The correct spelling of the word "pick check" is /pɪk tʃɛk/. The first part, "pick," is spelled with a "p" and an "i," representing the sound /pɪ/, followed by a "k" representing the sound /k/. The second part, "check," is spelled with a "ch," representing the sound /tʃ/, followed by an "e," representing the sound /ɛ/, and a "k," representing the sound /k/. When pronounced together, the word forms a compound noun that refers to a type of hockey play.
Pick check is a term primarily used in the contexts of ice hockey and lacrosse to describe a defensive move where a player uses their body to impede the progress of an opponent without making direct physical contact. This tactical maneuver involves skilled positioning and timing to disrupt an opposing player's movement and impede their ability to reach the desired position on the playing surface.
In both sports, the pick check is typically executed by an offensive player to create space for their teammate, who may be carrying the ball or attempting to make a play. By establishing themselves in the pathway of an opponent, the player sets a physical obstacle that forces the opponent to navigate around them, thereby slowing their progress or completely obstructing their movement.
The pick check is often utilized strategically to create offensive opportunities, as it allows the player who set the pick to create separation between themselves and their defender, thus increasing the chances of receiving a pass or making a successful play.
This defensive technique relies on the rules of the sport, as direct physical contact or excessively obstructing an opponent can result in penalties. Therefore, the pick check emphasizes skillful positioning and timing to legally impede the opponent's progress without crossing the boundaries of fair play.
Overall, pick checking serves as an essential defensive move in ice hockey and lacrosse, with its successful execution offering an advantage to the team employing this strategic maneuver.
The term "pick check" originates from the sport of ice hockey.
The word "pick" in this context refers to the act of using one's hockey stick to impede or obstruct an opponent without making body contact. It involves placing the stick in the opponent's path to disrupt their movement or prevent them from reaching the puck. The word "check" in ice hockey refers to the act of making a physical contact or collision with an opponent to disrupt their play.
Therefore, the phrase "pick check" combines these two concepts, describing the technique of using the stick to disrupt an opponent's movement or play while avoiding physical contact.
The etymology of each term individually stems from their respective meanings in English. "Pick" is derived from the Middle English word "pikken", which means to pierce or make a small hole.