Scoring goals is what makes hockey exciting. Whether you're a forward looking to put the puck in the net or a defenseman with a heavy shot from the point, developing a quality shot is essential. This guide covers the fundamental shooting techniques, from quick wrist shots to booming slap shots, with drills to help you improve your goal-scoring ability.
The Foundation of Shooting
Stance and Body Position
Proper body positioning creates the foundation for powerful shots.
Feet Position:
- Feet shoulder-width apart
- Slight knee bend (athletic stance)
- Weight on back foot initially
- Square to target or slight angle
Upper Body:
- Stick on slight angle toward target
- Hands comfortable and balanced
- Shoulders relaxed
- Head steady, eyes on target
Weight Transfer
The secret to powerful shots is proper weight transfer.
- Start with weight on back foot
- Drive weight forward through shot
- Transfer to front foot at release
- Follow through toward target
The Wrist Shot
The Quick Release Weapon
The wrist shot is the most versatile shot in hockey—quick, accurate, and deceptive.
Technique Breakdown:
- Setup: Puck on heel of blade, stick slightly back
- Wind-up: Minimal—quick pull back
- Push: Push with top hand while pulling with bottom
- Roll: Roll wrists through the shot
- Follow-through: Blade finishes pointing at target
Key Mechanics:
- Quick release is the primary advantage
- Blade angle determines lift
- Smooth, not jerky motion
- Both hands work together
When to Use:
- Quick release opportunities
- Moving toward net
- Finding holes in coverage
- Backhand opportunities
Wrist Shot Drills
- Quick release from slot
- Wrist shot while skating
- Stationary accuracy shooting
- Net front quick shots
The Snap Shot
Speed and Power Combined
The snap shot combines the quickness of a wrist shot with more power.
Technique Breakdown:
- Setup: Similar to wrist shot
- Pull: Pull stick back slightly further
- Snap: Quick flick of wrists and stick
- Release: Faster than wrist shot, more velocity
Key Mechanics:
- Uses stick flex for power
- Quicker than slap shot
- More accurate than slap shot
- Harder to block
When to Use:
- Moving to shooting position
- Need power but no time for slap shot
- Defensemen shooting through traffic
- One-timer opportunities
Snap Shot Drills
- Snap shot from various angles
- Snap shot while moving
- Snap shot to corners
- Quick snap combinations
The Slap Shot
The Power Shot
The slap shot is your biggest weapon for raw power, especially from distance.
Technique Breakdown:
- Wind-up: Bring stick well behind body
- Load: Weight shifts back, stick flexes
- Swing: Sharp, downward swing to ice just behind puck
- Contact: Blade contacts ice, then puck
- Follow-through: High follow-through, blade pointing at target
Common Errors:
- Hitting ice too far from puck
- Not following through
- Broken wrists at contact
- Swinging too hard without technique
When to Use:
- Point shots
- Breaking through coverage
- Power play situations
- Distance shooting
Slap Shot Drills
- Slow-motion full swings
- Slap shot accuracy targets
- Slap shot power work
- Moving slap shots
The Backhand Shot
Essential but Underutilized
Many players neglect backhand shooting, but it's a crucial skill.
Technique Breakdown:
- Setup: Puck on backhand side of blade
- Blade angle: Open slightly toward target
- Push: Push puck with heel of blade
- Roll: Roll wrists (limited compared to forehand)
- Follow-through: Lower follow-through than forehand
Key Points:
- Less powerful than forehand
- More accuracy possible
- Surprise factor valuable
- Practice both high and low
When to Use:
- Across body situations
- Going around net
- Backhand opportunities
- Protecting puck
Backhand Drills
- Stationary backhand shots
- Backhand from angles
- Backhand while skating
- Net mouth backhands
The Backhand Shelf
The Skill Shot
Versatile move for tucking pucks past goaltenders.
Technique:
- Approach net on backhand
- Roll puck onto blade toe
- Lift puck over pad or five-hole
- Delicate touch required
Variations:
- Forehand-to-backhand shelf
- Toe drag to shelf
- Moving shelf
- Backdoor shelf
Shooting with Movement
One-Timers
Direct passes become instant shots—deadly when executed well.
Technique:
- Meet pass at full extension
- Load stick as pass arrives
- Quick wrists, no backswing
- Commit to the shot
Drills:
- Pass-and-shoot combinations
- Walking the blue line
- Rebound one-timers
- Game situation one-timers
Shooting on the Rush
- Shot as you cross hash marks
- Use speed for power
- Pick corners when possible
- Be ready for own rebound
Net-Front Shooting
- Quick hands around crease
- Deflections and tips
- Bounce shots
- Pick top corners when open
Aiming and Accuracy
Target Practice
Accuracy matters as much as power.
Target Zones:
- High Corners: Above pad level, hardest to save
- Low Corners: Along ice, just inside posts
- Five-Hole: Between legs, good on breakaways
- High Far Side: Above glove on far side
Blade Control:
- Open blade for higher shots
- Closed blade for lower shots
- Angle determines direction
- Practice both edges
Accuracy Drills
- Target shooting with markers
- Hit posts repeatedly
- Water bottle challenge
- Top corner work
Shot Selection
When to Shoot
- Lane to net is open
- Goaltender out of position
- Teammate crashing net
- Power play with traffic
When to Pass
- Better shooting option available
- Defender blocking shot
- Pass creates better angle
- Teammate in better position
Reading the Goaltender
- Identify weaknesses
- Watch for overcommitment
- Find openings
- Use dekes to create openings
Developing Shot Power
Leg Strength
- Squats and lunges
- Plyometric exercises
- Explosive movements
- Proper weight transfer
Core Strength
- Rotational power
- Plank variations
- Medicine ball throws
- Stability work
Upper Body
- Wrist strength
- Forearm development
- Shoulder stability
- Grip strength
Off-Ice Shooting
- Shot put techniques
- Medicine ball slams
- Weighted stick practice
- Wall pass shooting
Shooting Drills by Level
Beginner Drills
- Stationary wrist shots
- Basic slap shot mechanics
- Net shooting from close range
- Simple target practice
Intermediate Drills
- Snap shot accuracy
- Moving shot development
- One-timer practice
- Backhand shooting
Advanced Drills
- Game situation shooting
- One-timers from movement
- Tight area shooting
- Complex combinations
Conclusion
A great shot is built on proper technique, continuous practice, and smart shot selection. Start with the fundamentals—stance, weight transfer, and follow-through—and build from there. Power comes from proper mechanics, not just muscle.
Remember that the best scorers in hockey have multiple shots in their arsenal. They can pick corners, go five-hole, or backhand it home depending on the situation. Develop all your shots, practice daily, and you'll become a much more dangerous scoring threat.