Being able to transition for forwards to backwards and backwards to forwards quickly and efficiently is an essential skill for all skaters. While this drill may look a little more defense-friendly, it is important that forwards master these transitions as well.

You can do this same pattern without the jump over the short stick. This is a progression we use with more experienced players to get them out of their comfort zone and to challenge their edges. The escape move at the bottom is really just a tight turn with a slightly different entry than your typical tight turn when skating forwards. This is an important detail to tell all your players but especially your forwards who might think of an escape as more of a D move.

Make sure you work on your forwards-to-backwards and your backwards-to-forwards transitions regularly with all your players and watch how often those maneuvers are used in small area games to protect pucks and defend in one-on-one situations by all skaters.