Three factors are necessary for beating a solid hockey goaltender: precision, skill, and better shot speed. Brute strength and pure size can help but settling on these alone is not enough. Players of any skill level or size can still add more power to their shot by perfecting the art of wrist shots and slap shots. Once you do, the reading on speed measuring radar guns will be off the charts.
Mastering the Art of Wrist Shot Speeds
Increase your maximum power potential by moving your hand to a position approximately halfway-down. Always stand at a 45-degree angle for a more open stance. Also, bring your puck closer to the line using your back heel. Putting the puck forward might sacrifice your power, but you can snap off a shot faster.
Another way to perfect your wrist shot is by tilting the edge of your blade forward over the puck. Cradle the puck towards the blade’s inner third. Use your lower hand to push the puck forward while you pull the top of your stick back using your top hand.
When making a shot, rotate your body toward the net. Once the puck reaches your foot, square your shoulders to hit the target. Immediately snap your wrists forward so the puck will roll to the edge of the blade then shoot.
Finish off your shot with a low swing or with a higher swing so you can hit the top of the net.
Mastering the Art of Slap Shot Speeds
Unlike wrist shots, you’ll have to position your lower hand below the blade shaft’s midpoint. This type of placement will increase the amount of kinetic energy and stick bend the shot contains.
Give yourself more space to hit by lifting the stick backward until it reaches the level of your waist. Unless your shooting form is perfect, lifting the stick above your shoulders might sacrifice your accuracy so swing it downward towards the puck. Put more weight on your front leg and tilt the blade forward to increase the power of your strike. It also keeps the trajectory low.
Position yourself at a slight angle to hit the shot with your weight on the back foot and your feet about shoulder-width apart. This position increases the amount of force you can put in a shot. Put the puck in line with the middle of your front foot.
Another way to perfect your shot speeds is to strike the ice about two inches behind the puck. Position the center of the blade behind the puck before you strike.
As the puck heads your way, snap your wrists forward. Maximize weight transfer by rotating your front toe toward the net. Also, stay as low as possible to the ice so you can hit the puck inside the goal instead of above it.
Practice makes perfect — an old saying that still applies to any hockey player who wishes to improve their shots or achieve a perfect hard shot. By mastering the art of wrist and slap shot speeds, you can aim for a hard shot easily.
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