Layin' the Smack Down

If you've seen Cardiff's Derek Campbell play this year then you've seen one of the premier heavy hitters in the Elite League.

Campbell's right up there with the likes of Newcastle's towering slab of granite Chris McAllister or Manchester's whirlwind winger Kyle Bruce when it comes to separating other players from their senses.

Campbell notched a six-point weekend and no doubt threw in a string of checks to boot in the road wins against the Bison and Capitals, showing that he can hit the scoreboard just as hard.

But what's the secret to a good check? What makes a good hit? How does Campbell do it?

"Just staying nice and low and exploding through the check," Campbell told the Cardiff Devils game programme.

"Trying to get as much speed as you can without being called for a charge. Obviously, hitting the gym helps."

Campbell's fellow glass rattler Bruce agrees.

"You want to stay low and if your legs are straight your centre of gravity will be higher," said Bruce, in an interview with the Manchester Phoenix game programme.

"You need strong legs and a strong core, which is what we’ve been working on lately in the gym – strengthening our core muscles.

"You want to catch guys when they’re off guard and not expecting it. You have to stay low to generate the power to knock them off their feet. Obviously, you don’t want to go straight for a guy’s head."