Are you struggling with receiving passes on your backhand side during hockey games? If you’re like most players, you’ve probably been taught to perform a heavy corral movement to receive the puck. But what if this technique is actually limiting your effectiveness on the ice? In this article, we’ll explore a more efficient approach that can dramatically improve your reaction time, positioning, and overall playmaking ability after receiving a backhand pass.

The Traditional Problem with Backhand Reception

For years, I was taught—like many players—that corralling the puck on my backhand was the proper technique. Coaches would emphasize the importance of sweeping my stick to cushion and control incoming passes. While this seemed logical in theory, I found myself constantly struggling in game situations. After receiving the pass, I noticed I was often pulled out of position, my body turned awkwardly, and my options severely limited.

The frustration would mount during games when, after receiving a pass on my backhand, I’d find myself vulnerable to defensive pressure and unable to quickly transition to a shot or return pass. This split-second delay was costing my team valuable opportunities and putting me in compromising positions on the ice. If this fundamental skill remained unimproved, it would continue to be a weak point in my game regardless of how much I developed other aspects of my play.

When My Technique Failed Me

During an important tournament game, I received a perfect pass on my backhand in a prime scoring position. As I had been taught, I attempted a big, sweeping corral motion. The result? My body rotated away from the goal, my head turned from the play, and by the time I recovered my position, the defensive player had closed the gap. What should have been a scoring opportunity ended with me losing possession and my team losing momentum. This pattern repeated itself in various game situations, and I knew something had to change.

Finding a Better Approach

Working with an advanced skills coach changed everything for me. Instead of the traditional corral technique, they taught me to focus on stopping the puck flat in a position that made sense for my next move—typically somewhere near my feet. The key insight was understanding that the corral motion, especially on the backhand side, pulls your body and head into positions that aren’t conducive to dynamic play.

This new approach was superior because it kept my body facing the play, maintained my field of vision, and positioned me to immediately execute my next move—whether that was a shot, forehand pass, or backhand return. The technique also facilitated better weight transfer, allowing me to load and fire passes back with more accuracy and power.

The Game-Changing Results

Implementing this technique transformed my backhand reception completely. Instead of being a weakness in my game, it became a strength. In practices, I could receive passes and transition immediately to my next move without the awkward repositioning that had previously slowed me down. During games, I found myself able to maintain possession under pressure and create plays that weren’t possible before.

My teammates noticed the difference too. Several adopted similar techniques after seeing how effectively it worked for me. Our power play efficiency improved as we could maintain possession and move the puck more quickly in tight situations—all starting with this simple adjustment to receiving backhand passes.

How You Can Improve Your Backhand Reception

If you want to implement this more effective approach to backhand pass reception, here are the key steps to follow:

• Position yourself with your stick blade flat on the ice rather than angled for a sweeping corral
• Focus on stopping the puck in a position near your feet that allows for immediate next actions
• After receiving the pass, pull the puck slightly and then load your weight for your next move
• Practice the weight transfer from left to right (for left-handed players) to add power to your return passes
• Keep your head up and body facing the play throughout the entire reception process

By making these adjustments to your backhand reception technique, you’ll eliminate a common weakness in your game and gain a significant advantage in maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities.

Are you struggling to make meaningful changes to your health and fitness, despite knowing what you want to achieve? 

In this interview, I sit down with Patrick, a busy father of two who managed to lose 28 pounds and return to playing competitive hockey after a five-year hiatus. His journey shows how the right coaching approach and sustainable habits can transform not just your physique, but your entire lifestyle—even with the challenges of raising young children.

Finding A New Path After Years of One-Dimensional Training

Where were you before you joined the program in terms of health, fitness habits, and lifestyle?

Patrick: I’ve always been someone who liked going to the gym. I’ve been going since I was 16 years old, but I only knew how to do things one way. I grew up in a household where my dad was a power lifter, and it was Olympic lifts till you die and getting as big as you can get. That was the way to do it.

As I’ve gotten older, things started to hurt from time to time from trying to do a little too much. I wanted to change, but I never had the knowledge or source of information to lean on. You go on the internet, and you can really find anything you want from anyone you want. So if you’re trying to validate incorrect information, you can do that on the internet very easily.

Me: What specific challenges were you facing?

Patrick: Finding motivation was a real struggle. As much as I talked about wanting to lose weight and get leaner and stronger, I didn’t know how. Even being in the gym, I found myself falling into old habits—taking two, three minutes between sets and not putting an emphasis on anything cardiovascular. So it was really hard for me to drop any weight. I was getting even bigger, and it was going in the wrong way.

The Wake-Up Call: Young Kids and Fading Energy

What was the trigger that made you realize something needed to change?

Patrick: Having my daughter during COVID and putting weight on—I’m sure a lot of people did during COVID—and then not really having the tools to get it off. Then having my son almost two and a half years later put me in a place where I was 250 pounds.

What really motivated me was wanting to be able to be here for them as long as I can and be as active as I can. My daughter’s doing gymnastics now, and I don’t want to miss gymnastics meets. I want to have the energy to work all day and then go to that on Thursday nights. When my son gets involved in things, I want to be able to have the energy for that too.

I was getting winded going up one flight of stairs. Here in our new house, we have three flights of stairs. I can’t even imagine where I was at—I would have been dying going up and down these steps.

Finding The Right Approach: Practical Solutions For Real Life

What was different about the approach that finally worked for you?

Patrick: One thing that made a huge difference was just dialing in nutrition. Within 24-48 hours after signing up, I had a list of meal options and recommendations. They avoided the things I don’t like—I have a thing about fish, and I’m allergic to avocado—and I was able to go grocery shopping the next day and get everything I needed.

What really stood out was when we discussed family meals. The trainer I worked with before you told me sometimes I’d have to eat different food than my family. When I mentioned this to you, you looked at me and said, “That’s not acceptable. If it’s lunch, sure, your kids can have a sandwich or chicken nuggets while you have something else. But dinnertime is dinnertime—you don’t have time to cook three different meals for four different people.”

You also emphasized hydration and simple movement—just walking more, taking the stairs instead of the elevator. These weren’t seismic shifts, just little adjustments that add up over a week.

The Transformation: From Substitute Player to First-Line Center

Tell me about how these changes have impacted your return to hockey.

Patrick: It’s been amazing being back on the ice after almost five years away. The last time I played was April 2022, right after my daughter was born, and I was heavy—about 250 pounds. It’s so weird to see video of me skating then compared to now. My stride was off, I wasn’t going as quick into turns, I wasn’t pivoting as well because I was carrying so much more weight.

When I started playing again in January, I was the third winger on the second line—a rotational guy, because they had never seen me play. They just needed a body. In our last game, I was the first-line center! The captain wasn’t stoked about that [laughs], but it’s been great.

My wife got to see me play the other day, and she said, “You look so different.” She never saw me play in high school, but she commented that I look faster and more direct. When we played in Florida before, she said I looked dead after a shift. Now, maybe right after a shift I’m catching my breath, but 45 seconds to a minute later, I’m ready to go again.

There’s a guy on my team in his sixties who told me, “I really miss playing on a line with you. You just get after it.” That’s a great feeling—for someone to say they like playing with me because I just go. I know if they throw the puck up there, I’m going to get it. Five years ago, I literally could not have done that.

Patrick’s Advice: Don’t Wait To Make A Change

What would you tell someone who’s unsure about getting started?

Patrick: Coming from someone who waited probably another year to really interact with you from our first contact—the only person you’re hurting is yourself. If you don’t jump in with both feet… going slow and steady is great, but if you commit fully, you’re going to get results faster and feel better faster.

You’re not asking for wholesale change—you’re asking to change a couple little things here and there, and that makes such a big difference in your life.

It’s difficult to admit to yourself and to others that, “Hey, I failed and I need help,” but once you get to that point, the only person you’re hurting by waiting is yourself. I’ve been working with you for almost a year—not even a full year—and I’m down 28 pounds from where I was. I’m moving better, I’m feeling better.

It’s been a whole lifestyle change that’s had a trickle-down effect. My wife was pregnant very quickly back-to-back, and now she’s been inspired to go back to the gym—she’s been doing Pilates and other activities. It helps my whole family that I’m healthy.

So just pull the trigger, do the thing. It’s scary, it’s hard, and money’s tight for everybody, but the only person you’re hurting is you. The only way to get better, if you need help, is to get help.

Do you want help? Click here to find out more about how we can start working together: https://martystrength.com/bllt-squeeze/

 

Have you ever lost weight only to gain it all back months later? 

If you’re tired of the frustrating cycle of weight loss and regain, you’re not alone. 

The good news is there’s a better way—a path to not just lose weight temporarily, but to build strength, improve performance, and maintain your results for life.

Most people think the hard part of fitness is losing weight. While that’s challenging enough, what’s even more difficult is keeping that weight off and taking the next step in your fitness journey. 

Too often, people hit their weight target, celebrate briefly, and then slowly slip back into old habits. Before they know it, they’re right back where they started—frustrated, disappointed, and feeling stuck in an endless cycle.

I saw this pattern clearly with my client Ed, a 52-year-old business owner and father. 

When Ed reached his 20-pound weight loss goal, I noticed something profound in our check-in. When I asked about his highlight from the previous week, Ed said, “What would have been highlights months ago seem normal now.” Early in his journey, every small win felt monumental—losing those first few pounds, hitting a new personal best in the gym, feeling more energized. But as he stayed consistent, those wins became his everyday life—his new normal. 

This is actually where most people fall off. When the highs don’t feel as high anymore, motivation wanes and old habits creep back in.

Through my 24 years of consistent training, I’ve learned that true success lies in embracing this “ordinary” phase. It’s not about chasing constant excitement, but about understanding that when healthy behaviors feel mundane, it’s evidence that you’ve truly leveled up. 

This is the mindset shift Ed was making, and it’s what helped him transition from weight loss mode to building lean muscle and maintaining his results.

Together, Ed and I implemented six key strategies that transformed his approach. 

1. Redefine your goals beyond the scale—focus on strength, performance, and overall fitness
2. Build a realistic routine that fits your actual life, not an idealized version of it
3. Celebrate consistency and embrace when healthy choices feel “normal”
4. Set mini-goals to maintain motivation and engagement
5. Pay attention to mental and emotional benefits, not just physical changes
6. Think of yourself as someone who prioritizes health rather than someone who needs to lose weight

Ready to ditch the gut and dominate beer league? Check out my Ditch the Gut Program by clicking here