How to Shoot a Wrist Shot in Ice Hockey

The wrist shot is the most prevalent shot in ice hockey. The keys to scoring are time and space, both of which are very difficult to come by in this fast-paced game. That's why the wrist shot is such a valuable weapon. You don't need as much time or space as you do to execute a slap shot, and you don't need to be in the slot to get off a wrist shot, as you do on a snap shot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Carry the puck past your opponent's blue line. You are now in the attacking zone, and your head should be up, because you are looking for an open teammate so you can pass the puck. As you continue to skate with your head up, you move into a good scoring position yourself. Take one more stride and bring the puck back to the level of your back skate. Then come forward with your wrists and twist hard as you let the puck go. The puck should rise an inch or two off the ice and fly at the goal at a speed approaching 80 miles per hour.

2. Pass the puck to your teammate at center ice and then look for a return pass as you cross the blue line. As soon as you receive the puck, fire it quickly toward the net in an effort to surprise the goaltender. Depending where you are on the ice, you may either score a goal or force the goaltender to extend himself to make the save. In that case, he may not be in a position to stop a follow-up shot if you or a teammate can get to the rebound.

3. Carry the puck down below the goal line so you are behind the goalie. You are in perfect position to pass the puck to an open teammate for a point-blank shot. However, you are also in position to carom the puck off the goalie if he comes out of the net too far or over-commits to the shooter. In either one of those cases, curl the puck in the blade of the stick and fire it off the back leg of the goalie to watch it fly back into the net.

4. Follow the puck carrier into the offensive zone and let him draw the defense. As the defenders go toward the puck carrier, be prepared to accept the puck. Once he shovels the puck to you, secure the puck with your blade, then unfurl your wrists and let the puck go. The puck should be on its way to the net before the goaltender realizes you have accepted the pass. The result should be a hard shot on net that will result in a save or a rebound for you or a teammate.

5. Practice your wrist shot every day. Set up 10 pucks in the offensive zone and shoot them rapid-fire at the net by bringing the puck to your back foot and then powering forward with your wrists. Twist your wrists as the puck flies off your stick to get extra momentum on the puck.

Tips & Warnings

• Work on your forearm and wrist strength when you are not on the ice. Lift weights and do curls with 20- to 30-pound weights in order to make executing the wrist shot an easy proposition.

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