What is a 1-1-3 offensive zone forecheck?
The 1-1-3 offensive zome forecheck is a conservative system that emphasizes protecting the middle of the ice against breakouts and counter-attacks while still maintaining offensive zone pressure. This formation is particularly effective when leading in games or playing against teams with strong transition offence.
F1 acts as our primary forechecker, pursuing the puck carrier and attempting to force plays to predictable areas. Unlike more aggressive systems, F1's primary goal is to direct play rather than create immediate turnovers. They must be smart with their energy and positioning, as they won't have immediate support.
F2 positions themselves in the high slot, through the house, ready to pounce wherever the puck is headed next. This player serves as both offensive support and the first layer of defensive coverage. They must read the play carefully, providing support when F1 creates pressure but staying ready to backcheck if the opposition breaks out.
The unique aspect of this system is our three-player defensive layer (F3, D1, and D2). These players form a barrier across the blue line, with the defensemen connected with the F3. This structure allows us to protect against stretch passes and quick transitions while maintaining the ability to pinch when appropriate.
The 1-1-3 requires excellent discipline and patience. Players must resist the urge to chase plays or commit too deeply, although you can put your own spin on it easily and have F1 up the aggrression factor. Success depends on maintaining proper gaps between layers and quick recognition of when to transition from offence to defence. While this system may not create as many immediate turnovers as more aggressive forechecks, it provides excellent defensive coverage and can frustrate teams that like to stretch the ice. It also might take a little bit longer to get comfortable, but once you do it’s extremely easy to deploy on a moment’s notice.
Why It’s Effective
The 1-1-3 offensive zone forecheck is challenging to play against for several key reasons:
- While conservative in nature, it forces opposing teams to make predictable plays by using F1 to steer puck carriers into specific areas
- The second forward (F2) positioned in the high slot serves as both offensive support and defensive coverage, making it difficult for teams to break out cleanly through the middle
- The unique three-player defensive barrier (F3, D1, D2) across the blue line effectively prevents stretch passes and quick transitions while maintaining the ability to pinch at appropriate times
- The system's disciplined structure frustrates teams that like to stretch the ice or attempt quick breakouts, forcing them to adjust their typical breakout patterns
The 1-1-3 is an intuitive forecheck that requires more physical power than mental - just chase the puck! It’s basically a hybrid of the 1-1-2 and the 2-1-2 and can be used against different types of defencemen. Deploying this forecheck means you’ll see your forecheckers pick off passes in the middle of the ice just by virtue of being in the right spot. The walls might seem open to defencemen at first, but as long as you aggressive D who understand that the reins are off, they’re allowed to pinch, then you’ll trap teams mid breakout and go on the attack.
Practice
Here’s a drill you can use to practice this forecheck. This is a simple drill and can be used with any offensive zone forecheck. You can put your own spin on it too! Players can start at a standstill or be milling about and activate on the whistle.
- Both teams gap up, breakout team touches blue line, forecheck team touches red line
- Forecheckers try to retrieve puck, breakout team tries to break out!
- Play 5on5 for 30 seconds or so
The Evidence
Carolina is a unique team, but the 1-1-3 forecheck is simple and intuitive. Watch how the F2 reads off the puck carrier while the F1 hunts the puck. All three forwards often start in a straight line before sprinting into their assignments.
Get everything you need to know about offensive zone forechecks here!
2-1-2 Offensive Zone Forecheck
1-2-2 Offensive Zone Forecheck
Learn more about the neutral zone forecheck too.
