How to Perform a Stick Check in Hockey

A stick check is an effective defense approach in the game of hockey. Some ice and roller hockey leagues don't allow a body check, which is using the body to knock an opponent out of the way. Therefore, a stick check is used instead. The six most common stick checks include: poke, hook, sweep, stick, lift the stick and hit the stick.

Instructions

  1. Using the Poke Check

    • 1

      Place your top hand on your hockey stick, keeping your elbow tucked close to your side.

    • 2

      Use your other hand to keep your balance.

    • 3

      Poke the bottom part of your stick blade at the puck using your top hand.

    Using the Hook Check

    • 4

      Place your top hand on your stick.

    • 5

      Bend one knee, and bring the shaft of your stick down where it is nearly flat on the ice.

    • 6

      Hook your stick blade in the direction of the puck. The curved part of the stick should be able to cup the puck.

    • 7

      Drive the puck away from your opponent.

    Using the Sweep Check

    • 8

      Place your top hand on your stick.

    • 9

      Bend your knee so your stick blade is on the ice.

    • 10

      Use the curve of your stick to brush your blade across the ice moving the puck our of the way of your opponent.

    • 11

      Hit the puck away, but don't take control of it.

    Using the Lift the Stick Check

    • 12

      Slip your lower hand down the stick for leverage, skating in front of your opponent.

    • 13

      Coast your stick under your opponent's stick where the blade and shaft converge.

    • 14

      Thrust your stick up quickly, lifting your opponent's stick.

    • 15

      Take your stick back to the ice when your opponent's stick is off the ice and skate away from your opponent when you recover the puck.

    Using a Stick Press

    • 16

      Slip your lower hand down the stick for leverage.

    • 17

      Press down hard on the shaft of your opponent's stick with yours. This will keep your opponent from moving his or her stick.

    • 18

      Limit your opponent's ability to make a goal by the amount of pressure you use.

    Using Hit the Stick

    • 19

      Skate alongside your opponent.

    • 20

      Hit the heel of your opponent's stick. This should make him or her loose control of the puck.

    • 21

      Use this check as an offensive technique to his or her check.