Aggressive forecheck: 2-1-2

Setup

1. Full equipment for everyone and a goaltender in full gear. The forechecking team (C, LW, RW, LD, RD) attacks the right-hand net; the breakout team (X1–X5) defends it.
2. Roles: F1, the first forward in, pressures the puck carrier; F2 takes away the next option, often the reverse behind the net or the strong-side wall; F3 stays high in the slot; the defenders hold the blue line and pinch on the walls when they can win the race.
3. The 2-1-2 is one of several forecheck structures; teams shape it around their players and the opposition.
4. Where body checking isn't allowed (check your association's rules), F1 uses angling, body position and stick on puck instead: the shape still works.

How it runs

1. Walk it through at half pace first so everyone knows their lane.
2. Live: RW dumps the puck into a corner from the neutral zone. The breakout team tries to get it out past the blue line under control; the forecheckers try to turn it over and score.
3. A rep ends on a goal, a controlled exit or about 35 seconds. A fresh five goes in; water and rest between shifts.
4. Keep score: forecheckers get a point for a turnover and two for a goal; the breakout team gets a point for a controlled exit.

Coaching points

• F1 takes an angle that steers the carrier to one side; never skate straight at them.
• Any contact is from the side or front, on a player who can see it coming. Never from behind and never on a player facing the boards.
• F2 reads F1: if the puck is forced behind the net, F2 gets to the other side first.
• F3 stays above the puck to cut out the pass up the middle and cover for a pinching defender.
• Pinch only when you will win the race. If in doubt, back off, and the partner slides to the middle.

Common mistakes

• F1 and F2 chasing the same player.
• F3 drifting too deep, which leaves a 3-on-2 the other way.
• Both defenders pinching at once.
• Finishing a check after the puck has gone: that's interference.