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
📬 Access the Full Drill for Free
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