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Backhand pass on the move

Release a backhand pass while gliding and continue skating after the puck leaves the blade.

10U · 12U · 14U+Intermediate7 minutes2–2 players
Original drill diagram
Backhand pass on the move: player positions and movement 12StartEnd
Example for a player whose backhand side faces the upper lane: 1 skates right and passes up to 2. Mirror the receiving side for the opposite handedness. Original schematic; not to scale. Circles with numbers or letters mark players. Other markers and arrows are explained in the caption; some diagrams show puck or ball movement instead of skating. Red arrows show shots. Follow the written setup for spacing.

How to run it

Equipment: Skates, Hockey protective equipment, Cones, Stick, Pucks

  1. Mark a 25-foot skating lane with start and finish cones. Partner 2 stands 10 feet beside the midpoint, on player 1’s backhand side. Player 1 begins with one puck.
  2. Carry into the lane on the backhand side. Near the midpoint, look at the receiver and push the puck across to the presented blade without turning the whole body toward the partner.
  3. Continue gliding to the finish after release. Partner 2 keeps the puck until player 1 returns to the start, then passes it back.
  4. Complete five trips, swap roles, and relocate the receiver if the players shoot opposite-handed. Use seven minutes including resets.
  5. Count passes received within a stick’s reach while the passer continues moving; prioritize that result over pass speed.

Key teaching points

  • Cue: “Glide through the pass.” The feet keep traveling after the release.
  • Start with the puck already on the backhand so the task is the pass, not a hurried transfer.
  • Finish the blade toward the target at a low height.

Common mistakes

  • Player turns to use the forehand. Try: move the receiver farther toward the backhand side.
  • Pass drifts behind the partner. Try: look at the target before starting the push.
  • Player stops to release. Try: take two strides, coast, and pass during the coast.

Make it fit the player

  • Easier: pass from a stationary stance, then add a short glide once direction is consistent.
  • Harder: partner 2 starts gliding parallel after player 1 begins, creating a moving target.
Research context & source notes

Background sources for this drill’s skills and teaching principles.

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