If you want to improve your ice hockey skills, one of the most important things you need to learn is how to shoot harder with your stick. A hard shot can surprise the goalie, create rebounds, and score more goals for your team. In this blog post, we will share with you some tips and tricks on how to increase your shooting power and accuracy.
Tip #1: Choose the right stick. The type of stick you use can make a big difference in your shooting performance. You need to find a stick that suits your height, weight, and playing style. A general rule of thumb is that your stick should reach your chin when you are standing on skates. You also need to consider the flex, curve, and lie of your stick. The flex is how much your stick bends when you apply force to it. A lower flex means more bend and more power, but less control. A higher flex means less bend and less power, but more control. The curve is the shape of the blade of your stick. A more curved blade can help you lift the puck and shoot with more spin, but it can also make it harder to handle the puck and pass accurately. The lie is the angle between the blade and the shaft of your stick. A lower lie means the blade is more parallel to the ice, which can help you shoot from a lower stance and with more power. A higher lie means the blade is more perpendicular to the ice, which can help you shoot from a higher stance and with more accuracy.
Tip #2: Work on your technique. The way you shoot the puck can also affect how hard and fast it goes. There are different types of shots you can use in ice hockey, such as wrist shots, slap shots, snap shots, and backhand shots. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation. However, some common elements of good shooting technique are:
- Grip your stick firmly but not too tightly. You want to have enough control over your stick without losing any power or speed.
- Position your hands properly on your stick. Your lower hand should be near the middle of the shaft, and your upper hand should be near the end of the shaft. This will give you more leverage and torque when you shoot.
- Keep your head up and look at your target. You want to aim for the corners of the net, where it is harder for the goalie to reach.
- Transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you shoot. This will generate more momentum and force behind your shot.
- Follow through with your shot. You want to point your stick blade towards your target as you finish your shooting motion. This will help you direct the puck where you want it to go.
Tip #3: Practice, practice, practice. The best way to improve your shooting skills is to practice them regularly. You can practice on or off the ice, with or without a puck, with or without a net. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become with your shot. You can also try different drills and exercises to work on specific aspects of your shot, such as power, accuracy, speed, or consistency.
Shooting harder with an ice hockey stick is not something that happens overnight. It takes time, effort, and dedication to master this skill. However, if you follow these tips and keep practicing, you will soon see improvement in your shooting performance and become a better ice hockey player.
