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Backhand to target

Direct a low backhand sweep shot into a chosen part of the net using a repeatable setup.

8U · 10U · 12UBeginner6 minutes1–1 players
Original drill diagram
Backhand to target: player positions and movement 1
1 starts about three meters in front of the empty net. The dot is the puck on the backhand side; the red arrow shows a shot into the net. Mirror the puck setup for the other handedness. Aim at the lower half first; shot height is described in the instructions, not shown by this overhead view. 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: Stick, Pucks, Net, Skates, Hockey protective equipment

  1. Set one shooter about three meters in front of an empty net with three pucks beside the shooting position. Choose the lower half of the net as the first target. Use this six-minute station for a demonstration, short sets and puck collection.
  2. Turn so the backhand side of the blade can sweep toward the net. Backhand means the outward-curving face opposite the forehand face. Put the puck beside and slightly behind the body; mirror the setup for left- and right-handed sticks.
  3. Start with the blade touching the puck. Sweep forward while shifting weight from the back foot toward the front foot. Finish the blade low toward the chosen opening. Reset the puck and stance before the next attempt.
  4. Take three shots from the same position, then collect the pucks after shooting has stopped. Return to the same spot for another set instead of shooting loose rebounds.
  5. Count how many of the three shots enter the lower half. After two sets with all three on target, choose a specific low corner while keeping the same distance.

Key teaching points

  • Cue: “Touch, sweep, point.” Begin in contact with the puck and finish toward the target.
  • Keep the backswing short enough to start every attempt from the same puck position. Extra force is not the goal of this drill.
  • A puck sliding into the opening counts. Lift is not required for a successful backhand here.

Common mistakes

  • Player strikes behind the puck. Try: pause with the backhand face against it before sweeping.
  • Puck rolls weakly off the toe. Try: reset it nearer the middle of the blade and shorten the sweep until contact is repeatable.
  • Shot goes wide as the body spins away. Try: use less force and hold the low finish toward the chosen opening for one count.

Make it fit the player

  • Easier for newer 8U: move to two meters and use the whole lower net. Keep the stationary backhand setup.
  • Harder for ready 10U/12U: pull a stationary puck from forehand to backhand, settle it beside the body, then shoot. Remove the settling pause only after the setup stays consistent.
Research context & source notes

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

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