🧠 Hockey IQ Breakdown: “Attacking the Stick Side” — How Elite Forwards Force Turnovers
Win the puck before the battle even starts — elite forecheckers attack the stick, not the body.
By Geoff Schomogyi (Instagram | Facebook)
In this Hockey IQ breakdown, we dig into one of the smartest habits high-level forwards use to kill breakouts: attacking the defenseman’s stick side.
When a defender shows you his stick, he’s exposing the weak point in his retrieval. Elite forecheckers eliminate it instantly — one clean stick lift, and the entire play collapses.
🔍 What Is “Attacking the Stick Side”?
Most young forwards chase the puck or go hunting for the body — and it costs them turnovers they should be creating.
Smart players understand something different:
When a defenseman’s stick is exposed, that’s the side you attack.
It’s the weak point in his retrieval and the quickest path to a turnover.
Attack the stick, and you:
Neutralize his ability to retrieve the puck
Force turnovers before contact
Prevent him from rolling the puck to safety
Stay legal while staying aggressive
Turn 50–50 loose pucks into clean scoring chances
This is forechecking with intention — eliminating the defender’s tool, not just his space.
🎥 VIDEO: “Attacking the Stick Side” — Neutralize the Defender Before He Touches the Puck
🎥 Want to See It in Action?
Unlock the final tip + full video breakdown by subscribing free to The Playmaker Report—trusted by 22,000+ players, coaches, and parents.
Subscribe free to The Playmaker Report—trusted by 22,000+ players, coaches, and parents—and get instant access below. 👇