When skating backwards, the propulsion leg makes a reverse “C-cut,” in which it pushes off the skate's inside edge and traces a semi-circle as it pushes away, then returns to a point beneath the body. It then becomes the glide leg as the opposite leg performs a C-cut. At no point does either skate leave the ice.
Since the fastest way to travel between two points is in a straight line, the gliding leg, which steers the skater, should travel straight backwards on the flat of the skate blade.
However, gliding straight backwards is difficult for beginners because the natural tendency is for the glide leg to mimic the movement of the propulsion leg. This produces a slower, snake-like path down the ice.
The following drill will teach your students to separate the movements of the two legs for a straight glide when skating backwards.
Follow-the Stick Drill
Instruct your students to stand beside a hockey stick and skate backwards down the length of the stick, making a single C-cut with the outside leg and gliding parallel to the stick with the inside leg.
Other Points
References
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