By / Derek Descoteau, manger, Hockey Canada Western Regional Centre
Players need to know how to pick the right shot for the right opportunity, and every player should have a complete arsenal of shots to choose from. When players learn to execute these shots quickly, accurately, and with power, they will become consistent goal scorers.
Wrist shot
The wrist shot, both forehand and backhand, is a surprise shot that depends on a quick release. It is especially useful in scoring opportunities where space and time are limited, like when the play moves in close to the net.
The majority of goals are scored with wrist shots. Learning and practicing the proper techniques for both forehand and backhand wrist shots will translate into more scoring opportunities, more shots on net and, ultimately, more goals.
Snap shot
A good snap shot is one of the most efficient weapons in the shooting arsenal. The quick release and high speed of the puck forces the goaltender to react without getting set, and that makes it a very difficult shot to stop.
Developing a strong, hard snap shot starts from the fundamentals of a good wrist shot. Then it takes practice, practice and more practice to make the shot truly effective.
Slap shot
The slap shot can be an asset in any player’s shooting repertoire. A goal scored on a big, booming slap shot is always nice to watch, but one of the keys to an effective slap shot is to know when to use it. When a player can identify those opportunities and execute the shot effectively, that’s when they start scoring those great goals.
Tips & deflections
Tips and deflections are two skills that most players don’t practice enough, yet they are two of the most successful scoring techniques in hockey. The sudden change in the puck’s direction makes it nearly impossible for goaltenders to react and make a save.
Tipping or deflecting low shots up high, or knocking those higher shots down, requires good hand-eye coordination. Mastering these techniques requires lots of practice and deliberate repetition.
Dekes
When it comes to scoring goals, the more evasive and deceptive a player can be, the better. Selling a goaltender on a fake or deke is all about being creative while handling the puck. It’s all about keeping the goaltender guessing, while maintaining good control of the puck.
Just like any other skill, dekes are perfected through practice. Try to incorporate a variety of shots and skills that culminate in the ultimate challenge – a 1-on-1 with the goaltender.
Everybody likes to see that red light go on, so working on shooting skills is not only important, it’s fun and rewarding, too.
Visit the Hockey Canada website at www.hockeycanada.ca/kids and check out the Hockey Tips section for more ideas for being more effective around the net. |