--- title: Articles | 4Check Hockey description: Body Checking | Discover weekly tips, insightful articles, and essential tools to enhance your skills as a hockey player, coach, or parent. Learn how to effectively use our custom hockey dummies for training, checking, contact, injury prevention, and concussion prevention. --- [![4Check Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/4Check%20Logo%202025_white.png)](https://4checkhockey.com/) [Programs](https://4checkhockey.com/pricing) [About](https://4checkhockey.com/about) [Resources](https://4checkhockey.com/resources) [Articles](https://4checkhockey.com/articles) [Members](https://4checkhockey.com/members) [Contact](https://4checkhockey.com/contact) [Programs](https://4checkhockey.com/pricing) [About](https://4checkhockey.com/about) [Resources](https://4checkhockey.com/resources) [Articles](https://4checkhockey.com/articles) [Members](https://4checkhockey.com/members) [Contact](https://4checkhockey.com/contact) 4Check Hockey # Articles Weekly tips and insight on player development, confidence, team culture, and safe contact, for players, coaches, and parents. [![Why I Built 4Check Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Why%20I%20Built%204Check-Web.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-i-built-4check-hockey) 4Check Hockey ## [Why I Built 4Check Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-i-built-4check-hockey) How coaching, concussions, and my own kids changed how I saw the game Jon Francisco · September 14, 2026 [![Afraid of Contact? You're Not Alone](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/youth%20contact.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/afraid-of-contact-youre-not-alone) 4Check Hockey ## [Afraid of Contact? You're Not Alone](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/afraid-of-contact-youre-not-alone) Every hockey family has experienced it at some point. A player enters a new age level where contact becomes more ... Jon Francisco · August 24, 2026 [![Is Body Checking Making a Comeback in Youth Hockey?](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/boys%20battling%20on%20the%20ice.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/is-body-checking-making-a-comeback-in-youth-hockey) 4Check Hockey ## [Is Body Checking Making a Comeback in Youth Hockey?](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/is-body-checking-making-a-comeback-in-youth-hockey) For years, body checking has been one of the most debated topics in youth hockey. Some believe reducing or delaying ... Jon Francisco · August 12, 2026 [![Developing Hockey Players Means More Than Teaching Skills](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Player%20Development%20article%201.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/developing-hockey-players-means-more-than-teaching-skills) 4Check Hockey ## [Developing Hockey Players Means More Than Teaching Skills](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/developing-hockey-players-means-more-than-teaching-skills) When most people think about player development, they picture skating drills, shooting stations, and puck handling ... Jon Francisco · July 13, 2026 [![Teaching Contact the Right Way Without Fear](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Hitting%20dummy.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/teaching-contact-the-right-way-without-fear) 4Check Hockey ## [Teaching Contact the Right Way Without Fear](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/teaching-contact-the-right-way-without-fear) Contact has always been part of hockey, and at every meaningful level of the game, it continues to play an important ... Jon Francisco · June 08, 2026 [![Why Head Up Hockey Changes Everything](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Head%20Up%20with%20puck.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-head-up-hockey-changes-everything) 4Check Hockey ## [Why Head Up Hockey Changes Everything](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-head-up-hockey-changes-everything) If you take a step back and analyze most mistakes in hockey, they rarely come from a lack of technical skill. At nearly ... Jon Francisco · June 01, 2026 [![Why Avoiding Contact Training Can Actually Increase Injury Risk](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Max%20teaching.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-avoiding-contact-training-can-actually-increase-injury-risk) 4Check Hockey ## [Why Avoiding Contact Training Can Actually Increase Injury Risk](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-avoiding-contact-training-can-actually-increase-injury-risk) It seems logical at first. If contact in hockey can lead to injuries, then avoiding contact in practice should make ... Jon Francisco · May 25, 2026 [![How To Talk To Your Child About Physical Play](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/IMG_8201.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-physical-play) 4Check Hockey ## [How To Talk To Your Child About Physical Play](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-physical-play) For many parents, physical play is the most misunderstood part of hockey. You want your child to be confident and ... Jon Francisco · May 18, 2026 [![Why Fear Can Hurt You](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/kids%20playing%20off%20faceoff.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/fear-gets-you-hurt) 4Check Hockey ## [Why Fear Can Hurt You](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/fear-gets-you-hurt) Hockey is physical by design. Contact is not an accident, it is part of the game. Yet one of the biggest injury risks ... Jon Francisco · April 06, 2026 [![Why Teaching Angling Matters](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/McKinnon%20McDavid.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-teaching-angling-matters) 4Check Hockey ## [Why Teaching Angling Matters](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-teaching-angling-matters) For years, physical play in hockey has been taught backwards. Players are told to finish checks, separate the man from ... Jon Francisco · March 30, 2026 [![The Rise of Blindside Contact](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Hit%20across%20middle-college.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/the-rise-of-blindside-contact) 4Check Hockey ## [The Rise of Blindside Contact](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/the-rise-of-blindside-contact) AND Why “Head Up” Is No Longer Enough Blindside contact has evolved with today’s faster pace, tighter gaps, and east to ... Jon Francisco · March 23, 2026 [![⚠️ How Serious Knee on Knee Hits Really Are](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Mathews%20knee%20on%20knee.jpeg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/how-serious-knee-on-knee-hits-really-are) 4Check Hockey ## [⚠️ How Serious Knee on Knee Hits Really Are](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/how-serious-knee-on-knee-hits-really-are) Knee on knee contact is one of the most dangerous and career threatening actions in hockey. Unlike high speed body ... Jon Francisco · March 16, 2026 [![Don't Wait, One Bad Hit Can Change Everything](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Scheifele%20hit.webp)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/dont-wait-one-bad-hit-can-change-everything) 4Check Hockey ## [Don't Wait, One Bad Hit Can Change Everything](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/dont-wait-one-bad-hit-can-change-everything) Hockey is one of the fastest and most physical sports in the world. For parents, watching your child step into contact ... Jon Francisco · December 11, 2025 [![Youth Hockey Injuries Surge: How 4Check Hockey Is Leading Safer Training Solutions](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Youth_hockey_concussion.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/youth-hockey-injuries-surge-how-4check-hockey-is-leading-safer-training-solutions) 4Check Hockey ## [Youth Hockey Injuries Surge: How 4Check Hockey Is Leading Safer Training Solutions](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/youth-hockey-injuries-surge-how-4check-hockey-is-leading-safer-training-solutions) There’s a troubling trend beneath the surface of youth hockey: injuries are on the rise—and they’re more severe than ... Jon Francisco · November 12, 2025 [![Safer Hockey Starts with 4Check’s Dummy](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/IMG_3137_1.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/safer-hockey-starts-with-4checks-dummy) 4Check Hockey ## [Safer Hockey Starts with 4Check’s Dummy](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/safer-hockey-starts-with-4checks-dummy) Making the game SAFER, one DUMMY at a time. Jon Francisco · October 15, 2025 [![Why a Great Coach Matters More Than a Perfect Record](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Coach%20with%20players.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-a-great-coach-matters-more-than-a-perfect-record) 4Check Hockey ## [Why a Great Coach Matters More Than a Perfect Record](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-a-great-coach-matters-more-than-a-perfect-record) In the world of youth hockey, it’s easy to get caught up in the scoreboard. Parents cheer for wins, players chase ... Jon Francisco · June 25, 2025 [![Utilizing 4Check Hockey Dummies for More Than Just Checking](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/1.%20AJ%20shooting%20through%20dummies.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/utilizing-4check-hockey-dummies-for-more-than-just-checking) 4Check Hockey ## [Utilizing 4Check Hockey Dummies for More Than Just Checking](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/utilizing-4check-hockey-dummies-for-more-than-just-checking) At 4Check Hockey, we pride ourselves on providing innovative training tools that enhance player development. Our ... Jon Francisco · May 14, 2025 [![The Crucial Role of Awareness: Preventing Concussions & Injuries](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Communication-Blog%20300x175.png)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/the-crucial-role-of-awareness-preventing-concussions-injuries) 4Check Hockey ## [The Crucial Role of Awareness: Preventing Concussions & Injuries](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/the-crucial-role-of-awareness-preventing-concussions-injuries) Hockey is an exhilarating sport, celebrated for its speed, skill, and physicality. However, with the excitement comes ... Jon Francisco · April 18, 2025 [![Angling: Your Secret Weapon](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Angling.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/angling-your-secret-weapon) 4Check Hockey ## [Angling: Your Secret Weapon](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/angling-your-secret-weapon) Ice hockey is a physical sport where players must combine skill, strategy, and physicality to succeed. One of the most ... Jon Francisco · March 05, 2025 [![Let Your Child Fail: It's OK](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/player%20falling_blog%20image.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/let-your-child-fail-its-ok) 4Check Hockey ## [Let Your Child Fail: It's OK](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/let-your-child-fail-its-ok) When you first encouraged your child to play sports, it was likely for the life lessons they would learn—lessons that ... Jon Francisco · February 26, 2025 [![Why Helmets Can't Prevent Concussions](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Helmet%20for%20blog.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-helmets-cant-prevent-concussions) 4Check Hockey ## [Why Helmets Can't Prevent Concussions](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-helmets-cant-prevent-concussions) When it comes to hockey, safety is a top priority. Helmets are a crucial piece of equipment designed to protect players ... Jon Francisco · February 12, 2025 [![From Rams to Rinks: Nature's Secrets vs. Hockey's Challenges](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/11.ram.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/from-rams-to-rinks-natures-secrets-vs-hockeys-challenges) 4Check Hockey ## [From Rams to Rinks: Nature's Secrets vs. Hockey's Challenges](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/from-rams-to-rinks-natures-secrets-vs-hockeys-challenges) Comparing Animal Brain Protection Mechanisms to Hockey Brain Injuries The animal kingdom is full of fascinating ... Jon Francisco · February 05, 2025 [![Has Hockey Gotten ](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/hockey%20soft%20image.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/has-hockey-gotten-soft) 4Check Hockey ## [Has Hockey Gotten "Soft"?](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/has-hockey-gotten-soft) Hockey, a sport known for its intense physicality and fast-paced action, has undergone significant changes over the ... Jon Francisco · January 29, 2025 [![Will hockey ever get away from contact and checking?](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/PWHL%20Checking%20image.jpeg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/will-hockey-ever-get-away-from-contact-and-checking) 4Check Hockey ## [Will hockey ever get away from contact and checking?](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/will-hockey-ever-get-away-from-contact-and-checking) Ice hockey is known for its physicality, and checking is a fundamental part of the game in both men's and women's ... Jon Francisco · January 22, 2025 [![Overcoming the Fear of Body Contact in Youth Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Big%20player_Little%20player.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/overcoming-the-fear-of-body-contact-in-youth-hockey) 4Check Hockey ## [Overcoming the Fear of Body Contact in Youth Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/overcoming-the-fear-of-body-contact-in-youth-hockey) Body contact is an integral part of hockey, and for many young players, it can be a source of anxiety. However, with ... Jon Francisco · January 16, 2025 [![The Crucial Role of Parents in Managing Youth Hockey Concussions](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/2.%20brain.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/the-crucial-role-of-parents-in-preventing-youth-hockey-concussions) 4Check Hockey ## [The Crucial Role of Parents in Managing Youth Hockey Concussions](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/the-crucial-role-of-parents-in-preventing-youth-hockey-concussions) Youth hockey is an exhilarating sport that teaches teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. However, it also comes with ... Jon Francisco · January 16, 2025 [![Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) in Ice Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/1.%20brain.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/understanding-traumatic-brain-injuries-tbi-in-ice-hockey) 4Check Hockey ## [Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) in Ice Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/understanding-traumatic-brain-injuries-tbi-in-ice-hockey) Ice hockey is a thrilling and intense sport, but it also carries a significant risk of injury, particularly traumatic ... Jon Francisco · January 08, 2025 [![Winning Puck Battles: The Key to Hockey Success](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/puck%20battle%20image.png)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/winning-puck-battles-the-key-to-hockey-success) 4Check Hockey ## [Winning Puck Battles: The Key to Hockey Success](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/winning-puck-battles-the-key-to-hockey-success) The Importance of Winning Puck Battles in Hockey In the fast-paced world of hockey, winning puck battles is a crucial ... Jon Francisco · December 18, 2024 [![The Essential Role of Coaches in Teaching Safe Checking and Concussion Prevention in Youth Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Jon%20Coaching.jpeg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-coaches-must-master-safe-checking-and-concussion-prevention-in-youth-hockey) 4Check Hockey ## [The Essential Role of Coaches in Teaching Safe Checking and Concussion Prevention in Youth Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-coaches-must-master-safe-checking-and-concussion-prevention-in-youth-hockey) Why Coaches Need to Learn Proper Contact, Checking, and Concussion Prevention in Hockey Jon Francisco · December 11, 2024 [![Prevent Injuries and Concussions with 4Check Hockey’s Training Program](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/IMG_3120_cropped.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/prevent-injuries-and-concussions-with-4check-hockeys-training-program) 4Check Hockey ## [Prevent Injuries and Concussions with 4Check Hockey’s Training Program](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/prevent-injuries-and-concussions-with-4check-hockeys-training-program) Should We Ban Checking Completely? While the obvious thought may be, "Let’s just ban checking and contact in all of ... Jon Francisco · November 11, 2024 ![4Check Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/4Check%20Logo%202025_white.png) Training coaches, players, and organizations in safe, effective checking and concussion prevention. Hermantown, MN 55811, USA #### Explore [About Us](https://4checkhockey.com/about) [Programs & Pricing](https://4checkhockey.com/pricing) [Resources](https://4checkhockey.com/resources) [Articles](https://4checkhockey.com/articles) #### Get Started [Partner With Your Organization](https://4checkhockey.com/contact) [Request A Camp](https://4checkhockey.com/contact-camp-request) [Refer An Organization](https://4checkhockey.com/organization-referral) #### More [Find A Camp](https://4checkhockey.com/find-a-camp) [Members](https://4checkhockey.com/members) [Contact](https://4checkhockey.com/contact) Copyright © 2026, 4Check Hockey