Diana Schaefering's overall focus of this presentation is the backward "C" cut or neutral zone backward skating instruction. In Part 1, Defensive Skating Positioning, Diana sets up body positioning specific to the backward skating position, stick position that is most advantageous to poke checking, the bottom hand position, all with verbal cues, drills and strategies to maintain an appropriate body position and assist in body weight transfer. Schaefering then moves into the "nuts and bolts" of the backward "C" cut. Diana feels that it is essential for a player to establish a strong closed hip flexor position and shares drills that assist the player to not only gain mobility in the hip flexor but also to help the player establish a feel for the correct technique for the backward "C" cut. Schaefering proceeds with the execution of the "C" cut, first teaching single leg, then alternating pushing legs. Throughout this presentation Diana coaches/utilizes varied age demonstrators offering age-specific teaching tips and how to spot technical tendencies that each age group encounters from a basic level skater to a more advanced skater. Schaefering then continues her teaching/drill progression with more technical information and along the way shares instruction and drills designed to help a skater maximize movement, awareness, and efficiency in backward skating.

34 minutes. 2005.