Back Block

Illegally contacting an opposing skater from behind, targeting the back of the body rather than the legal target zone. One of the most commonly called penalties for new blockers.

Rule Explanation

Legal blocks must contact the front or side of a skater's torso, arms, or legs. Any contact focused on the back — including following through a hit after the target has already turned — is a back block.

Common Mistakes

• Following through a hit after the target has already rotated away.
• Blocking with the shoulder low and driving upward into the back.
• Chasing a jammer from behind instead of repositioning to the side.