CUT BACK. FIND SPACE.™ Cut Back when pressure closes the direct route. Coach Joey™ teaches Players to change direction under control, protect the puck, and create a better next option.
COACH JOEY™ BY AGE
U5-U7 • U8-U10 • U11-U14 • U15-U18 • Junior
U5-U7 + U8-U10 — Turn Away From Pressure
If a defender is closing the space in front of you, turn away under control and keep the puck on the protected side.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What is the main purpose of a cutback?
U11-U14 — Sell One Direction, Exit the Other
Use your eyes, shoulders, and skating path to make the defender expect one route. Then change direction while protecting the puck.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What makes a cutback harder to defend?
U15-U18 + Junior — Cut Back With a Next Play
Before you turn, scan for support and open ice. The cutback should create a passing lane, shooting lane, or better possession option.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What should an advanced cutback create?
Why Cutbacks Work
Defenders build their position around your speed and direction. Therefore, a sudden but controlled change of direction can force them to turn, stop, or reopen a gap. The move is especially useful when the direct lane has disappeared.
Protect the Puck During the Turn
Keep your body between the defender and the puck whenever possible. Meanwhile, stay low enough to maintain balance through the change of direction. A wide, uncontrolled turn gives the defender time to recover.
Look Before You Turn
A cutback should not be automatic. For example, if support is arriving behind you, turning back can create an easy passing option. However, if the pressure is coming from both sides, moving the puck quickly may be better.
5 Smart Ways to Cut Back and Escape Pressure
Cut Back with a purpose. A good cutback changes the defender’s route and gives the puck carrier new space, a support option, or a safer lane.
1. Scan Before the Turn
Know where pressure and support are coming from before you change direction. A cutback into a second defender solves nothing.
2. Sell the Original Route
Make the defender believe you are continuing one way. Once the defender commits feet and momentum, change direction and attack the space that opens.
3. Protect the Puck During the Turn
Keep your body between the defender and the puck. Stay low, use your edges, and avoid a wide turn that gives pressure time to recover.
4. Exit With Speed
A Cut Back creates value only if you leave the turn ready to pass, skate, or shoot. Accelerate once the new lane appears.
5. Use the Move to Create the Next Play
Do not turn simply because you can. The best cutback creates a support pass, escape lane, shooting angle, or better possession decision.
Practice Cutbacks Under Controlled Pressure
Start with one passive defender. Let the puck carrier skate toward pressure, sell the original route, then cut back into open ice. Add a support Player so the puck carrier must decide whether to skate or pass after the turn.
Continue with Reset After a Mistake and Short Shifts. For more player-development resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
Coach Joey’s Takeaway
Do not turn just to turn. Change direction to create something useful. CUT BACK. FIND SPACE.™
Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™
CUT BACK. FIND SPACE.™
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.