The hockey one-timer is one of the most exciting and effective shots for goal-scorers, as the quick release and change of direction make this shot very difficult for a goalie to pick up. Yet the technique can also be difficult and intimidating, especially for younger players, given the multiple dimensions to this shot. Thus, for this week’s article we break down those top-five factors to help your player effectively develop this shooting skill, whether on-ice or at-home, and regardless of his/her age and level.
- Timing. Recognizing the speed of an inbound puck as it travels from far to near, and getting the stick blade to consistently make solid contact, is the most important aspect to a successful one-timer. Just like baseball players who regularly take batting practice, a hockey player must train his/her eyes (and brain) to pick-up the moving object, locate the contact point, and get their stick blade to the contact point at the right time. A swing that occurs too early or too late results in a whiff, and a missed opportunity.
The best way to tackle this is simply with LOTS of repetitions to develop this hand-eye coordination. Whiffs and bad contact are totally normal at first, and please don’t feel discouraged. Over time execution the puck-striking will improve. Seeing passes with different speeds and location will also help a player learn when to slow down or adjust one’s shot, or move one’s feet, just as they’ll have to do in a game situation.
- Shot Type. For younger players and those new to the one-timer, we suggest starting to connect with a snap shot. The snap shot takes less time to load and less time to swing, which then makes timing and puck connection easier, which then leads to more-consistent contact and shot effectiveness.
Of course, players naturally will start attempting one-timer slap shots. After all, these are the highlight reel goals that we all see and then wish to emulate. Perfectly fine to let your players rip away at these shots, but just encourage heavy dose of snap shots to develop confidence in that technique first.
- Technique. Visualize how you would hit your best snap shot or slap shot if no pass was involved: the puck would be to the side of your body, release point towards your front foot, weight transfer and momentum towards the net, and the stick blade pointing at the net after the follow through. The technique for the one-timer should be no different.
For new players to the one-timer, we recommend first starting in a stationary position, with toes pointing at the passer while receiving the pass, then pivoting and exploring forward towards the net with the shot. The stationary player may still need to move his/her feet for passes that arrive more towards the front foot or the back foot than desired, but still reduces the variables until solid contact is consistently occurring.
As the player’s skills advance, you can start to introduce some movement with on-ice training or with synthetic ice at home, but still emphasize that player’s movement should be toward the net when making the shot.
- Shot Angle. Where on the ice should you be to optimize your one-timer? If you are a left shot, start by pretending you’re on the right wing side and receive a pass near the inside hashmark of the right faceoff dot. Vice versa if you are a right-handed shot. The rationale is that at this angle, you will be able to load your shot and explode forward towards the net with a forehand shot.
Being on the opposite side still makes a one-timer possible, but changes your shot type. A left-handed shot and on the left wing side who receives a one-timer pass will now have to shoot from in front of the body instead of the side. Vice versa for a right-handed shot. This means a slap shot is no longer an option. However, scorers can still consider a one-touch redirect, snap shot, or a quick catch and release shot, depending on how far in front of the net they are positioned. A shot launched from in front of the body may have less power than a shot starting on one’s side, but the change in direction might still catch the goalie off guard and create an effective scoring opportunity from this angle.
Thus, consider taking repetitions on each side so that you are ready to react and shoot effectively when this situation arises.
- Shot accuracy. As the player’s technique and timing get dialed in, the next area of focus should be to shot accuracy. Visualize your target out of corner of your eye as the pass is on its way, and follow-through with your stick pointing at your target. Practice going top right, then top left. Consider that in game situations, if a goalie is slow to go side-to-side then a near-side shot may be best. If the goalie moves well side-to-side but has potential to over-slide, then the far corned may be exposed. Whatever target you choose, practice aiming specifically for that spot.
So now that you know the five factors to consider, what is the best way to start your training?
First, set up a home training area with a slick surface such as floor tiles or synthetic ice, and an object to shoot at. The shooting tarp by Snipers Edge Hockey with the five yellow pockets is our personal favorite, followed by regulation-sized nets, preferably covered with either an Ultimate Goalie shooter tutor or shooting targets. Having a clear target will help the player visualize where to aim.
Second, you’ll need someone or something to pass the puck to your player. Training with friends is definitely more fun if possible, and has the added benefit of helping your friend get better at making low, flat, accurate passes. You can do 20-25 reps per player, and then alternate who passes and who shoots. But if a friend isn’t available, then a passing aid such as PASSMASTER is a great solution to help the player receive a puck and practice the one-timers. Using the PASSMASTER also allows the same player to incorporate both passing and shooting skills into the same drill, doubling up the benefit.
Lastly, just like any essential skill that advance players possess, remind yourself that mastery doesn’t occur overnight, so just be patient and have fun with it. Spend a few minutes each day during your daily shots practice shots working on these one-timers. Start stationary and work towards movement. Start with snap shots and graduate to slap shots. Start with nice passes, and graduate to having your friend send you wobbly passes. Start on your strong side, and then move to your non-strong side. Start with contact and hitting the net, and then start to dial-in your accuracy.
The players that commit to this journey of continuous improvement will see their opportunities and goal production increase over time, regardless of what level they play at.
