Hockey players looking to add some flair to their game can’t go wrong with mastering the between the legs shot. This shot has been popularized by NHL stars like Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane, and can be a game-changer when executed properly.
But how do you execute it properly? In this article, we’ll guide you through the fundamentals of the between the legs shot, the importance of body positioning, and various drills to help you enhance your puck control. Additionally, we’ll give you tips on how to execute the shot during games and highlight some common mistakes to avoid.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, there’s something to be learned in this guide. So grab your stick, lace up your skates, and let’s dive into the world of the between the legs shot.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Fundamentals
Before you can master the between the legs shot, you must first understand the fundamentals of the shot. The first important element is puck positioning. It’s critical to have the puck positioned in the right spot on your blade. This will allow for the puck to be released cleanly and with maximum force. The second key element is timing. This means that you need to know when to execute the shot, and not hesitate when the opportunity arises.
Another key fundamental is body positioning. You need to be in the proper stance and have your weight evenly distributed to execute the shot. Having the correct body positioning will enable you to generate more power behind the shot, which will ultimately increase your chances of scoring.
By focusing on these three fundamental elements, you will be able to better understand the mechanics of the between the legs shot. Practice them regularly, and you’ll be one step closer to mastering this challenging maneuver.
The Role of Stickhandling
Stickhandling is a fundamental skill in hockey that is essential for executing the between the legs shot. It requires a player to use their stick to maneuver the puck around defenders and create space to take a shot. The ability to stickhandle effectively can also help a player maintain possession of the puck, move it quickly and accurately, and deceive opponents with fakes and dekes.
- Practice stickhandling with both hands: Stickhandling with both hands is important because it allows a player to protect the puck and maintain control in any situation.
- Use your body to protect the puck: Position your body between the defender and the puck to shield it while you stickhandle.
- Develop quick hands: The faster a player can move their hands, the more control they will have over the puck.
- Use your peripheral vision: Keeping your head up and using your peripheral vision will help you see where the defenders are and where your teammates are positioned.
- Practice stickhandling in confined spaces: This will help you develop the ability to stickhandle in tight areas and under pressure.
- Learn different stickhandling moves: Fakes, dekes, and other stickhandling moves can help a player create space and deceive opponents.
By mastering stickhandling, you can improve your ability to execute the between the legs shot and become a more effective player overall.
Mastering Weight Transfer
When it comes to executing the between the legs shot, proper weight transfer is crucial for success. It involves transferring your weight from one leg to the other as you shift the puck between your legs, providing the necessary power and momentum to shoot the puck towards the goal.
Timing is key when it comes to weight transfer. You want to transfer your weight just as you bring the puck between your legs to ensure you have enough momentum to complete the shot.
Another important factor to consider is your balance. Keeping your center of gravity low and over the puck will help you maintain control and execute the shot with precision. Practicing exercises that improve your balance, such as standing on one leg, can greatly benefit your weight transfer skills.
Developing Hand-Eye Coordination
Hand-eye coordination is an essential skill for executing a successful between the legs shot in hockey. One of the best ways to improve hand-eye coordination is by using a reaction ball. A reaction ball is a small, bouncy ball that can be thrown or bounced in different directions, requiring the athlete to react quickly and catch it.
Another way to improve hand-eye coordination is by practicing with a reaction board. A reaction board is a training tool that consists of a board with several buttons that light up randomly. The athlete must react quickly and hit the lit button with a stick or hand.
Finally, working on juggling can also improve hand-eye coordination. Juggling with balls, pucks, or other objects can help an athlete learn to track objects with their eyes and develop quick hand movements to control the object.
The Importance of Body Positioning
Proper body positioning is a crucial element in executing the between the legs shot effectively. It involves positioning the body in such a way that the player can generate maximum power and accuracy with the shot. The positioning of the feet, hips, and shoulders all play a crucial role in this.
Body positioning can also help a player create space between themselves and the opposing player. By angling the body and creating distance, a player can gain a better view of the net and be in a more advantageous position to take the shot.
Having the right body positioning also aids in puck protection, as it makes it harder for the opposing player to steal the puck or poke it away. It can also give the player more options when it comes to passing or taking a shot.
Lastly, good body positioning helps to reduce the risk of injury, particularly when it comes to lower body injuries. By keeping the body balanced and stable during the shot, a player is less likely to overextend or twist an ankle or knee.
Properly Aligning Your Body
Position your body correctly: When attempting the between the legs shot, your body should be positioned with your shoulders facing the net and your feet shoulder-width apart. Your stick should be positioned between your legs with the blade facing the puck.
Keep your head up: It’s important to keep your head up and your eyes focused on the puck. This will help you maintain control and awareness of your surroundings.
Stay balanced: To execute the shot properly, you need to maintain good balance throughout the entire motion. Keep your weight centered over your skates and shift your weight from your back leg to your front leg as you shoot.
Use your knees: To get the puck through your legs, you need to bend your knees and drop your hips slightly. This will create the necessary space to move the puck through your legs and towards the net.
Drills to Enhance Puck Control
Figure 8: Create a figure 8 pattern using cones or other objects and stickhandle around them, alternating between your forehand and backhand. This will help you develop quick hands and improve your puck control.
Tight Spaces: Set up cones or objects in a small area and stickhandle through them, focusing on keeping the puck close to your body and using quick movements to change direction.
One-Handed Stickhandling: Practice stickhandling with one hand at a time, switching back and forth between your left and right hand. This will help you develop strength and control in each hand.
Puck Protection: Have a partner try to take the puck away from you while you stickhandle in a small area. Focus on keeping your body between your opponent and the puck, and using your body to shield the puck.
Skating and Stickhandling: Combine skating and stickhandling drills to simulate game situations. Practice skating with the puck and making quick moves and changes in direction to avoid defenders.
Figure 8 Skating Drill
The figure 8 skating drill is an excellent exercise for players to improve their puck control while skating. The drill involves players skating around two cones placed in the shape of a figure 8 while handling the puck.
Here are five tips to help players get the most out of the figure 8 skating drill:
- Keep your head up: It’s important to look up while performing the drill to simulate game situations and develop better situational awareness.
- Control your speed: Start off slowly and gradually build up your speed to ensure you maintain proper control of the puck.
- Use both hands: Practice handling the puck with both your forehand and backhand to develop overall control and dexterity.
- Challenge yourself: Increase the difficulty of the drill by performing it while skating backwards or by adding additional cones to the figure 8 pattern.
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice of the figure 8 skating drill will help you improve your puck control and overall skating ability.
The figure 8 skating drill is just one of many exercises players can perform to improve their puck control. Incorporating a variety of drills into your training routine can help you become a better player and master the between the legs shot in hockey.
Practicing the Between the Legs Shot
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals and developed your body positioning and puck control skills, it’s time to start practicing the between the legs shot. Here are some tips to help you refine your technique and become more comfortable with the shot.
Start Slow
It’s important to start slow when practicing the between the legs shot. Start by standing still and just getting comfortable with moving the puck between your legs. Once you’re comfortable, try taking a few steps before executing the shot.
Use Targets
Set up targets in the net to help you aim for specific areas. This will not only help you work on your accuracy, but it will also give you a visual cue to focus on during the shot.
Practice with a Partner
Practicing with a partner can help you develop your timing and make the shot more game-like. Have your partner pass you the puck while you’re in motion, and try to execute the between the legs shot as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Incorporate the Shot into Your Game
Finally, once you’ve become comfortable with the between the legs shot, start incorporating it into your game. Don’t be afraid to try it out during practice drills or even in a game situation. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in your ability to execute the shot.
Starting with Basic Stickhandling Techniques
Stickhandling is a critical skill that every hockey player must master. The ability to handle the puck efficiently is essential to success on the ice. Here are some basic stickhandling techniques to get started:
- Dribble: Start by dribbling the puck back and forth in a straight line using only your forehand. Once you’re comfortable with this, try doing it while skating.
- Circles: Create a circle using cones or any other objects and practice stickhandling around them. Try to keep your head up and maintain control of the puck.
- Figure Eight: Set up two cones in a figure-eight pattern and practice stickhandling through the pattern, switching between forehand and backhand.
- One-Handed: Practice stickhandling with one hand only. This drill will help you develop control and dexterity with your stick.
Stickhandling takes time and practice to master, but it’s worth the effort. These basic techniques will help you develop the foundation you need to become a skilled stickhandler.
Graduating to Simple Puck Transfers
After mastering basic stickhandling techniques, the next step is to practice simple puck transfers. This involves moving the puck from one area of the ice to another with accuracy and control.
Timing is key when it comes to transferring the puck. It’s important to wait until the receiving player is in the correct position before passing the puck. This will help to avoid turnovers and increase the chances of a successful play.
Communication is also essential in puck transfers. Players should be communicating with each other to ensure that they know where the puck is going and when it will arrive. This can be done through verbal cues or nonverbal signals such as eye contact or hand gestures.
Body positioning is another important factor in successful puck transfers. The player passing the puck should be facing the direction of the pass and using proper weight transfer and body rotation to generate power and accuracy in the pass.
Remember, simple puck transfers are the building blocks of more complex plays. With practice and patience, players can develop their skills and become proficient at transferring the puck with ease.
Executing the Shot with Confidence
To score a goal in hockey, you need to be able to shoot the puck with accuracy and power. It’s not just about taking a wild swing, but rather, executing a precise shot with confidence. Proper technique is essential, but so is having the right mindset.
Before taking the shot, visualize the puck hitting the back of the net. This will help you focus on your target and give you a better chance of scoring. Additionally, make sure you are in the right position and have a good balance on your skates.
When taking the shot, keep your eyes on the puck and follow through with your stick. Don’t be afraid to put some power behind your shot, but also remember to aim for the right spot on the net.
With practice and the right mindset, you can develop the confidence to execute the shot and score more goals. Don’t be afraid to take the shot when the opportunity arises!
Tips for Executing the Shot During Games
Stay alert and ready for opportunities to take a shot. Keep your eyes on the puck and the play, and be prepared to shoot quickly when the opportunity arises.
Practice shooting from different positions and angles on the ice, so you’re comfortable and confident in any situation during a game.
Focus on accuracy rather than power. A well-placed shot has a better chance of finding the back of the net than a hard shot that misses the target.
Be aware of the position of the goalie and look for open areas of the net to shoot at. Aim for the corners or areas where the goalie isn’t positioned.
Use your teammates to set up scoring opportunities. Pass the puck to create a better shooting position or set up a one-timer.
Choosing the Right Moment to Execute the Shot
Be aware of the situation: Before attempting a between-the-legs shot, it is important to be aware of the situation on the ice. It may not be the right time to attempt a flashy move if your team is struggling to maintain possession or you are in a high-pressure situation.
Read the goalie: It is important to read the goalie’s position before attempting the shot. If the goalie is out of position or not expecting a shot, it can increase your chances of success.
Practice and repetition: Consistent practice and repetition are key to mastering the between-the-legs shot. With enough practice, you can develop a sense of when the right moment is to attempt the shot.
Use the element of surprise: The element of surprise can also work in your favor. If you have already established a reputation as a player who takes traditional shots, attempting a between-the-legs shot can catch the opposition off guard and increase your chances of success.
Trust your instincts: Ultimately, it comes down to trusting your instincts and taking calculated risks. If you feel confident and believe that you can execute the shot successfully, then go for it.
Keeping the Shot Low for Better Accuracy
One of the keys to scoring more goals is keeping your shots low and on target. Shooting low helps increase your accuracy and decreases the likelihood of your shot getting blocked or deflected by the opposing team’s defense.
When executing a low shot, aim for the areas between the goalie’s pads and just above the ice. This area is known as the five-hole and is often a weak spot for goalies.
Another way to keep your shot low is to use a shorter stick. A shorter stick will force you to get closer to the ice, which naturally results in a lower shot.
It’s also important to keep your body and stick low while taking the shot. Bend your knees and keep your stick blade low to the ice, even when winding up for the shot.
Remember, practicing your low shot is essential to making it a natural part of your game. Use drills like shooting at targets or practicing shots from different angles to improve your accuracy and consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcomplicating the Shot: One of the most common mistakes players make is overthinking the shot. Players may try to execute complex stickhandling maneuvers or fancy shots, which can lead to missed opportunities and lost possession of the puck.
Failure to Follow Through: Another common mistake is not following through on the shot. Players may be too focused on making contact with the puck and fail to complete the shot with proper technique, leading to inaccurate shots.
Improper Weight Distribution: Failing to properly distribute weight during the shot can lead to inaccurate shots as well. Players should ensure they are balanced and have a firm base before executing the shot, to ensure they can properly transfer power to the puck.
Telegraphing Your Intentions to Defenders
One of the most common mistakes that players make when executing a shot is telegraphing their intentions to defenders. This means that they are giving away their plans and allowing defenders to anticipate their moves.
To avoid telegraphing your intentions, you should practice keeping your body and stick movements subtle and unpredictable. This can involve using fakes, dekes, and other techniques to throw off defenders and create openings for your shot.
Another way to avoid telegraphing your intentions is to keep your head up and your eyes scanning the ice. This will help you to see where defenders are positioned and to identify gaps in their coverage that you can exploit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Between the Legs Shot in hockey?
A Between the Legs Shot is a type of shot where the hockey player puts the puck between their legs and shoots the puck from there. This can be done while skating or stationary, and can be used to surprise the goalie or defense.
Why is the Between the Legs Shot useful in hockey?
The Between the Legs Shot is useful in hockey because it adds another level of unpredictability to a player’s shot repertoire. It can also be a useful tool when a player is in a tight space and needs to create a scoring opportunity quickly.
What are some tips for practicing the Between the Legs Shot?
Some tips for practicing the Between the Legs Shot include starting with basic stickhandling techniques, graduating to simple puck transfers, and executing the shot with confidence. It’s also important to practice the shot in game-like situations to get comfortable using it in real games.
When is the right moment to execute the Between the Legs Shot during a game?
The right moment to execute the Between the Legs Shot during a game is when the opportunity presents itself. This could be when a player has open space and time to attempt the shot, or when they have a defender or goalie out of position and can take advantage of the opportunity.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when attempting a Between the Legs Shot?
Some common mistakes to avoid when attempting a Between the Legs Shot include telegraphing your intentions to defenders, not keeping the shot low for better accuracy, and trying the shot too often, which can lead to it becoming predictable and less effective.
How can a player improve their success rate with the Between the Legs Shot?
A player can improve their success rate with the Between the Legs Shot by practicing regularly, working on their stickhandling and puck control skills, and keeping the shot low for better accuracy. It’s also important to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to present itself, rather than forcing the shot when it’s not the best option.