Backwards Movement, Movement Backwards

[tedtmc]

Are both the phrases below correct?
Is there any difference?

1) The movement backwards of an object from its original position
or
2) The backwards movement of an object from its original position

 

[probus]

I prefer backward to backwards. Backward is the adjective and backwards is the adverb.

Apart from that I think they are both correct, but my ear has a strong preference for 2.

 

[tedtmc]

Backward and backwards are both adverbs according to

Backwards | Define Backwards at Dictionary.com

 

[tedtmc]

movement backwards of ...

Is 'backwards' used here an adjective or an adverb?

 

[probus]

I spoke too hastily. On reflection it's easy to think of adverbial uses of backward. But is backwards ever an adjective? I still think not. At least I prefer not. Backward movement is the most natural and best to me.