Shooting Tips

This page was designed to help players gain some knowledge about shooting, how to do it successfully and some common statistics that surround shooting. Hopefully, most players will benefit at least a small amount, from reading this page.

Where Players Score From
There are four areas that players score from the most often. They are in the slot, ranging from right in front of the goal to at a "bad angle". The first spot is about 10-25 feet out from the goal in the middle of the zone. The second spot is at a slight angle from the middle of the zone. The third spot is "off angle" near the face-off spots and the fourth spot is at a "bad angle" beyond the face off spots.

The Area of the Net Most Goals are Scored
70% of goalies are scored on the stick side. 20% of goals are scored on the glove side. 10% of goals are scored between the feet, rebounds, deflections, etc.

Height of Goals Scored
Over 66% of all goals scored are below the goalie's knees. This is because these shots are easier to tip/deflect, they are hard work for the goalie and they create the most rebounds. 20% of goals are scored shoulder high or above. 10% of goals are scored between the knee and the shoulder.

Mechanics and Positioning of Shooting
The puck should be placed in the middle of the stick blade and between the two skates (the player must have good balance). The lower arm is there to provide pushing action, while the upper arm provides the pulling motion or, maintains control. When you shoot, rotate your hips and upper body and follow through with the shot, pointing the stick in the direction you want the puck to go.

Slapshots
This shot is for more advanced shooters. Position your body parallel to the target, and position the puck near your front skate. When you shoot, your blade should strike the ice 1 to 2 inches behind the puck. Contact with the puck should be made with the middle to the heel of the stick blade. Pressure is exerted downward on the ice as contact is made with the puck. The front shoulder moves in and down on contact. Remember that the follow through is low and towards the target. Your weight should shift to the front, keep eyes on the puck, and then make contact with it and follow through.

Snap Shot
Bring the blade of the stick back 6 - 8 inches behind the puck, and then snap through the puck towards the target. Strike the ice between 1 and 2 inches behind the puck. The follow through is short and low. Most of your power for this shot will originate in your forearms and your wrists.

Wrist Shot
For this shot, place your body at a 45 degree angle to the puck, with your hands about 12 - 15 inches apart. The shot will begin with the puck at the side of your body and behind your back foot. Start the shot by cupping the blade over the puck, then transfer the weight from the back foot to the front foot. This is important because it is what gives the shot power. Bring the puck forward as you transfer your weight. The puck will move from the middle of the blade towards the heel. The height of your shot will depend on the angle of the stick blade when you follow through. If the stick is turned over the puck, the shot will be low, but if you turn it under the puck, the shot will be high. Make sure and keep your head up, and look at your target as you follow through.

Backhand Shot
For this shot, the puck will again be at the side of your body and behind your back foot. Just like the wrist shot, cup the puck with the blade of the stick. As you sweep the puck forward, transfer your weight to the front foot. At this point, the lower wrist is in reversed flexed position and the puck snaps forward. Rotate your upper body quickly. The stick blade rotation determines the height of the puck as well as the direction it goes in. Remember to point towards the direction of the target.

Shooting to Score
Try to anticipate scoring chances by being aware of everyone's position on the ice. This includes the goalie, your teammates and your opponents. Keep your eye on areas of net, not the goaltender. Position yourself to give yourself a chance at a quick release of the puck, when the opportunity arises. Different situations determine how to most efficiently score. Be sure and pick the shot that will take advantage of the situation. Learn to shoot amongst confusion. That is when the skill will be most useful. Always strive to get the shot on goal, even if it is not as powerful.

We hope these tips helped. Keep practicing!