What is hip check meaning?

Hip check is a term used in ice hockey to describe a legal defensive move in which a player uses their hip to disrupt an opponent’s forward progress. It is a technique that requires precise timing and positioning because the player executing the hip check is trying to legally knock their opponent off balance without causing a penalty. The hip check is not only a defensive move, but it can also be used as an offensive technique to create space between the attacking player and the defender. A well-executed hip check can completely change the momentum and tone of a hockey game. However, if the player executing the hip check makes contact with the opponent’s knees or goes above the waist, it can result in a major penalty or even a suspension.