closest to the boards) on the other side back out quickly, the defenseman in the middle will attempt to break up the attack by reading the play and either attacking the puck carrier or stepping up and making a check on a player attempting to receive a pass. (Be sure to time this check, or it could be called "interference" by the official).

Our objective in playing this "system" is to create turnovers in the oppositions end or NZ. If this is properly executed it will give us opportunities to attack their zone because we are essentially playing only half the ice, MOST OF THE TIME.