How to Perform a Stick Check in Hockey

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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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.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Using the Poke Check

Step 1

Place your top hand on your hockey stick, keeping your elbow tucked close to your side.
Step 2

Use your other hand to keep your balance.
Step 3

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

Using the Hook Check

Step 1

Place your top hand on your stick.
Step 2

Bend one knee, and bring the shaft of your stick down where it is nearly flat on the ice.
Step 3

Hook your stick blade in the direction of the puck. The curved part of the stick should be able to cup the puck.
Step 4

Drive the puck away from your opponent.

Using the Sweep Check

Step 1

Place your top hand on your stick.
Step 2

Bend your knee so your stick blade is on the ice.
Step 3

Use the curve of your stick to brush your blade across the ice moving the puck our of the way of your opponent.
Step 4

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

Using the Lift the Stick Check

Step 1

Slip your lower hand down the stick for leverage, skating in front of your opponent.
Step 2

Coast your stick under your opponent's stick where the blade and shaft converge.
Step 3

Thrust your stick up quickly, lifting your opponent's stick.
Step 4

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

Step 1

Slip your lower hand down the stick for leverage.
Step 2

Press down hard on the shaft of your opponent's stick with yours. This will keep your opponent from moving his or her stick.
Step 3

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

Using Hit the Stick

Step 1

Skate alongside your opponent.
Step 2

Hit the heel of your opponent's stick. This should make him or her loose control of the puck.
Step 3

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