How to Slap Shot a Hockey Puck

Hitting the perfect slap shot creates one of the most exciting moments in hockey. From the explosive wind-up to the puck blasting past the goaltender into the back of the net, the slap shot can be the fastest moving object in any major professional team sport. You don't need to be the world's strongest person to perform a powerful slap shot, just follow the steps below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Hockey puck
• Hockey stick

1. Point your leading shoulder toward the intended direction of your shot. If you're lining up for a right-handed shot, aim your lead shoulder more to the left of the net to make the puck strike higher and to the left. Pointing your shoulder to the right can aim the shot lower and to the light.
2. Bend your knees before lining up for the shot. Skate forward to gear up for the shot.
3. Position the puck four to six inches behind your front foot. This will ensure that you have enough room to drive the puck with your slap shot.
4. Raise your stick, keeping both hands on the stick and placing your weight on your back foot. Keep your right arm straight if you're right-handed.
5. Drive your stick toward the hockey puck. Swing hard and quick when you connect with the hockey puck. You should strike the ice two to three inches before the puck to give it some lift once you hit it.
6. Transfer your weight to your front foot once you strike the puck. Pretend as if you're taking a baseball swing. This will help you picture your weight transference. Remember that when you perfect the ideal slap shot you transfer your weight. Your weight transfers from the back foot into the stick once you connect with the puck.
7. Continue to follow through with your shot. This will give more power behind your shot.

Tips & Warnings

• Building up your muscles in your wrists and forearms can help give you power and speed behind your slap shot. Chin-ups and push-ups are good exercises to build up these muscles.