2-1-2 Forecheck

How to run it

Three forwards forecheck against two defencemen and a winger. F1 angles the defenceman with the puck, F2 reads the next pass and F3 holds the middle and pinches on the wall. The second time the defencemen reverse it behind the net. Trains the forechecking roles and winning the puck high in the zone.

Set-up

One zone. Blue: three forwards in the neutral zone. Red: two defencemen and a winger in their zone, goalie in net. The puck is in one corner, the next puck in the other.

Instructions

1. 1Blue forechecks: three forwards in the neutral zone. Red's defencemen and a winger in the zone, puck in the corner. Goalie in net.
2. 2F1 goes straight at the defenceman with the puck and takes away the way behind the net. F2 takes the other defenceman, F3 holds the middle.
3. 3The only way out is up the wall – F3 reads it and pinches.
4. 4F3 wins the puck on the wall.
5. 5A pass to F2 in the slot.
6. 6Shot.
7. 7Reset: everyone back. The next puck is in the other corner.
8. 8Red's defenceman goes for the puck; F1 comes after him.
9. 9The defenceman reverses it behind the net to his partner – F2 has read it and goes after him.
10. 10Under pressure the defenceman plays it up the wall. F3 slides across and pinches.
11. 11F3 wins the puck.
12. 12A pass to F1 in the slot.
13. 13Shot.

Coaching points

• F1: skate an arc that closes one side – force the defenceman where you want him.
• F2: read the defenceman's head and stick and go after the next pass – not the same player as F1.
• F3: stay between the puck and the middle, pinch only when you are sure to win the puck.
• Win the puck – and shoot at once before the defence can get organised.

Variations