Forecheck

There are a few different forechecks. The forechecking system is usually written as a series of 3 numbers. The first is the number pressuring the puck, the second is the support and the third is the number of back row defenders

1-2-2

The most common forecheck. The first forward (F1) attacks the puck at high speed working the forecheck from in to out (that is forcing the play to the boards by starting from the inside of the defender). The second forward (F2) is playing at the top of the circle. If the puck carrier beats the F1 forward, then they are responsible for pressuring the puck carrier, otherwise they undercut the pass (usually to the winger on the hash). The third forward (F3) is staying higher, and aims to cut off any reverse play of pass up the middle.

2-1-2

This is an aggressive forecheck (more suitable to when there is contact). Two forwards pressure the puck, with F1 usually trying to check or tie up the puck carrier, and the F2 being close support to steal a loose puck and/or cut off the D to D pass. The F3 is playing to cut off any play up the circle or to the hash. This forecheck has a higher risk because two forwards are below the goal line.