The Underrated Edge: Why the Backhand Is a Great Weapon in Hockey

Kevin Geist
6 days ago
4 min read

Most players treat the backhand like a secondary option — something to use

when the forehand isn’t available. That’s a mistake. The backhand is a sneaky, high-ROI tool: it’s hard to read, great for deception, excellent for tight-space play, and can be the difference between a missed chance and a goal. Here’s why you should make the backhand a regular part of your toolkit — and how to turn it into one of your best assets.

1) The tactical advantages

Element of surprise. Goalies and defenders expect the forehand. A well-timed backhand changes angle, pace, and eye-lines — and that split-second surprise is worth gold.
Better in tight spaces. When you’re along the boards, in the crease, or pressured in the slot, the backhand lets you protect the puck and still create an opportunity without exposing the puck to a defender.
Deception & disguise. The same footwork and body language can sell a forehand, while the puck quietly sneaks to the backhand for a shot or pass. Toe-drags and quick inside-outs are particularly lethal when followed by a backhand.
Quick release in close. From in tight (crease, net-front scrums), the backhand often requires less space to get a shot off — you can get it away while absorbing contact or off-balance.
Useful for passes & saucers. The backhand can deliver a subtle saucer pass or a soft puck across the slot that a forehand pass would overcook in cramped situations.

2) Situations where you should reach for the backhand

Net-front scrums and rebounds where you can’t open up for your forehand.
Along the boards when you’re being checked and need to protect the puck.
On quick cross-ice feeds where the backhand gives a better passing angle.
Break-ins where you want to change the angle last second to beat the goalie’s glove.
When settling pucks on your backhand to control the play or buy time.

3) How to practice and build a dangerous backhand

Progression beats repetition. Start slow, emphasize technique, then increase speed and pressure.

Warm-up drills

Soft backhand pushes: Stationary, push the puck along the heel-to-toe motion to feel blade contact. Focus on rolling the puck, not slapping it.
Wall-bank backhands: Stand near a wall and push/pull the puck on your backhand while angling the blade to feel control.

Shooting drills

One-step backhand shots (stationary target): From the slot, step into a backhand snapshot aiming low and to the corners.
Moving backhand shots: Skate in from the half-boards or the slot and release a backhand while on the move. Track balance and blade angle.
Net-front backhand taps: Practice quick tucks and toe-poke-style backhands from in tight — simulate rebounds and traffic.

Edge & puck protection drills

Board protection + backhand outlet: Skate along the boards with a defender or cone pressure, then execute a backhand pass or chip out.
1-on-1 inside-out: Force a defender wide with inside edges, then pull the puck onto your backhand and finish.

Game-sim drills

Small-area games (backhand-only zones): In small nets or tight half-ice, force players to finish or pass on their backhand for a set time. This creates realistic pressure.
Scramble drills: Coach creates rebound chaos, players must use backhands to get shots away and bury tips.

4) Coaching cues & technical points

Blade contact: Use the middle-to-heel of the blade for control; roll your wrists to get a clean backhand surface. Think “react, don’t flail.”
Weight transfer: Transfer weight from back leg to front leg to get power and stability — especially for backhand snapshots.
Toe drag into backhand: Use a small toe-drag to open up angle and create the space to use the backhand effectively.
Eyes up: Don’t tunnel-vision. Keep your head up to read the goalie and defenders; small visual cues tell you whether to pass or shoot.
Small, quick motions: Backhand success in tight spaces is usually about compact, controlled moves — not big windups.

5) Common mistakes and how to fix them

Swinging too big: Big backswing kills the shot in traffic. Fix: practice compact snaps and toe-tap releases.
Poor blade angle: If the blade is open or closed wrong, the puck will go where you don’t want it. Fix: slow reps focusing on blade-face contact.
Using the backhand as a last-ditch panic move: Often it’s your best option — decide earlier and commit.
Not practicing under pressure: The backhand needs game-speed reps. Use small-area games and live scrimmages.

6) The mental edge

Using the backhand isn’t just physical — it’s psychological. Players who habitually use both sides make defenders hesitate. Hesitation creates seams. Be the player who opens his options: defenders can’t cheat you if you’re equally dangerous on both sides.

Final thoughts — make it a habit, not a fallback

The backhand turns awkward situations into scoring chances. Treat it like a weapon to be trained, refined, and used intentionally. Start small in practice, progress to game-speed reps, and then make a promise: in the next few games, look for one play to use your backhand intentionally. That one play will often be the play that changes the game.