USE BOTH SIDES.™ A reliable Backhand makes a Player less predictable. Coach Joey™ teaches Players to receive, pass, protect, and handle the puck confidently on both sides of the blade.
COACH JOEY™ BY AGE
U5-U7 • U8-U10 • U11-U14 • U15-U18 • Junior
U5-U7 + U8-U10 — Use Your Backhand
Practice carrying, receiving, and making simple passes on your backhand. Do not avoid it just because the forehand feels easier.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What should you do when the puck comes to your backhand?
U11-U14 — Make the Simple Backhand Play
Use the backhand when it is the quickest available option. A short backhand pass can be better than taking extra time to move the puck to your forehand.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
When can a backhand pass be the better choice?
U15-U18 + Junior — Hide Your Intentions
A reliable backhand expands your passing, puck-protection, and scoring options. It also makes your next move harder for defenders and Goalies to predict.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
Why does a strong backhand make you harder to defend?
Why Players Avoid the Backhand
The forehand usually feels stronger and more natural. Consequently, young Players can develop the habit of moving every puck back to that side. Defenders notice predictable habits.
Build Confidence With Repetition
Use the backhand in simple passing drills, puckhandling patterns, and small-area games. Start with control rather than power. As confidence improves, speed can follow.
Use the Fastest Available Option
Sometimes the correct play is a simple backhand touch, pass, or chip. Turning the puck to the forehand may cost the second that made the play available.
5 Smart Ways to Build a Better Backhand
A useful Backhand gives a Player another option when pressure removes the forehand. Defenders become harder to fool when they know you will never use one side of the blade.
1. Receive Passes on the Backhand
Practice cushioning the puck on the backhand instead of always turning the body to the forehand. Receiving comfortably on both sides can save time and protect possession.
2. Make Short Backhand Passes
Start with simple, accurate passes before adding distance. Use the hands and wrists rather than trying to force power from an awkward body position.
3. Protect the Puck on Either Side
A stronger Backhand helps Players keep the puck away from pressure without making an extra turn just to find the forehand.
4. Practice Backhand Shots Close to the Net
Many backhand scoring chances happen quickly around the crease. Practice lifting, redirecting, and releasing the puck without a long setup.
5. Use the Backhand When It Is the Faster Play
Do not force a backhand just to prove you have one. Use it when turning to the forehand would cost time, expose the puck, or remove a good passing or shooting option.
Practice Both Sides of the Blade
Build drills where Players must receive and pass from both forehand and backhand positions. Add movement and pressure only after the basic skill is comfortable enough that Players do not avoid one side automatically.
Continue with Reset After a Mistake and Get Open, Make a Target. For more skill-development resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
Coach Joey’s Takeaway
Do not play with half a stick. USE BOTH SIDES.™
Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™
USE BOTH SIDES.™
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.