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Step 1
Shoot high on the goaltender's stick side. This is an area that is difficult for any goaltender to stop. If the shooter can fire a wrist shot accurately, picking out a spot near the top corner of the goaltender's stick side almost always produces positive results. This can be a difficult shot to master because the window is small, but if the shooter hits his spot he can usually score the goal.
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Step 2
Get the goaltender to move his feet. When moving in on goal during a penalty shot, the shooter regulalry will shift the puck from his backhand to his forehand. As he gets closer to the net, the shooter will try to sweep from one side of the net to the other and force the goalie to make the same move with him. If the goaltender follows along, quickly fire the puck in the growing space between his legs. As he moves he opens up what is known as the "five hole" and the shooter should quickly take advantage.
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Step 3
Move the puck quickly from your backhand side to your forehand and make the goalie think that you are going to fire a shot from your strong forehand side. As soon as he buys in and moves toward your forehand, shovel the puck the other way and fire a quick backhander into the side of the net that has just been vacated. You may lose your balance after letting go of the shot, but if done correctly the puck will still end up in the back of the net.
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Step 4
If you have a heavy slap shot and you are not the best stickhandler, you might want to consider bombing a heavy shot while aiming at one of the corners. This strategy is somewhat unusual, but Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara used this strategy during the 2007-08 season during several shootouts. Even if the shot does not work, seeing a 100 mile per hour slap shot from a relatively close distance could leave the goaltender somewhat shaky on upcoming shots.
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Step 5
Watch as much videotape as possible of goaltenders you will see in your upcoming games. Knowing their strengths, weaknesses and tendencies will make you a more dangerous shooter.
