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As with all poke checks, the first element is surprise. If the shooter
"reads" you then he has a great advantage over you and will probably score.
To hide your intentions you must appear to be in a normal stance. To be
specific, do not begin to slide your hand up the shaft in preparation for the
poke check. Heads up shooters will easily see this and you will have
"telegraphed" your intentions.
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To be successful you want to poke check someone at the last possible
moment when they are not in a shooting position. For example, if a shooter
has the puck in front of his body he is in the classic deke position, which
makes him more vulnerable to a poke check than, if he has the puck to the
side in a shooting position.
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Good times to try poke checks occur when the shooter is pressured. In
these situations he could have a defenseman hooking him or someone
about to flatten him. Due to the split in his focus between you and the
defenseman he is a prime candidate for a poke check.
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You should avoid trying a poke check when a shooter has the puck in
a shooting position, has his head up and is under little pressure. You will
have minimal success.
Execution:
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Explosively thrust your stick towards the puck as you would in
shuffleboard. If you are tentative or slow your attempt will fail. Visualize a
cobra about to bite. This is exactly the way a poke check should work: no
warning and no chance to react. Ensure that you use the whole shaft when
you poke check. If your hand doesn't snap all the way up to the knob you are
really limiting your range and chances for success. You pay for the whole
shaft - Use It!
Advanced Tip
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Smart goaltenders always get at least one of three things when they
poke check. They are : skates, puck or legs. It is very difficult to score when
you are on your back without the puck. Try to get something with your stick if
you miss the puck and quickly snap your stick back where it should be in
your normal stance.