When I’m in the smallest cog and pedal backwards it feels clunky

I know I sound stupid right now and you’re all asking why I’m pedaling backwards! However I’ve noticed on my 1x gravel bike when I’m in the smallest cog and pedal backwards it feels clunky. My guess is because that’s the sharpest angle for the chain so its not aligned hence the clunkiness but I wondered if any mechanics here have an actual answer… tia