What is slew foot?

Slew foot, also known as tripping or clip-clops, refers to a tactic used in ice hockey, ice skating, and some other sports where one player intentionally trips or sweeps the legs out from under an opponent, causing them to fall. It is considered to be a dangerous and illegal move that can lead to serious injuries.

In ice hockey, slew footing is specifically defined as a penalty under the rules of the National Hockey League (NHL). According to the NHL rulebook, a player is guilty of a slew foot if they use their leg or foot to knock an opponent's feet out from under them, causing them to fall backward. This action is considered illegal due to the potential for serious injuries, as the falling player may land on their head or back, leading to concussion or spinal injuries.

The severity of the penalty for slew footing varies depending on the league or tournament, but it is typically considered a major penalty that results in a player being sent to the penalty box for at least five minutes. In some cases, a game misconduct or match penalty may also be given, leading to further disciplinary action.

Slew footing is often seen as a malicious and unsportsmanlike move, as it can be a dangerous attempt to intentionally injure an opponent. It is not a common occurrence in sports, as referees and officials closely monitor players' actions and penalize any such attempts.

Overall, slew footing is widely condemned in sports due to the risk it poses to players' safety and the potential for serious injuries. Players are encouraged to compete fairly and avoid using dangerous tactics like slew footing in order to ensure a safe and fair game.