Master Hockey Shooting Techniques | Online Hockey Training

Apr 15, 2024

Master 4 Hockey Shots: Dominate the Ice

It doesn’t matter how far you can carry the puck if you can’t bury it in the back of the net. Master these hockey shooting techniques and turn yourself into a scoring machine that leaves goalies shaking in their skates.

Ready to level up? Let’s break down the four key shots you need to dominate the ice.

The Four Types of Hockey Shooting Techniques

Every elite player has these four shots in their arsenal. Master them, and you’ll be unstoppable:

The Wrist Shot: Fast, accurate, and deadly.
The Slapshot: Pure power from the blue line.
The Snapshot: Quick release, no mercy.
The Backhand Shot: The ultimate surprise weapon.

Once these moves are second nature, you’ll be scoring goals like a pro—no matter where you are on the ice.

The Wrist Shot

Why the Wrist Shot is a Game-Changer

The wrist shot is the Swiss Army knife of hockey. It’s fast, accurate, and responsible for nearly half of all goals in the pros. But here’s the catch: you’ve got to perfect it.

How to Nail the Perfect Wrist Shot

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown to make your wrist shot unstoppable:

Shift your weight to your back foot.
Cup the puck with your stick near your back foot.
Drag the puck forward, keeping your top hand ahead of the puck.
Flex your stick by applying pressure with your bottom hand.
Pull your top hand in and push your bottom hand out.
Flick your wrist and aim for the corners.

Pro Tip: Focus on accuracy first. Speed comes later. And keep it close to the net—this isn’t a Hail Mary move.

The Slapshot

Is the Slapshot Just for Defensemen?

Hell no. The slapshot is a weapon for anyone with the guts to unleash it. It’s all about raw power and range, whether you’re on the blue line or sneaking in from the wing.

How to Crush the Perfect Slapshot

Here’s how to fire off a slapshot that’ll make the goalie flinch:

Widen your stance and get low.
Drop your bottom hand near the flex point of your stick.
Position the puck slightly ahead of your front foot.
Shift your weight to your back foot and wind up.
Swing down and hit the ice just before the puck.
Follow through and aim for the corners.

Pro Tip: Slapshots are hard to aim, so practice different angles to find your sweet spot.

The Snapshot

What Makes the Snapshot So Deadly?

It’s the perfect blend of speed and power. The snapshot is your go-to when you need to release the puck in a split second and catch the goalie off guard.

How to Master the Snapshot

Here’s the formula for a killer snapshot:

Get into your power stance.
Drop your bottom hand to the middle of your stick.
Position the puck toward your back foot.
Shift your weight back and pull the stick in.
Snap your bottom hand out to launch the puck.
Shift your weight forward and follow through.

Pro Tip: Use your bottom hand for power and your top hand for control. This shot is all about quick reflexes.

The Backhand Shot

Why the Backhand is Your Secret Weapon

Goalies never see it coming. While they’re bracing for a forehand shot, you can slip the puck past them with a sneaky backhand.

How to Perfect the Backhand Shot

Here’s how to make your backhand unstoppable:

Get into your power stance.
Lower your forehand to the middle of your stick.
Position the puck slightly behind you.
Shift your weight to your back foot.
Drag the puck forward with the backside of your blade.
Open your blade and aim for the corners.

Pro Tip: Use a stick with higher flex for more power, and always aim for the corners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I shoot better in hockey?

It’s a mix of skill and grit. Work on your conditioning for power and practice your aim relentlessly. Reps are everything.

Where’s the best place to aim to score more goals?

High glove side and low blocker side are the goalie’s weak spots. Aim there, and you’ll see the net light up more often.

How do I practice shooting at home?

Grab some synthetic ice tiles and a goalie tarp. Set up targets and fire away. Repetition is key.

Ready to Dominate the Ice?

These hockey shooting techniques are your ticket to becoming a scoring machine. Whether you’re a sniper or a playmaker, mastering these shots will take your game to the next level.

Want more tips? Check out the Online Hockey Training modules for drills, videos, and expert coaching.