Lingo/tactics/C-Cut

C-Cut

A backwards skating push (also known as the backwards C-cut) where the inside edge of one skate carves an arc shaped like the letter C, generating backward power while the other skate glides. It's the foundation of all backwards hockey skating, used by defensemen reading the rush, forwards backchecking, and any player who needs to move backward with speed and control.

The technique works by starting with your feet together, pushing one skate out to the side while angling the blade so the inside edge carves a C-shape into the ice. As you push, you transfer your weight to the gliding foot and recover the pushing foot back under your body to repeat on the other side. Done correctly, you generate speed going backward without ever turning around.

Every defenseman needs this skill. Every crossover, pivot, and transition in backwards skating starts with a clean C-cut.

More in tactics

Backcheck

Skating hard back toward your own end to help defend. Backchecking is one of the most important habits in hockey. The best players in the world backcheck. When a player does not backcheck, it creates an odd-man rush, which is one of the highest percentage scoring situations. Players who refuse to backcheck will find themselves on the bench.

Dump and chase

Shooting the puck into the zone and skating in to retrieve it. Used when the defense is set up at the blue line and there is no lane to carry the puck in. Dump and chase gets a bad reputation but it is effective, especially against teams that play a tight neutral zone trap.

Own goal

Scoring on own team's net

Odd-man rush

Attack with more attackers than defenders

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