Hooking (ice hockey)

Hooking in ice hockey is a penalty called when an offending player uses their hockey stick to prevent another player from moving freely. This results in a two minute penalty being assessed to the offending player. It is the most common penalty in the NHL today. They are also called "hookers" at times. This is not to be confused with prostitution.

If one were to hook another hockey player in a game, they would follow these instructions.

# Skate to the proper position behind an opposing player during a hockey game. Position yourself at an angle behind the player so there is sufficient room to position the hockey stick for a hooking motion.
# Grip the hockey stick with both hands securely. If a hockey player does not have a secure grip on the hockey stick it can be lost during the commitment of a hooking penalty.
# Raise the hockey stick above the waist but not higher than the shoulders. If a player raises the hockey stick too high and hooks another player, it can result in serious injury. Be sure to keep the stick lower than the shoulders.
# Locate a spot on the opposing player to hook. This spot is usually the waist or the arm of the other hockey player. Do not hook an unprotected place on the opposing player such as the hands, neck or face.
# Extend the hockey stick and hook the opposing player. Use the hockey stick to pull the other player back and away from the puck or from the competitive advantage the other player has attained. Once the player is hooking, pull the stick back to get a hooking penalty.