--- title: Articles | 4Check Hockey description: Hockey Training Equipment | 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 [![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 [![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 [![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 Skipping Summer Tournaments Might Be the Best Move](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/stages%20of%20development%20for%20ice%20hockey.png)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-skipping-summer-tournaments-might-be-the-best-move) 4Check Hockey ## [Why Skipping Summer Tournaments Might Be the Best Move](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/why-skipping-summer-tournaments-might-be-the-best-move) As summer rolls in, many families in the youth hockey world feel the pressure to keep their kids on the ice through a ... Jon Francisco · June 18, 2025 [![A Parent’s Guide to Summer Hockey Training](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/slip%20and%20slide%20hockey.jpeg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/a-parents-guide-to-summer-hockey-training) 4Check Hockey ## [A Parent’s Guide to Summer Hockey Training](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/a-parents-guide-to-summer-hockey-training) Summer is a golden opportunity for young hockey players to recharge, refocus, and refine their skills. But without a ... Jon Francisco · June 11, 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 [![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 [![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 ![4Check Hockey](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/4Check%20Logo%202025_white.png) Training coaches, players, and organizations in safe, effective checking and concussion prevention. 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