When working with players of all ages, I am continually amazed at most player’s inability to play the puck on the backhand. To be comfortable playing the puck on the backand is a tremendous advantage in a hockey game. When a player is carrying the puck on the backhand most players will move the puck to their forhand to make a pass. When they do this two bad things happen. One, the player quits skating. This allows an opposing player to catch up to the play and either take the player off the puck or get a stick into the passing lane. Two, The passing lane that was open earlier most likely has now closed and the forced pass will likely create a turnover.

Unfortunately coaches from Mites up through Bantams & Midgets do not work on or even encourage their players to use their backhand. They are so concerned that a soft pass will create a turnover, which could cause a goal against, that they discourage making a backhand pass. If players are not taught this skill at an early age and encouraged to use it in games they will never master this forgotten skill. Every level a player moves up, the speed of the game increases. As speed increases the time a player has to make a play decreases. The time that it takes for a player move the puck from backhand to forhand is enough time for bad things to happen.

As a coach, recognize the importance of backhand play. Teach and practice it on the practice ice and allow your players to use it in game situations.

“Long term success should never be compromised for short term gain”
~ Herb Brooks