ADM Kids

Checking in on Body Contact

Whether it’s the pint-sized bumping of mites or big hits in the NHL, it’s no secret that hockey is a physical game.

Body contact and body-checking play a crucial part in the game, and thus, in a player’s skill development.

“Checking and body contact are huge parts of our game,” said Guy Gosselin, USA Hockey ADM regional manager for Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota. “It’s imperative that players learn it at all levels. Coaches need to be teaching it at all levels.”

Like skating, passing and shooting, body contact is a skill that needs to be learned and practiced. Teaching players the proper techniques and positioning as they grow in the game should be on every coach’s practice plan.

Gosselin and Massachusetts Hockey Coach-in-Chief Paul Moore offer some tips on why it’s so important.

Contact Before Checking

Three years ago, USA Hockey rocked the hockey world by eliminating body-checking from peewees (12U). While the door closed on body-checking at 12U, it opened an opportunity for kids to learn how to use body contact properly at all ages.

“What USA Hockey has done is take the body-checking out of peewees, but we didn’t take the contact out of that age level, or any level,” said Moore.

The ultimate goal of a check is to separate an opponent from the puck. It’s the same basic concept of body contact, without the follow-through of a forceful hit. By learning proper body contact at the earliest youth levels, players are prepared for the checking years of bantams (14U) and beyond.

Small Area, Big Impact

Experience is often the best way for young players to learn the game. By sectioning players off in a small area with a puck or ring, you can watch the learning and fun unfold as they compete in an environment with non-threatening body contact.

“What’s happening now is these young players are playing with a lot of contact in cross-ice and small-area games,” said Moore. “USA Hockey encourages teaching them how to take the little bumps while skating.

“Today, if you can’t negotiate in small areas when playing the game, you can’t play this game.”

Small-area games force players to learn how to skate in and out of tight spots while maintaining body control. They also teach them how to shield the puck with their bodies, which is a key component in the development of puck-possession skills.

For players at the 8U and 10U level, it’s an introduction to being aware of your surroundings. At the 12U and 14U ages, players work on proper puck battles and continue to increase their awareness.

Positioning All Angles

Head and chest up, shoulders square, hips down and knees bent; proper body-contact technique is all about positioning. It not only puts players in the best position to give and receive contact, but also to get the puck, too.

Combine good body position with angling and mirroring drills and players will be ready to battle along the boards.

Safety First

Risk is involved in any sport and no one wants to see a player get injured. By teaching the proper fundamentals of physical play through body contact and education, we have actually made hockey safer.

“Players need to know how to get themselves in and out of dangerous situations,” said Moore. “Awareness begins at 8U in small-area games and takes on greater importance as they get older.”

USA Hockey’s Heads Up Hockey is a great reminder of how important awareness really is in playing a safer game.

Contact Confidence

By creating players who are comfortable and familiar with body contact, we’re creating players who won’t be shocked when the game becomes more physical. Confidence in all aspects of their game will produce well-rounded players who can’t wait to come back to hockey.

“You can’t play this game scared,” said Gosselin. “But by preparing and promoting early learning of proper body contact and hits, you’re building up a player’s confidence. Whether you’re 6-foot-4, 240 pounds or 5-foot-4, 120 pounds, we’re leveling the playing field and eliminating the big hits with no purpose.

“I’ve seen that we are actually developing kids with a better understanding of the game. It’s helping both our big guys and our little guys, and is really such an important skill to learn.”