To take a backhand shot in ice hockey, start with the puck on your backhand side near the middle or heel of the blade and slightly behind your back foot, shift your weight from the back leg to the front leg as you sweep the puck forward, then pull with the top hand, push with the bottom hand and roll your wrists to open the blade and lift the puck. Finish with the blade pointing at your target. The backhand is harder to master than the forehand, but goalies often find it difficult to read, which makes it a valuable weapon close to the net.
This guide covers backhand technique step by step, when to use it, how to lift the puck, drills, common mistakes and how to make the backhand a reliable part of your game.
Why the backhand matters
Many players rely almost entirely on their forehand, which makes them predictable. A player who can shoot from both sides has more options in tight spaces, can finish dekes without moving the puck across the body and can release shots faster when the puck ends up on the backhand. The motion and release of a backhand also hide the shot’s direction well, which is one reason goalies find it hard to track.
Backhand technique, step by step
- Puck position. Place the puck on your backhand side, near the heel or middle of the blade, slightly behind your back foot.
- Stance. Bend your knees, keep your head up and turn so your front shoulder points toward the target.
- Cup the puck. Angle the blade slightly over the puck so it stays on the blade as you begin the motion.
- Transfer your weight. Shift from your back leg to your front leg as you sweep the puck forward.
- Lift. Pull the top hand toward your body and push the bottom hand forward while rolling your wrists to open the blade.
- Release. Let the puck roll from the heel toward the middle and off the blade.
- Follow through. Point the blade at the target. A higher follow-through lifts the shot higher.
When to use the backhand
| Situation | Why the backhand works |
|---|---|
| Deke across the crease | No time to bring the puck back to the forehand |
| Cutting across the slot on your off side | The puck is already on the backhand |
| Rebounds and loose pucks | A quick backhand beats a goalie before they reset |
| Wraparounds | Coming around the net, the backhand reaches the post quickly |
| Breakaways and shootouts | A backhand finish after a forehand fake can open the goalie |
| Passing in tight spaces | The same mechanics create quick backhand passes |
How to lift the backhand
Getting the puck off the ice on the backhand is the most common challenge. The keys are the wrist roll and the follow-through. As the puck moves toward the middle of the blade, roll your wrists so the blade opens and faces more upward. The more you open the blade and the higher you finish, the higher the puck will rise. A strong pull from the top hand helps create the lift, while the bottom hand adds power and direction.
Close to the net, a quick, high backhand is especially effective, since goalies often drop into the butterfly and leave the upper part of the net open. Practice lifting the puck over a stick or small obstacle placed on the ice to build this skill.
Types of backhand shots
- Backhand sweep. A longer sweeping motion that generates more power, useful from the slot.
- Backhand flip. A quick wrist flick that lifts the puck high, ideal on dekes and rebounds.
- Backhand snap. A shorter, sharper motion for a quick release when there is little time.
- Backhand wraparound. Carrying the puck around the net and tucking it inside the post.
Drills to improve your backhand
- Stationary backhands. From a standing position, shoot pucks into an empty net, focusing on weight transfer and follow-through.
- Target shooting. Hang targets in the corners of the net and aim high on the backhand.
- Obstacle lifts. Place a stick or pad on the ice and lift the puck over it from close range.
- Moving backhands. Skate across the slot on your off side and shoot without switching to the forehand.
- Deke and finish. Fake a forehand shot, pull the puck across and finish on the backhand.
- Off-ice practice. Use a shooting pad and balls or pucks at home to build wrist strength and repetition.
Equipment considerations
Stick curve and flex affect the backhand. Deep or heavily curved blades make forehand shots easier to lift but can make backhands harder to control, while flatter curves are often easier on the backhand. A stick flex that suits your strength also helps, since a stick that is too stiff makes it harder to load and release quickly. Try different curves and flexes if your backhand consistently feels awkward.
Common mistakes
- Puck too far forward. Starting with the puck in front of the body removes the sweep and power.
- No weight transfer. Shooting only with the arms produces weak, flat shots.
- Closed blade at release. Failing to roll the wrists keeps the puck on the ice.
- Looking down too long. Keeping your eyes on the puck stops you from seeing the goalie and the open net.
- Standing straight up. Without bent knees, you lose balance and power.
- Avoiding it in games. Players who only practice the backhand rarely gain the confidence to use it under pressure.
Making the backhand part of your game
The fastest way to improve is to use the backhand deliberately. In practice, set a goal of taking a certain number of backhand shots each session. In games, look for chances in tight to the net, on rebounds and when cutting across the slot. Over time, a reliable backhand makes you less predictable and gives you another way to score.
Safety note
Always wear full protective equipment during shooting practice, including a helmet with a cage or visor, and make sure no one is in front of the net or behind it without protection. When practicing off-ice, shoot into a net with a secure backstop and keep people and windows clear. Warm up your wrists and shoulders before long shooting sessions to reduce strain.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the backhand shot hard to master?
It uses less natural body mechanics than the forehand, and many players practice it less. Good puck position, weight transfer and a strong wrist roll make it much easier.
How do you lift a backhand shot?
Pull with the top hand, push with the bottom hand and roll your wrists to open the blade, then finish with a high follow-through toward the target.
When should you use a backhand in hockey?
Use it in tight to the net, on dekes, rebounds and wraparounds, and whenever the puck is already on your backhand and there is no time to switch sides.
