What is forecheck in hockey?

Forecheck is a strategic defensive technique used in ice hockey, where a team attacks their opponent's offensive zone and attempts to take control of the puck to create scoring opportunities.

The objective of forechecking is to prevent the opposing team from carrying the puck out of their zone and to force turnovers in the neutral or defensive zones, which can lead to quick scoring opportunities. The forecheck is particularly effective when a team is in full possession of the puck and can move forward with speed and aggression.

There are several types of forechecks, including the 1-2-2, 2-1-2, and 2-3 forechecks. The 1-2-2 forecheck involves sending one player in deep to pressure the opponent with the puck, while two players stay in the neutral zone to prevent a quick breakout. The remaining two players backcheck and provide support in the defensive zone.

The 2-1-2 forecheck involves two forwards applying pressure to the opposing team’s players with the puck while the last forward and two defensemen protect the neutral and defensive zones. The 2-3 forecheck, on the other hand, involves two forwards pressuring the opponent with the puck, while the other three players remain back in the defensive zone.

Good forechecking effectively slows down the opposing team's offense and creates chances for the forechecking team to score. Forechecking is a critical component of a team's overall defensive strategy, and it is often used to disrupt the opposing team’s rhythm and cause mistakes on the ice.