Are You Backchecking Too Hard? Rethinking Backchecking
Backcheck Smart, Not Hard: How to Balance Risk and Reward
The current standard coaching theory that most teams aim for is to have all their players backcheck hard in transition to limit the opposition’s time and opportunities.
This strategy has gone too far to the point where the desired effect becomes a poor choice defensively AND a poor choice offensively. Much of what we see with over-backchecking is simply players chasing the game and wasting energy.
I proposed there should be further thought to best understand a situation to balance risk/reward when deciding to backcheck, and how to backcheck.
Underbackchecking
While there are times for skaters to fully commit to backchecking, that doesn’t mean it applies in all scenarios. There are many benefits to the “lazy backcheck” / underbackcheck.
The most beneficial is in offensive transition, where teams can save a high forward for instant counterattacks/outlets. That high forward player can become a stretch option for a quick up pass if there is a turnover. This could also force the opponent’s defensemen to stay high, often limiting their pinches and keeping their gaps looser, and creating more space underneath the defensive structure to operate.
Making The Underbackcheck Read
Situations where structure matters more than numbers.
If your defenders are already well-positioned and have the rush under control (e.g., clear 2‑on‑2 with good gap and back pressure from a forward), having a third forward sprint all the way back can overcrowd the defensive zone (DZ) or leave no one available for a quick outlet when you win the puck.
In this case, an underbackcheck keeps a quick outlet option available. A great “release value” at worst and an immediate threat at best.
Conscious decision where the situation risk/reward makes sense when the other four skaters cover the necessary lanes and middle ice.
It’s a good thing to have this as a team system, so everyone knows they are going to be potentially outnumbered and that they can quickly clear the puck up ice toward someone on their team.
Nikita Kucherov Example
In this example, we see Nikita Kucherov be the “lazy backchecker”/ Underbackchecker. The Tampa Bay Lightning are up a goal, but that doesn’t mean Kucherov is head down sprinting back into his DZ.
Backcheck Smart. Sometimes hard, sometimes soft. Be intentional and read what the situation and your role require. Balance the risk and reward in transition.
Further Reading