When it comes to hockey, the backhand shot is a move that every player needs to master. Whether you are a forward looking to score or a defenseman trying to clear the puck, the power behind a backhand shot can make all the difference in the game.
But what exactly is a backhand in hockey? Put simply, it is a shot or pass that is made by sliding the blade of the stick along the backside of the puck, causing it to spin in the opposite direction of a forehand shot. While it may seem like a more difficult technique to master, a strong backhand can be a game-changer on the ice.
So how can you perfect your backhand and take your game to the next level? In this article, we will explore the essential skills and techniques necessary to master the backhand shot, pass, deke, and clear. We will also discuss when to use the backhand vs. forehand and the importance of a strong backhand for defensemen. Get ready to unleash the power behind the backhand!
Ready to take your hockey game to the next level? Keep reading to learn how to master the backhand and become a true hockey pro!
Table of Contents
The Backhand Shot: An Essential Skill for Every Hockey Player
The backhand shot is a crucial skill that every hockey player needs to master. While the wrist shot is the most common type of shot, the backhand shot is just as important. It can be used to surprise the opposing goalie, make a quick pass, or score a goal. In this article, we will take a closer look at the backhand shot and discuss why it’s essential for every hockey player to learn.
Many hockey players neglect the backhand shot because it’s more difficult to execute than the wrist shot. However, with practice, anyone can master this skill. The key is to focus on the fundamentals and practice regularly. In the next sections, we will discuss the proper technique for executing a backhand shot and how to incorporate it into your game.
Proper Technique for Executing a Backhand Shot
To execute a backhand shot, start by positioning the puck on the heel of your stick blade. Shift your weight to your back foot and rotate your hips and shoulders to generate power. As you bring the puck towards the net, roll your wrists and follow through with your shot. It’s important to keep your head up and your eyes on the target.
How to Incorporate the Backhand Shot into Your Game
- Use the backhand shot to surprise the opposing goalie
- Make a quick pass to a teammate who is open
- Score a goal when the goalie least expects it
By incorporating the backhand shot into your game, you’ll become a more versatile player and keep the opposing team guessing. With practice and dedication, you can master this essential skill and become a better hockey player. So get out on the ice and start practicing your backhand shot today!
How to Perfect the Backhand Shot and Score Goals like a Pro
The backhand shot is a critical skill that every hockey player must learn to master. The backhand shot involves shooting the puck with the back of the blade of the stick. The shot is particularly useful when a player is in close proximity to the net and needs to shoot quickly or when a player needs to shoot around a defender. In this article, we will go over some key tips and techniques to perfect your backhand shot and score goals like a pro.
Before we dive into the tips and techniques, it is important to note that mastering the backhand shot takes time, practice, and patience. Do not get discouraged if you do not see immediate results. Stick with it, and eventually, your backhand shot will become a deadly weapon in your arsenal.
Tip #1: Master the Fundamentals
Before you can master the backhand shot, you must first have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of shooting. Proper body positioning, weight transfer, and follow-through are critical components of a successful backhand shot. Make sure you are comfortable with these fundamentals before moving on to more advanced techniques.
Tip #2: Practice the One-Handed Backhand Shot
The one-handed backhand shot is a great way to improve your backhand shot accuracy and power. Start by placing your top hand at the top of the stick and your bottom hand at the bottom of the stick. As you shoot, release your top hand from the stick and follow through with your bottom hand. This will improve your hand-eye coordination and overall control of the stick.
Tip #3: Incorporate Deception into Your Shot
Deception is a critical component of any successful hockey player’s game. Incorporating deception into your backhand shot can help you catch defenders off-guard and increase your chances of scoring. Practice faking a forehand shot and quickly switching to a backhand shot to catch the goalie off-guard. Alternatively, try faking a backhand shot and quickly switching to a forehand shot to keep the goalie guessing.
- Master the fundamentals of shooting
- Practice the one-handed backhand shot
- Incorporate deception into your shot
By following these tips and techniques, you can take your backhand shot to the next level and score goals like a pro. Remember to be patient, stick with it, and always keep practicing. With enough practice and dedication, you can perfect your backhand shot and become a dominant force on the ice.
Mastering the Backhand Pass: A Game-Changing Technique
The backhand pass is a crucial skill for hockey players looking to advance their game. Unlike the forehand pass, which is often used for quick and short passes, the backhand pass offers more versatility and unpredictability. It allows players to make accurate passes in situations where a forehand pass might not be possible or effective, such as when a defender is blocking their path.
Mastering the backhand pass takes practice and patience, but once you have it down, it can be a game-changer on the ice. Here are some tips for improving your backhand pass:
Proper Hand Placement
- When setting up for a backhand pass, grip the stick with your bottom hand slightly lower than your top hand to create a “cup” shape with the blade.
- Make sure your top hand is near the top of the stick for better control and power.
Weight Distribution
When executing a backhand pass, shift your weight to your back foot and use your front foot for balance. This will allow you to generate more power and control over the puck.
Practice, Practice, Practice
- Take advantage of any opportunity to practice your backhand pass, whether it’s during warm-ups, drills, or games.
- Work on your accuracy by aiming for a specific target or teammate.
- Experiment with different techniques and angles to find what works best for you.
By mastering the backhand pass, you can become a more versatile and unpredictable player on the ice. Incorporate these tips into your practice routine and watch as your game takes a major step forward!
The Backhand Deke: A Sneaky Move to Outsmart Your Opponent
If you want to become a true hockey superstar, you need to know how to pull off a backhand deke. This move is all about deception and misdirection, allowing you to sneak past your opponent and score a goal.
The backhand deke is a difficult move to master, but with practice, anyone can learn it. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Practice Your Footwork
To pull off a successful backhand deke, you need to have quick and agile footwork. Practice shifting your weight from one foot to the other as you skate, and work on your ability to change directions quickly. These skills will help you create the necessary separation from your opponent to execute the deke.
Master the Puck Control
The backhand deke requires precise puck control. You need to be able to handle the puck with one hand while using your other hand to guide your stick. To practice, start by stickhandling in a straight line, and then gradually incorporate turns and changes in direction.
Use Your Body to Sell the Deke
The most important part of the backhand deke is selling it to your opponent. Use your body to fake in one direction before quickly switching to the other. Keep your head up and make eye contact with your opponent to increase the effectiveness of the move.
The Backhand Clear: An Effective Way to Get Rid of the Puck
When it comes to playing hockey, one of the most important skills to have is the ability to get rid of the puck quickly and efficiently. This is where the backhand clear comes in. This technique allows players to clear the puck out of their zone without having to turn and face the opposing team, making it a quick and effective way to get rid of the puck and prevent the other team from scoring.
The backhand clear is a fundamental move in hockey that every player should master. By using the backhand clear, players can quickly move the puck up the ice and create scoring opportunities for their team. With a little bit of practice, anyone can learn how to perform this technique and become a valuable asset to their team.
Technique
- Start by positioning yourself with the puck on your backhand side.
- With your top hand on the stick, gently guide the puck back towards your body.
- As the puck reaches your back foot, shift your weight onto that foot and pull the puck across your body.
- Swing the stick behind you and use your backhand to clear the puck out of your zone.
Practice Drills
One of the best ways to improve your backhand clear is through practice drills. Here are two drills to help you improve:
- Backhand Clear Stationary Drill: Stand at one end of the rink and practice clearing the puck to the other end without moving your feet.
- Backhand Clear Skating Drill: Skate from one end of the rink to the other while practicing your backhand clear.
Benefits
There are many benefits to mastering the backhand clear. Firstly, it is a quick and efficient way to get rid of the puck and prevent the other team from scoring. Additionally, it allows players to create scoring opportunities for their team by quickly moving the puck up the ice. Finally, by mastering this technique, players can become more versatile and valuable to their team.
The Importance of a Strong Backhand for Defensemen
When it comes to ice hockey, defensemen play a crucial role in the game. They are responsible for protecting their team’s goal and stopping the opposing team from scoring. One key skill that all great defensemen must have is a strong backhand shot. A powerful and accurate backhand shot can be a game-changer, both on the offensive and defensive side of the game.
Here are a few reasons why a strong backhand shot is so important for defensemen:
Versatility on the Ice
Having a strong backhand shot allows defensemen to be more versatile on the ice. They can shoot the puck with accuracy and power, no matter which side of the ice they are on. This gives them more options when it comes to passing and shooting, making them more unpredictable and difficult to defend against.
Clearing the Puck out of the Defensive Zone
Clearing the puck out of the defensive zone is an essential part of a defenseman’s job. A strong backhand shot makes it much easier to clear the puck out of the zone, especially when under pressure from the opposing team’s forwards. This can prevent the other team from setting up scoring opportunities and give the defensemen’s team more time to regroup and plan their next move.
Offensive Opportunities
Defensemen with a strong backhand shot can also create offensive opportunities for their team. By shooting the puck accurately and powerfully, they can catch the opposing team off guard and create scoring chances. This can be especially effective on the power play, where the opposing team’s penalty killers are focused on defending against the team’s top forwards.
Backhand vs. Forehand: Which One Should You Use and When?
When it comes to playing hockey, both the backhand and forehand shots have their advantages and disadvantages. In general, it’s best to use the forehand shot for power and accuracy, while the backhand is more useful for quick passes and shots at close range.
Here’s a closer look at when you should use each shot:
Forehand Shot
- Use the forehand shot when you have time to set up and aim your shot. This shot allows you to generate more power and accuracy, making it ideal for shots from a distance or when you have time to take a breath and plan your shot.
- When shooting on goal, aim for the corners of the net to increase your chances of scoring.
- When passing, use the forehand to make longer, more accurate passes down the ice.
Backhand Shot
- Use the backhand shot when you’re in close range to the net and need to make a quick shot. This shot is ideal for situations where you don’t have time to set up for a forehand shot, such as when you’re being chased by a defender or have a limited window to shoot.
- When shooting on goal, aim for the goalie’s five-hole or the top corner of the net to increase your chances of scoring.
- When passing, use the backhand to make quick, short passes to teammates who are close by.
When to Use Both Shots
Ultimately, the key to being a successful hockey player is knowing when to use each shot. By mastering both the forehand and backhand shots, you’ll be able to adapt to any situation on the ice and make the best play possible. Whether you’re trying to score a goal, make a pass, or simply get the puck out of your zone, having a strong understanding of when to use each shot is crucial for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a backhand in hockey?
A backhand in hockey is a type of shot or pass made by hitting the puck with the backside of the blade on a player’s stick. The backhand is a crucial skill for players to master as it allows for greater flexibility and unpredictability on the ice. It can be used in a variety of situations, including passing or shooting the puck while skating backward or making a quick pass when under pressure from defenders. Players who can execute a strong and accurate backhand shot or pass are highly valued in the sport of hockey.
When should a player use a backhand shot?
A player should use a backhand shot in situations where a forehand shot is not possible, such as when the puck is on the opposite side of the body or when the player is skating backward. The backhand shot can also be used to surprise the goaltender or to change the angle of the shot. However, the backhand shot can be more difficult to control and may not have as much power as a forehand shot, so it is important to practice and develop good technique to maximize its effectiveness.
Can a backhand shot be as powerful as a forehand shot?
While a backhand shot may not be as powerful as a forehand shot, it can still be effective if executed properly. By using good technique and generating power from the legs and hips, a player can generate significant force behind a backhand shot. Additionally, the element of surprise can often catch the goaltender off guard, making it harder for them to make the save.
How can a player improve their backhand shot?
Improving a backhand shot requires practice and repetition. A player can start by working on the fundamentals, such as hand placement on the stick and weight distribution. It is also important to practice shooting from different angles and while skating at different speeds. Drills that incorporate passing and shooting on the backhand can also help improve technique and accuracy.
Is the backhand important for defensemen?
Yes, the backhand is an important skill for defensemen to master. It allows them to make quick and accurate passes when under pressure and to clear the puck out of their defensive zone. The backhand shot can also be useful for defensemen when trying to score from the point or create a rebound opportunity for their teammates in front of the net.
Can a player be successful without a strong backhand?
While having a strong backhand can certainly be an advantage on the ice, it is not necessarily a requirement for success. Players who excel in other areas, such as speed, stickhandling, or shooting, can still be effective without a strong backhand. However, having a well-rounded skill set that includes a strong backhand can make a player more versatile and valuable to their team.