Offensive Zone Forecheck: 1-2-2 (Vs. Strong - Side Exit)

The 1-2-2 is the first forechecking formation minor hockey players learn as well as the most popular one in the NHL. The main difference is F1’s behavior. At lower levels the first forechecker approaches the opposing defenseman cautiously and angles them toward the strong-side boards. In the NHL, F1 is a heat-seeking missile that locks onto the puck retriever and attacks them in a straight line. The difference in execution is due to the professional player’s superior conditioning and skating ability. When F1 is beaten by a pass to the half wall, F2 and F3 are already on their way to kill the next play.