--- title: Articles | 4Check Hockey description: Training | 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. [![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 [![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 [![What Does ](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Player%20Development%20part%201.1.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/what-does-player-development-actually-mean) 4Check Hockey ## [What Does "Player Development" Actually Mean?](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/what-does-player-development-actually-mean) Player development is one of the most talked about concepts in hockey. Ask ten coaches what development means and ... Jon Francisco · July 07, 2026 [![Building Confidence Through Repetition Without Risk](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Practice%20and%20repetition%20without%20risk.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/building-confidence-through-repetition-without-risk) 4Check Hockey ## [Building Confidence Through Repetition Without Risk](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/building-confidence-through-repetition-without-risk) Confidence is one of the most valuable traits a hockey player can have, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. ... Jon Francisco · June 22, 2026 [![Game Realism: The Missing Link in Player Development](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Kids%20battling%20it%20out.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/game-realism-the-missing-link-in-player-development) 4Check Hockey ## [Game Realism: The Missing Link in Player Development](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/game-realism-the-missing-link-in-player-development) One of the most common frustrations for coaches and parents is watching players perform well in practice, only to ... Jon Francisco · June 15, 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 [![Your Kid Is Not Behind, The System Is Broken](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Norway.jpeg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/your-kid-is-not-behind-the-system-is-broken) 4Check Hockey ## [Your Kid Is Not Behind, The System Is Broken](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/your-kid-is-not-behind-the-system-is-broken) A Wake Up Call for Youth Sports in North America There is a quiet question sitting at the heart of youth sports that ... Jon Francisco · April 13, 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 [![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 [![3 Most Common Mistakes Coaches Make Teaching Contact & How to Fix Them](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Jon_Francisco_large.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/3-most-common-mistakes-coaches-make-teaching-contact-how-to-fix-them) 4Check Hockey ## [3 Most Common Mistakes Coaches Make Teaching Contact & How to Fix Them](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/3-most-common-mistakes-coaches-make-teaching-contact-how-to-fix-them) Teaching contact in youth hockey is one of the most critical, and misunderstood, aspects of player development. When ... Jon Francisco · October 29, 2025 [![What Kids REALLY Struggle With in Youth Sports](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/player%20zoned%20out.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/what-kids-really-struggle-with-in-youth-sports) 4Check Hockey ## [What Kids REALLY Struggle With in Youth Sports](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/what-kids-really-struggle-with-in-youth-sports) ...and How to Help Them Thrive Jon Francisco · July 30, 2025 [![What Coaches Want: Top 3 Traits of Great Athletes](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/Herb%20Brooks.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/what-coaches-want-top-3-traits-of-great-athletes) 4Check Hockey ## [What Coaches Want: Top 3 Traits of Great Athletes](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/what-coaches-want-top-3-traits-of-great-athletes) Athletes often wonder what it takes to stand out—not just on the field, but in the eyes of their coaches. While talent ... Jon Francisco · July 09, 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 [![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 [![Summer Training: Balancing Focus & Fun for Both Parents & Kids](https://4checkhockey.com/hubfs/father-and-child-doing-exercise-sport-training.jpg)](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/summer-training-balancing-focus-fun-for-both-parents-kids) 4Check Hockey ## [Summer Training: Balancing Focus & Fun for Both Parents & Kids](https://4checkhockey.com/articles/summer-training-balancing-focus-fun-for-both-parents-kids) Summer is an excellent time for young hockey players to focus on improving their skills and conditioning. However, it's ... Jon Francisco · May 01, 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 [![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