Backward Skating Tips

Backward Skating Tips

Bend Your Knees. In order to get the maximum power out of each “C” cut you must use proper knee and ankle bend. Pretend like you are sitting in a chair with you knees bent and upper body straight.

Use Full “C” Cuts. Try to extend your legs and feet out to their full length with each “C” cut. This will ensure that you are getting the maximum power out of each push.

Recover Fully. Bring skates fully back under your body after each “C” cut. A full recovery must be mastered in order to achieve a full “C” cut.

Keep Back And Chest Up. A common mistake is letting your upper body extend too far over your toes. Keep your head and shoulders back so your weight is distributed directly over the middle of your skates.

One Hand On Stick. Releasing your bottom hand from your stick will allow you too keep your head and chest up easier. It also makes it easier to poke check the puck away from your opponent.

Rip The Ice. Much like the toe flick in forward skating, use your ankle and toes to rip the ice as you make a “C” cut.

Glide Leg Straight. After making a “C” cut your glide leg should be directing your body in a straight line. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

Both Feet On Ice. Both feet should remain on the ice at all times when skating backwards unless you are crossing over.

Move Arms Front To Back. Try to avoid swinging arms side to side when skating. Instead, move arms in a front to back motion much like running backwards off the ice.

Train With Resistance. Training on the ice with skate weights will strengthen skating muscles and make you a better backwards skater.