Quick answer
Backhand ball control means handling the ball with the back of the blade, on the side of your body away from the blade's natural side. Train it by repeating simple touches on the backhand side until they feel as safe as your forehand: side-to-side rolls, slow circles and short passes. Spend about 40 percent of your stickhandling time on the backhand side, because a player with a weak backhand is easy to defend.
Key takeaways
- "Backhand" here means playing the ball with the back of the blade. If your blade is on your left side, your backhand side is the right.
- Most players default to the forehand in training, so the backhand stays weak. Fix the balance on purpose.
- Keep the wrists soft and the blade angled slightly open so the ball stays on the blade.
- Start slow. Backhand mistakes come from rushing and from tension in the hands.
- Use the backhand in games for protecting the ball, quick passes and turning out of pressure.
- A smooth surface makes the learning phase much faster.
What is the backhand in floorball?
In floorball you can play the ball with either side of the blade, which is a big difference from many other stick sports. The blade is slightly curved, and the curve helps on the forehand side. On the backhand side the ball sits on the flatter back of the blade, so you need more touch and a different wrist angle. That is why the backhand feels weaker for most players. Good news: it responds quickly to training.
Think of your blade as having two faces. Hold the ball on the forehand face for strong shots and normal carries. Switch to the backhand face when you want to protect the ball on the other side, pass behind you or change direction quickly. If you want to see the pass version, read the backhand pass, and for the shot version the backhand shot.
What are the basics of backhand control?
| Element | Forehand side | Backhand side |
|---|---|---|
| Blade angle | Slightly closed, the ball sits naturally on the blade | Slightly open, the back of the blade guides the ball |
| Wrist | Firm but flexible | Extra soft; let the ball come to the blade |
| Ball position | Beside the front foot | Slightly further from the body |
| Typical use | Carrying, shooting | Protecting, turning, quick passes |
| Common error | Over-reaching | Gripping too hard |
Grip and posture
Slide your lower hand a few centimetres down the shaft for more feel, and keep your elbows soft. Bend your knees and keep your upper body slightly turned, as if you were shielding the ball with the shoulder. This posture gives you a wider range of touches without twisting your wrists.
The "cushion" touch
When the ball arrives on the backhand side, let the blade give slightly, as if you are cushioning an egg. Then guide the ball back with a small push. Hard blade contact makes the ball bounce away. For receiving in general, the guide to receiving the ball shows the same idea.
Which drills improve backhand control?
- Backhand side-to-side (3 minutes). Using only the back of the blade, move the ball 20 cm to the left and right. 4 sets of 20 touches. Cue: soft wrists. Watch for: the ball rolling off the blade on each turn.
- Backhand circles (4 minutes). Circle the ball around your front foot, backhand only. 20 seconds each direction, 4 rounds. Keep the stick below waist height.
- Roll-over (4 minutes). Roll the ball from the forehand face to the backhand face and back in one touch. 3 sets of 15. Add a quick look up on every third rep.
- Backhand slalom (5 minutes). Set five markers 1.5 m apart. Weave through with backhand touches only. 4 rounds. Reduce speed if you lose the ball twice in a row.
- Backhand passing to a wall (5 minutes). From 2 m, pass to a wall or passer with the backhand and control the return with the same side. 3 sets of 15.
- Backhand 1v1 shield (6 minutes). Play 30-second rounds in a 4 x 4 m square, where the carrier may only touch the ball with the backhand. 6 rounds. Read the full shielding guide in protecting the ball under pressure.
Coach Erik's tip: Use the "50-50 rule" for one month: for every minute you spend on your forehand, spend a minute on your backhand. By week three, most players I coach notice that the backhand has caught up enough to use in matches.
How can you train it at home?
Backhand control needs thousands of quiet touches and a surface where the ball rolls the same way every time. The Extreme Floorball Tiles 8-Pack (€79) covers about 0.9 m² and gives you that surface. The Extreme Floorball Passer (€129) returns the ball consistently so you can repeat backhand passes and receptions without a partner. The tiles and the passer are Made in Europe, and Better Floorball, a Swedish brand, designs everything in Sweden and tests it for maximum durability.
A four-week backhand plan
| Week | Focus | Sessions | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Side-to-side and circles | 4 x 10 minutes | 200 touches per session |
| 2 | Roll-overs and slalom | 4 x 12 minutes | 150 touches plus 8 rounds |
| 3 | Passing and receiving on the backhand | 3 x 15 minutes | 60 passes per session |
| 4 | Shielding and 1v1 | 3 x 15 minutes | 12 rounds of 30 seconds |
For more stickhandling work to mix in, see the 15 stickhandling drills.
How do you check your backhand is improving?
Once a week, do three tests on the same surface: 30 seconds of backhand-only touches without losing the ball, 10 backhand passes to a target 3 m away, and 10 backhand receptions from a rebound. Write down the three scores and aim for a small increase each week. If one number stays flat for two weeks, spend your next sessions on that skill only.
Common mistakes
- Avoiding the backhand in training. Fix: use the 50-50 rule and count your reps on each side.
- Gripping too hard. Fix: loosen your top hand, as if holding a bird.
- Reaching too far from the body. Fix: keep the ball within one blade-length of your feet.
- Blade angle too closed. Fix: open the blade slightly so the ball sits on the back of the blade.
- Forcing the backhand in games before it is ready. Fix: use it first in safe situations such as shielding, then add it to quick passes.
- Rushing. Fix: half speed until you can do 20 clean reps.
FAQ
What does backhand mean in floorball?
The backhand is playing the ball with the back of the blade, on the side of the body away from the blade's natural side. If your blade is on your left side, your backhand is on your right.
Why is my backhand so much weaker than my forehand?
Usually because you practise it less and because the ball sits less naturally on the back of the blade. A softer wrist and a slightly open blade angle help a lot, and so does equal practice time.
How long does it take to improve backhand control?
With 4 sessions of 10–15 minutes per week, most players notice a clear improvement in 3–4 weeks. Making it game-ready usually takes a bit longer.
Can I practise backhand control alone?
Yes. Side-to-side touches, circles, roll-overs and slalom drills all work alone. A passer helps you add backhand passes and receptions.
When should I use the backhand in a match?
Use it for protecting the ball, turning out of pressure, quick passes to the other side and receiving a pass that arrives on that side. Start with safe situations and expand.
Is a lighter stick better for backhand control?
Weight and flex are personal choices. A lighter, well-balanced stick of the right length makes soft touches easier, but technique matters more than equipment.
Summary
A strong backhand turns a predictable player into a hard-to-defend one. Train it slowly, use the 50-50 rule, and bring it into games through shielding and short passes. For more technique, visit the Stickhandling hub and follow us on Instagram @better_floorball for weekly drills.
