Backhand Shot

Backhand shots involve propelling the puck backwards using the curved side of the blade and are very useful in ice hockey. They have their downsides - they are not as powerful as shots from the front of the blade, or as accurate - but in the right situation they can have their advantages. You can use a backhand shot if you find yourself in a situation where passing to someone from the non-curved side of the blade is impossible or to confuse the other team’s goalie.

Because backhand shots use different muscles than forehand shots, they are often a player’s weakest form of offence. By working on your backhand technique you give yourself a real advantage over the other team - a strong backhand is a brilliant way of keeping them on their toes. Backhand shots are particularly effective if you use them when cutting in front of the other team’s goal or straight out of a pass.

This video
shows some techniques for perfecting your backhand shot although there are other methods. As with forehand shots, getting your weight transfer right is the key to a successful backhand shot.

Although there is far less control in the direction of backhand shots, which makes them so tricky for goalies to block, you can get some control by pointing the blade of the stick during follow through. Because the angle of the shot depends on the curve of the edge of the blade, different types of stick will mean that backhand shots have different results so it’s important to practice them with the equipment that you will be using.

Backhand Shot