I do volunteer video work for a minor-league hockey team, and the organization/coaching staff has given us no direction on the textbook definitions for certain events that we log using the Steva software (we record all games on a laptop so the coaches can go back afterwards and do their analysis).

Having watched hockey for about 15 years now, a lot of it is just common sense...chances, faceoffs, penalties, goals, etc.

But we're struggling with the "neutral zone forecheck."

To date, we've been logging a "forecheck" as any situation where the opposition is trying to break out of their defensive zone, but is getting pressure from one of our forwards. So we're good there.

Based on this, I'm assuming that a "neutral zone forecheck" is simply a situation in which our team does not get a forechecker to the opposing team's player before he crosses his own blue line. Therefore, the first pressure the opposition gets occurs somewhere in the neutral zone (presumably because of something like a bad line change, or any situation in which our players do not get on the ice quickly enough).

Am I correct in assuming that a "neutral zone forecheck" is simply that...a forechecker pressuring their player in the neutral zone?

This is how we've been logging the NZ FC with the software, but the coaching staff keeps saying they need to further clarify the definition with us (but they never do, as they can't seem to find the time to). Additionally, other members of our video crew have differing ideas on what the definition truly is.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

Quote by: TomM

A lot of times it is because of the dump in to change lines and F1 cannot create pressure but it is also a team strategy whenever you only send in one forechecker whose job is to cut the ice in half and steer the puck carrier wide.

Most forechecks with only F1 in are neutral zone forechecks.

So usually any forecheck with F1 being the only player in is designed to cause nzone turnovers.

I'm not familiar with F1, F2, F3, but I think I'm following you here.

So it really has nothing to do with where the opposing players are when pressured. If there's a conscious effort by the forward to play the center ice (essentially forecheck up the middle) and force the opposing breakout wide, than that could be considered a NZ FC.

A standard "forecheck" is basically one of their guys being pressured behind the net, along the wall, etc., without an organized breakout necessarily having formed yet.

I know that's being a bit vague, but am I at least on the right track?

Thanks for the response. If I'm understanding what you wrote here, this has been very helpful. Much appreciated, amigo!