When backchecking, players need to assess the evolving situation in front of them. They should determine whether, as an F3, is there position above or below their F3. In youth hockey, it's common to see forwards either overcommitting to the puck carrier or leaving an opponent unmarked, often mesmerized by the puck and failing to contribute effectively to the backcheck. If your F3 is positioned above their F3, the goal is to create three one-on-one matchups, as illustrated in the video clip above. However, if tracking below their F3, the task becomes more challenging. The F3 must work to catch up with the play, communicating with the defense to identify the least threatening attacker and marking that player while retreating into the defensive zone. Ideally, maintaining an above position in the offensive zone is preferred for the F3, as it helps establish proper positioning for the team's transition back into the defensive zone.

Strip & Go Tracking Warm Up Drill

Description;

• F1 starts with a puck in the corner and takes off at half speed.
• F2 is going to backcheck, and once they enter the neutral zone he is going to create separation from the body and puck by cutting off F1's hands.
• After F2 creates separation, he quickly transitions the puck and looks for F3 who is beginning to gain speed on the weakside of the ice.
• After F1 gets attacked, he now becomes the weakside transition player in the neutral zone.
• Once F3 receives the puck, he drives the puck in the wide lane
• After F2 passes the puck, he begins to drive the net as the middle lane driver.
• As soon as F3 shoots the puck, he and F2 can play the rebound for a split second, but then F3 has to turn and begin to backcheck F4 who is starting the drill over again. F2 goes back to line.

Keypoints;

Have the tracker create separation from the puck carrier and the puck by disrupting the "triangle" that is made from the player's stick, puck, feet, and hands.

Make sure the weakside release player is gaining speed prior to receiving the puck for the rush. 

After the back checker moves the puck, they have to transition from defence to offence and become the net quickly driver