If you asked a hockey player to list the four types of shots they use, most would rattle off the wrist shot, snap shot, slap shot and backhand. Yes, you need to work on each shot, but I want to discuss this from a different perspective.
You will use all the above-listed shots on a regular basis. What I want you to think about is not the shot you are taking, but where you are shooting from. The four shots I want to go over are the tight forehand or backhand shots and far out forehand or backhand shots.
All four types of hockey shots are different. When you are in tight on the goalie, the shot needs to elevate quickly, usually using more of a pop or scoop shot. Forehand shots use more of the toe of the blade, and backhand shots are taken from the heel of the blade. Getting proficient and gaining confidence in tight takes some time.
First work on the mechanics of bringing the puck from in front of the body to your shooting position on either the forehand or backhand side of the body. Establish where the shooting position is, and try to replicate it each time, so it becomes ingrained. Once that is accomplished start working on getting the puck into the designated target.
When shooting from far out, most players make one critical mistake; they spend most of the time shooting forehand shots. How can you develop a wicked backhand if you never practice taking shots from that side of the body? You cannot and limit your effectiveness and long-term potential.
I ask the players I train to buy into one concept or philosophy. Whatever you do on the forehand, you have to do equally as well or better on the backhand. By doing this, you will automatically separate yourself from most of the competition.
