Axeltippning

Axeltippning is a Swedish term that literally translates to "axle tipping" and refers to a technique used in ice hockey. It is a legal form of body checking where a player uses their shoulder to hit the opposing player's upper arm or shoulder area, causing them to lose balance and their skates to lift slightly off the ice. The key element of axeltippning is that the contact is directed to the shoulder or upper arm, not the head or neck. This technique aims to disrupt the opponent's puck control or movement without resorting to dangerous or illegal hits.

The legality of axeltippning is determined by whether the contact is made to the upper body and if the opposing player's skates are lifted only slightly. If the hit is too high, directed at the head, or causes the opponent to be significantly lifted or thrown off balance, it can be deemed an illegal check and result in a penalty. Referees carefully observe these details during games. Axeltippning is considered a skill that requires good timing and body positioning to execute effectively while remaining within the rules of the game. It is a common occurrence in professional ice hockey.