Today I want to talk about Punch Stop Cutbacks. Every skills coach I know calls this move a little something different. Instead of debating its name, let’s focus on teaching you how to do it. As always, let’s start with First Things First.

In this 1st clip, you can watch Connor McDavid, arguably the best skater in the world, execute this east-west cutback to protect the puck from the defender while loading up his shot and freezing the goalie.

USING THE OUTSIDE EDGE AS A BRAKE:
The key to this whole move is using the outside edge of your inside (lead) leg as a BRAKE to change direction from north-south to east-west. So in this clip above, McDavid uses the outside edge of his left leg (which is leading him into the turn) as a brake to change both his speed and direction to beat the defender.

In order to be able to execute this cutback, you have to start with being able to stop on the outside edge of that inside (lead) leg.

In the next 4 clips, I show you some super simple skating drills that you can start to master to move towards executing this move at game speed.

Drill #1: Outside edge stop – up on back toe

Drill #2: Outside edge stop – one foot only

Drill #3: Punch Stop Cutback – no puck, alternating sides

Here I would insert Drill #4: Punch Stop Cutback with the puck. Make sure when executing this drill with a puck, you want to pull the puck back first to protect it. If you want to shoot immediately out of the cutback, pulling the stick back will also help you to load up your shot.

Drill #5: Random Punch Stop Cutbacks – no puck (NOTE: Drill #6 would be doing it with the puck)

So figure out your skating first. Then add the stick pullback without the puck which will help pull you into the cutback even more quickly. Then add the puck in before finally progressing to shooting off the cutback.

Work Hard. Dream BIG. Master The Basics

Your friend and coach,

Kim

PS – I typically post these short video clips on my Total Female Hockey Instagram first so feel free to follow me there if you want to be the first to get new content – my handle is @totalfemalehockey