How to Skate Backwards in Hockey
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Before you start skating backwards, there’s one thing to understand:
👉 You’re not walking backwards
👉 You’re pushing side to side
👉 You’re pushing side to side
That’s the key.
Build Better Edge Control
Learning to skate backwards starts with balance, edge control, and the right fundamentals.
What does skating backwards actually mean?
Instead of pushing straight behind you like forward skating:
👉 you use C-cut movements to generate motion
Each foot:
- pushes outward
- then comes back in
- repeating in a smooth rhythm
Step 1: Start with your stance
Good posture makes everything easier.
What to focus on:
- knees slightly bent
- chest up
- weight centered
- head looking forward (not down)
If you’re stiff:
👉 it gets much harder
👉 it gets much harder
Step 2: Learn the C-cut motion
This is the foundation.
How to do it:
- start standing still
- push one foot outward in a half-circle
- bring it back under your body
- repeat with the other foot
Think:
👉 push → recover → push → recover
👉 push → recover → push → recover
Step 3: Build rhythm
Once you get the motion:
- alternate your feet
- keep the movement smooth
- don’t rush it
You’re aiming for:
👉 steady movement, not speed
👉 steady movement, not speed
Edge control is also what allows you to stop properly.
Dial In Your Edges
Proper edge control and skate setup make backward skating smoother and easier to control.
Step 4: Glide and control
- As you get more comfortable:
- let your pushes get wider
- glide a little longer between strides
- stay balanced over your skates
Common mistakes
Trying to walk backwards
That’s not how skating works. It’s side-to-side motion.
Standing too straight
You need bend in your knees for balance and control.
Looking down
This throws off your balance.
Rushing it
Control comes before speed.
Tips that help
- Practice near the boards at first
- Start slow
- Keep your movements smooth
- Stay relaxed
One thing beginners don’t expect
It feels awkward at first.
That’s normal.
Everyone goes through that phase where:
👉 it just doesn’t click yet
Then suddenly:
👉 it does
Improve Your Skating Foundation
Better balance, edge control, and skate setup all work together to improve your overall skating.
Final takeaway
If you’re learning to skate backwards:
👉 Focus on the C-cut
👉 Stay balanced
👉 Build rhythm slowly
And don’t force it.
Because once you get comfortable moving backwards:
Your overall skating takes a big step forward.
Built for players always working on the next stride. Barn Garb Hockey Threads makes hockey-inspired streetwear built for life at the barn.
Built for players always working on the next stride. Barn Garb Hockey Threads makes hockey-inspired streetwear built for life at the barn.