Hockey is one of the most popular sports around the world, and part of the reason behind its global appeal is the variety of ways people can play the game. Although there is only one true way to play hockey (with a hockey stick), there are several techniques and traditions that can be used to improve your game. One of the most popular of these is ‘scooping’ the puck. Many people confuse ‘scooping’ with ‘chipping’ or ‘denting’ the ice, but the difference is that you are using your hands to catch the puck as opposed to hitting it with a hockey stick.
With the right equipment, technique and practice, it is actually quite easy to scoop the puck. The mechanics of the action are simple: stand in front of the net with your stick across your chest (like a baseball bat), wait for the puck to come in, and use your hands to maneuver the puck into a shooting position.
What happens next is quite impressive: as soon as the puck crosses the goal line, you pull it towards you with your hands and push it into the net, or into the opposing team’s zone for a ‘scoring chance’ (that is, a chance to score a goal)
Many people confuse the ‘scooping’ motion with that of a baseball pitcher: stand in front of the net with your hands across your chest and wait for the ball to come in. The motion is very similar, with the added motion of sliding the puck into the net as it comes towards you. This technique does require practice and a certain amount of dexterity; however, with enough practice, anyone can learn to effortlessly scoop the puck. There is also the option of using a puck launcher to shoot the puck at high speeds into the net, but this is usually reserved for professionals and enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
The Importance Of Gripes
A well-gripped hockey puck is a potent weapon, capable of causing serious damage to the opposition. An unstuck puck that comes straight towards you at high speed is difficult to avoid, and one that is well-gripped is even more difficult to avoid. That is why it is generally a good idea to wrap your hands around the puck before shooting or passing it; this will assist you in avoiding mishaps and accidents while playing the game. The same goes for any ball or similar object that you may encounter while playing sports. The key, as always, is practice: get some blades in to strengthen your hands, and work on developing the knack of handling the puck effectively without risking accidents or injuries.
The Timing Of The Stroke
The ideal timing to complete the ‘scoop’ is directly over the net, as this is when the puck is at its peak. The ball will be at its highest point as it is coming in, and this gives you the best opportunity to reach it and pull it into the net with minimum effort. For this reason, it is usually a good idea to wait until the last possible moment to complete the stroke, and give it your all in one motion.
As soon as the puck crosses the goal line, you should immediately brace yourself for the impact and stop the motion in the nick of time. This is easier said than done, and even experienced players occasionally botch the action and collide with an opponent or the backboard directly. This can end in serious injuries, especially if you are playing on a sheet of ice with no protective surface around (this is known as an ‘open ice’ game). Checking for icing before taking a stroke is also a good idea, as some shots require more manual dexterity than others: for instance, a deflected puck that comes straight towards you will be easier to handle than a puck that is behind you, on the other side of the rink, and heading towards you.
The Technique Used For The Shot
The technique used for the shot is largely dependent on the type of shot you are planning to attempt. For instance, if you are going for a ‘top corner’ shot (that is, a shot that will go directly into the top corner of the net), you will need to pull the puck towards you with your hands as it comes in. In this case, a wrist shot is ideal: load the puck up and down the ice as quickly as possible, and use your hands to guide it into the net. This is a very dangerous maneuver, especially when you are playing on an open ice surface, but it is a very effective way to score goals. This is also often referred to as the ‘icing’ technique, as you are usually aiming for the net to catch the puck and ‘ice’ it there (hence the term ‘wrist shot’).
The Importance Of Rotation
The rotation of your wrist as you shoot is vital to ensure that your hand and the puck are in the right position for the shot. After all, you cannot expect to guide the puck into the net with your wrist if your hand is not in the proper position when you shoot. To prevent injuries and accidents, always make sure that your arm is completely extended as you shoot (this will increase the chances of the puck going into the net).
When shooting, your arm should be in front of your head, with your hand flat and across your forehead (this is the classic ‘ready position’ for a pitcher’s arm): this ensures that the puck will come in smoothly and the rotation will be complete. You should rotate your wrist as you shoot, and not as you push the puck into the net (this is usually done with a baseball bat or puck handle): in this case, the rotation is more a natural action and you do not need to be concerned that you are using the wrong part of your body to complete it. This is also known as the ‘follow-through’ stroke: the puck leaves your hand and goes into the net as you follow through on your push, bringing your hand down and to the side as you shoot (this is why the rotation is vital – your arm will stay in position throughout the stroke, and the puck will not accidently slip out of your grasp). It is also essential to keep your wrist in a straight line and not jerk it back and forth – this will cause injuries and accidents, especially while skating. Always shoot in a straight line towards the goal, and try not to slice the puck with your hand as you make contact.
Avoid Throwing The Puck
Throwing the puck is a dangerous game, and it is often the result of a direct collision between two players. This kind of play leads to injuries and occasionally, serious injuries. Do not throw the puck – work the ball or similar object in to your target manually (this is often referred to as ‘scooping’ or ‘icing’ the puck). It is usually a good idea to avoid collisions with opponents as much as possible while playing the game, especially since there are so many rules in hockey that can be exploited to an opponent’s benefit. This is why it is best to work the puck in to the net or into your opponent’s zone as quickly and with as little contact as possible.
Many people confuse ‘scooping’ with ‘chipping’ or ‘denting’ the ice, but the difference is that you are using your hands to catch the puck as opposed to hitting it with a hockey stick. Despite the risk of injuries, this is an incredibly effective way to score goals and increase player safety in the process. The only way to avoid injuries and accidents is through practice, and making sure that your hands are always around the ball or puck before taking a stroke. With enough practice, anyone can learn to effortlessly scoop the puck. There is also the option of using a puck launcher to shoot the puck at high speeds into the net, but this is usually reserved for professionals and enthusiasts.