Backhand Toe Drag: Shot Fake → Space Creation
The backhand toe drag becomes lethal once you sell shot and force a defender to bite.
From: Matt Carey (Instagram)
After signing his first NHL contract, Carey spent summers training in Sweden with players like David Pastrňák, William Nylander, and Erik Karlsson — and that’s where he learned a move almost no one was using in North America at the time: the backhand toe drag.
This move shines in a 1-on-1 because freezing the defender with a realistic shot threat instantly unlocks three options:
Net-drive
Gretzky curl
Net-drive with space creation
Carey’s video demo doesn’t break down every mechanic — instead, he shows how the move works in real speed off the rush, including a Nylander example that starts the video.
🎯 Skills Targeted
Backhand toe-drag puck control
Selling shot to manipulate defenders
Creating space off the rush
📘 What You’ll Learn
Why the shot fake is the essential “bait”
How a backhand toe drag creates separation
🧠 Why Work On This
Most players approach a defender with one obvious intention: stickhandle wide or shoot. Good defenders read that easily.
The backhand toe drag is different because:
The shot fake triggers a defender’s instinctive response
The drag happens into open space, away from the stick
The middle lane becomes available if they overcommit
You always maintain two backup options (curl or wide drive)
This is a clean way to build deception and actual attacking habits — not just isolated stickhandling.
🛠️ Equipment Needed:
One net
Space to attack off the rush, preferably half of the ice
*Full drill description, tips, and optional variations below the video.
🎥 VIDEO: Backhand Toe Drag – Shot Fake → Drag → Middle Attack
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Backhand Toe Drag: Rush Application
✍️ Move Breakdown, as demonstrated by Matt Carey
Rush down the wall with a shooting posture.
Stick loaded, feet set — everything screams “I’m shooting high slot.”Sell the shot to freeze the defender.
Shoulders rise, eyes to the target, weight shifts forward. You’re making them react.Pull into the backhand toe drag to the outside.
Carey uses the toe of his backhand blade to pull the puck away from the defender’s stick pressure.Immediately re-attack middle ice.
The drag widens the gap. Carey takes the newly opened lane to the interior.Finish with pace.
In the demo he cuts middle and dekes the goalie — but any of the three options are available.
💡 Tips for Success
“Sell shot like you mean it” — body language creates the freeze
Keep hands loose so the puck can roll cleanly into the drag
Drag away from stick pressure, not into it
Take space immediately — don’t admire the move
Win back to the middle whenever it’s available
🔁 Optional Add-Ons
Add a defender/stick obstacle to read timing
Start from different approach angles
Rep each of the three follow-up options
Receive a pass prior to the drag
Progress to full-speed game-like entries
🍀 Final Thoughts
The backhand toe drag isn’t about flash — it’s about manipulation. Carey’s example shows exactly why it works: sell shot, force the reaction, take the space. Nylander uses it the same way in games.
Master the timing and deception first. Once defenders start biting, the move becomes a high-percentage weapon off the rush.