--- title: Articles | 4Check Hockey description: hockey parenting | 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. [![The Freedom to Play](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/4Check-Hockey-9-11-Cover.jpeg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/the-freedom-to-play) 4Check Hockey ## [The Freedom to Play](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/the-freedom-to-play) A 9/11 reflection from 4Check Hockey Jon Francisco · September 08, 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 [![They're Watching More Than You're Teaching](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/car%20ride%20home.jpeg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/theyre-watching-more-than-youre-teaching) 4Check Hockey ## [They're Watching More Than You're Teaching](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/theyre-watching-more-than-youre-teaching) One of the greatest things about hockey is that it teaches lessons that extend far beyond the rink. Coaches spend hours ... Jon Francisco · July 27, 2026 [![Don’t Play the Comparison Game: Trusting Your Own Path in Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/MyHockeyRankings.png)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/dont-play-the-comparison-game-trusting-your-own-path-in-hockey) 4Check Hockey ## [Don’t Play the Comparison Game: Trusting Your Own Path in Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/dont-play-the-comparison-game-trusting-your-own-path-in-hockey) In today’s hockey world, it has never been easier to look around and feel like you are falling behind. One scroll ... Jon Francisco · June 30, 2026 [![When Hockey Breaks You AND Builds You](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Jon%20injured%20Reign_original.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/when-hockey-breaks-you-and-builds-you) 4Check Hockey ## [When Hockey Breaks You AND Builds You](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/when-hockey-breaks-you-and-builds-you) The Part of the Game No One Talks About Where the Love of the Game Begins Every player remembers the first time they ... Jon Francisco · March 09, 2026 [![Success Is Not An Accident: Part 4](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/USA_Hockey_Gangwon_2024_optimized.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/success-is-not-an-accident-part-4) 4Check Hockey ## [Success Is Not An Accident: Part 4](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/success-is-not-an-accident-part-4) The Final Article In This Series Over the last three parts, we have explored the habits that shape not only better ... Jon Francisco · February 23, 2026 [![Success Is Not An Accident: Part 3](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/practice%20on%20pond.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/success-is-not-an-accident-part-3) 4Check Hockey ## [Success Is Not An Accident: Part 3](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/success-is-not-an-accident-part-3) In Part 1 and Part 2, we focused on responsibility, discipline, accountability, composure, toughness, and character. ... Jon Francisco · February 16, 2026 [![Success Is Not An Accident: Part 2](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/para%20olympic%20players_optimized.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/success-is-not-an-accident-part-2) Traits ## [Success Is Not An Accident: Part 2](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/success-is-not-an-accident-part-2) We are continuing our series on the habits that shape strong, confident young athletes. In Part 1, we focused on ... Jon Francisco · February 09, 2026 [![Success Is Not An Accident: Part 1](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/outdoor%20rink_2_optimized.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/success-is-not-an-accident-part-1) 4Check Hockey ## [Success Is Not An Accident: Part 1](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/success-is-not-an-accident-part-1) We are kicking off a new series focused on the habits that define successful athletes. For clarity, success is not ... Jon Francisco · February 01, 2026 [![It’s Only January: Stop Worrying About Next Year’s Team](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/hockey%20parents%20watching%20game.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/its-only-january-stop-worrying-about-next-years-team) 4Check Hockey ## [It’s Only January: Stop Worrying About Next Year’s Team](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/its-only-january-stop-worrying-about-next-years-team) It’s January. The current season is still in full swing, yet parents, coaches, players, and even organizations are ... Jon Francisco · January 26, 2026 [![The Pressure Cooker: Why Kids Quit Sports (Part 1)](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Sad%20kid%20talking%20to%20parent.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/the-pressure-cooker-why-kids-quit-sports-part-1) 4Check Hockey ## [The Pressure Cooker: Why Kids Quit Sports (Part 1)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/the-pressure-cooker-why-kids-quit-sports-part-1) Our goal when teaching our kids about sports was simple: teach them to love the game. It does not matter what game it ... Jon Francisco · January 14, 2026 [![Great, My Kid Got a Concussion. Now What?](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Screen%20time.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/great-my-kid-got-a-concussion.-now-what) 4Check Hockey ## [Great, My Kid Got a Concussion. Now What?](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/great-my-kid-got-a-concussion.-now-what) Keeping Your Child Occupied After a Suspected Concussion Jon Francisco · December 05, 2025 [![Are Private Lessons Worth The Money?](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Private%20lessons.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/are-private-lessons-worth-the-money) 4Check Hockey ## [Are Private Lessons Worth The Money?](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/are-private-lessons-worth-the-money) The ol’ question in youth sports: “What’s the Return on Investment (ROI)?” Before we tackle this subject, understand ... Jon Francisco · November 19, 2025 [![Stuck in the Lineup? Find Your Way Back](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/players%20on%20bench.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/stuck-in-the-lineup-find-your-way-back) 4Check Hockey ## [Stuck in the Lineup? Find Your Way Back](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/stuck-in-the-lineup-find-your-way-back) It’s mid-season. The fog of tryouts and early practices has lifted. Coaches are starting to lock in their lines. ... Jon Francisco · October 22, 2025 [![Losing Perspective: A Modern Parenting Challenge](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/ODR-skate%20tying.jpeg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/losing-perspective-a-modern-parenting-challenge) 4Check Hockey ## [Losing Perspective: A Modern Parenting Challenge](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/losing-perspective-a-modern-parenting-challenge) In today’s hyper-competitive youth sports landscape, it’s easier than ever for parents to lose sight of what truly ... Jon Francisco · October 08, 2025 [![The Hit You Didn’t See Coming](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Kids%20falling%20on%20the%20ice.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/the-hit-you-didnt-see-coming) 4Check Hockey ## [The Hit You Didn’t See Coming](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/the-hit-you-didnt-see-coming) What every hockey mom should know about concussions. Whether you're cheering from the stands or tying skates in the ... Jon Francisco · October 01, 2025 [![Youth Hockey’s Silent Struggle](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Tying%20youth%20skates.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/youth-hockeys-silent-struggle) 4Check Hockey ## [Youth Hockey’s Silent Struggle](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/youth-hockeys-silent-struggle) Youth hockey is more than just a game—it’s a lifestyle for many families. Early mornings, long drives, tournament ... Jon Francisco · September 17, 2025 [![Stars Get Hype—Role Players Get Ice Time](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/players%20blocking%20shot.jpeg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/stars-get-hype-role-players-get-ice-time) 4Check Hockey ## [Stars Get Hype—Role Players Get Ice Time](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/stars-get-hype-role-players-get-ice-time) In hockey, it’s easy to get caught up in the highlight reels—the toe drags, top-shelf snipes, and buzzer-beaters. But ... Jon Francisco · August 27, 2025 [![Your KIDS are walking reflections of YOU...And Coaches Notice](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Parents%20reflection%20post.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/your-kids-are-walking-reflections-of-you...and-coaches-notice) 4Check Hockey ## [Your KIDS are walking reflections of YOU...And Coaches Notice](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/your-kids-are-walking-reflections-of-you...and-coaches-notice) Here's the truth, any good coach that has been around for a bit knows, kids are a direct reflection of their parents. ... Jon Francisco · August 13, 2025 [![Love for the Game Comes First](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Modano%20Coaching.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/love-for-the-game-comes-first) 4Check Hockey ## [Love for the Game Comes First](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/love-for-the-game-comes-first) When kids step onto the ice for the first time, it’s not the stats, trophies, or scholarships that light up their ... Jon Francisco · August 05, 2025 ![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