How to Shoot a Hockey Puck
Every line-changing player on the ice needs to know how to shoot the hockey puck. One would think only offensive players should master the skill, but defensive players who know how to accurately shoot the puck can be an added asset. Although there are many different types of shots you can attempt, including a wrist shot, slap shot and backhand, there are some basic skills all shots share.
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Instructions
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1
Position your hands on the hockey stick depending upon the angle of your shot. If you're shooting from the right side of your body, your left hand is above your right. If you're shooting from the left side, your right hand is above the left.
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2
Try to keep both hands on the stick. This may become difficult to accomplish in game-time situations since you may have pressure from your opponent.
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3
Cup the puck with the blade of your hockey stick. You may need to stick handle the puck before you're able to shoot it at the net.
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4
Determine what kind of shot you're going to attempt. As previously mentioned, some of the shots you can use are slap shot (a shot with a swinging motion), wrist shot (a shot where you snap the blade against the puck) or backhand (a wrist shot made with the back of the blade). There are other types of shots you can make that aren't listed.
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5
Shoot the puck toward the net. Make sure you shoot the puck off the proper foot. This is the opposite foot from the way you shoot.
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Tips & Warnings
A great way to practice shooting off the ice is to use a tennis ball and shoot it against everyday objects found outside, such as a lamp post, fence or garage door.
The most important thing is to practice as much as you can. The top goal-scorers in the NHL shoot 300 to 400 shots per day at practice.
Once you have the hang of shooting, you can form a style all your own. Although technique is very important, these steps are just guidelines.
