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Purpose: 

Players practice skating backward and puckhandling. 

Setup:

Defenders line up in the corner. First skater in line has a puck. 

How It Works:

  • First player skates backward toward the blue line. 
  • While skating backward he passes the puck to the next player in line and receives a quick pass
    back. 
  • At the blue line the player stops, then skates inside and shoots. 
  • Run the drill for 5-10 minutes. 

Coaching Tips:

  • Encourage players to maintain active stick handling while skating backward. This helps improve puck control under pressure and readies them for a quick transition to a forward skate and shot.
  • Emphasize the importance of explosive power when stopping at the blue line and transitioning to skate inside. This mimics game situations where quick changes in speed and direction can create shooting opportunities.
  • Reinforce the need for precise passing. The pass should hit the tape of the receiving player’s stick every time, as accurate passes will lead to a more successful transition into the shooting phase of the drill.
  • Coach players to keep their heads up during the backward skate to survey the ice. This promotes better decision-making and helps them spot the open lanes for the shot or a pass in game-like scenarios.
  • Work with players on selecting the right type of shot based on the drill variation. Whether it’s a wrist shot, snap shot, or a slap shot, the decision should be quick and executed with confidence. Encourage players to visualize different game situations and practice the shot type that would be most effective.

Tips for Younger Athletes:

  • Start with slower skating to focus on balance and technique before adding speed.
  • Practice without a puck first to get the feel of the skating movement, then introduce the puck for puckhandling skills.
  • Use visual cues on the ice to help players understand where they should be positioned during each phase of the drill.

Tips for Older Athletes:

  • Integrate head fakes and shoulder drops to simulate evading a defender before taking the shot.
  • Encourage older players to work on their ‘quick release’ shots, minimizing the time it takes to get the shot off after receiving the puck.
  • Incorporate defensive pressure in later iterations of the drill to simulate real game intensity and decision-making under pressure.
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