Shooting - Slapshot

Summary

The video provides a detailed guide on how to effectively take slap shots in hockey. It covers key techniques such as proper hand positioning, ball placement between your feet, and the importance of following through to maintain accuracy. The speaker emphasizes the benefits of modern sticks and highlights that while power is important, accuracy is key to scoring. Practicing shots regularly and aiming for specific targets is encouraged to improve precision and success on the ice.

Takeaways

• 🏒 The correct stick positioning is crucial for an effective slap shot, with the lower hand placed slightly lower than for other types of shots.
• ⚽ The ball or puck should be positioned in the middle of your feet or slightly ahead for optimal power.
• 🚫 Avoid improper puck placement far ahead of your feet, as it leads to poor accuracy and weak shots.
• 🎯 Follow through with your shot, ensuring your stick is pointing at the net to improve accuracy.
• 💰 Modern hockey sticks are expensive but highly effective tools. Players should lean into the shot and make full use of the stick's capabilities.
• 💥 A slap shot generates the most power due to the backswing, making it the hardest shot in hockey.
• 🧠 While power is important, precision and a quick release are crucial for surprising goalies and hitting the target.
• ❌ Swinging as hard as possible without control often results in missed shots, which are ineffective even if they make loud noises.
• 🎯 Practice hitting specific targets, not just aiming at the goalie’s body, to score more effectively.
• 🏠 Home practice using a net, shooter tutor, or homemade targets can significantly improve shot accuracy and scoring.

Q & A

What is the proper hand positioning for a slap shot?

For a slap shot, your lower hand should be positioned a bit lower on the stick compared to other shots like a wrist shot or a backhand.

Where should the ball or puck be positioned when taking a slap shot?

The ball or puck should be positioned in the middle of your feet or slightly ahead to generate good power for the slap shot.

Why is it incorrect to have the puck or ball positioned far from the feet when taking a slap shot?

Positioning the puck or ball too far from your feet results in a less accurate shot with poor contact between the stick and the puck, making it hard to control where the shot goes.

What should you do with your follow-through after a slap shot?

After a slap shot, you should follow through by pointing your stick toward the net where you want the shot to go.

How are modern hockey sticks different from older ones?

Modern hockey sticks are much higher in quality and more expensive, with many costing around $500. Players are encouraged to lean into the shot and fully utilize the technology in these sticks.

What is the main advantage of a slap shot in hockey?

The main advantage of a slap shot is that it allows players to generate the most power, making it the hardest shot in hockey.

How can a quick release during a slap shot surprise a goalie?

A quick release can surprise a goalie because it gives them less time to react. While some players swing too hard without control, taking a little speed off for accuracy can make the shot more effective.

What is the common mistake players make when taking a slap shot?

A common mistake is swinging the stick as hard as possible without aiming, which often results in missing the net and hitting the backboards instead.

Why is it important to practice hitting specific spots in the net?

Practicing hitting specific spots in the net helps improve accuracy and increases the chances of scoring, rather than shooting directly at the goalie’s chest.

What tools or methods can players use at home to practice their shots?

Players can use a net, shooter tutor, homemade targets, or any other items that can serve as targets to practice hitting the corners of the net.