Ever wonder how some high-profile hockey players can seem so effortless while making hard slashes and acrobatic dangles seem so effortless?
What if I told you there was a simple, proven way to improve your hockey shots and make all the hard work you put in pay off?
What if I told you there was a way to get that effortless hockey shot and make those fancy moves look like second nature?
What if I told you there was a way to achieve that professional yet relaxed appearance on the ice, no matter what level you’re on?
Well, there is a way, and it can be easily implemented into your hockey training regimen.
It’s not about spending thousands on pricey gear or attending pricey hockey school. It’s about knowing how to position your body correctly and getting the right coaching for the right result. In this article, we’re going to teach you how to shoot better hockey shots—and how to improve your speed, too.
Table of Contents
The Position
First off, let’s discuss the position. You’re going to stand in front of the net, so that’s where your target is going to be. In front of the net, directly in front of the goaltender, the space behind the goal line is called the “slot.” It’s here that you want to be aiming, because that’s where the puck will go after you shoot it. The farther back you shoot, the more arc the puck will have when it sails toward the net. If you want to cut down on drag and keep the puck closer to the net, then shoot as close to the goal line as possible. This will help you keep your shot more on course, as well. If you have the space, you can also practice shooting from different angles and positions to see which one is the most effective for you.
The Grip
Now, you’re going to grip the puck. There are two major ways to grip a hockey puck. The first is with both hands and the second is with one hand. The second method is superior for rapid fire or one-time shots, such as slap shots or wrist shots. For multi-shot or continuous shots, such as slap shots or wrist shots, the first method is better, as it allows you to keep control of the hockey puck throughout the shot.
When you pull the puck toward you with two hands, you are developing maximum tension on the ice. However, when you shoot with one hand, you are allowing more room for error. Sometimes, when you pull the puck toward you with two hands, you run the risk of dropping the puck. However, when you shoot with one hand, it’s easier to keep a hold of the puck as you pull it back. If you’re going to pull the puck back with two hands, it’s best to practice first with one hand and, once you’ve mastered that, move to two hands. This will help you get the most out of your shot and minimize the risk of losing control of the puck.
The Look
Finally, we come to the look. An easy way to improve your hockey shots is by practicing and paying attention to the details. The more you practice, the more you will see details that you before might have overlooked. When you get closer to the net, you’re going to wish you were looking at it more closely. That’s because you’re going to be able to see many things that could be improved upon.
When you shoot the puck, you want to make sure that your head is positioned so that you can see what you’re doing. Look at the ball of your foot when you shoot to determine where the puck will go. Your head should be positioned over your foot at the moment of contact, so that you can see the direction of the puck and adjust your body accordingly. If you want to keep your head still while aiming, you can practice using a shot block to keep the puck in play. This will not only help you practice but can also be used to block shots during practice sessions, if needed.
The Follow Through
Once you’ve pulled the puck back, you are going to need to continue your follow through. Keep your head up while taking your shot and follow through with your arm. If you are going to use two hands to pull the puck back, then keep your arms straight and parallel to the ice. If you are going to use one hand, allow your arm to come up and behind you, like you’re bringing the puck up and over your head. While continuing your follow through, you can use various grips on the puck to make your shot more accurate and, hopefully, perfect.
This is the end of the “inside the lines” tutorial on how to improve your hockey shots. You now know the basics of taking a great shot. From here, all you need are the skills to put it into practice. With those skills and the information covered in this article, you are sure to master the art of taking a clutch shot. So go out there and practice, practice, PRACTICE!