A great shot isn’t just about speed or technique—it’s about knowing where to shoot. The best goal scorers in hockey don’t just rip pucks and hope for the best. They scan the goalie, find an opening, and pick their spot with precision. Whether you're on a breakaway, coming down the wing, or teeing one up in the slot, reading the goalie is a crucial skill that can turn chances into goals. This post will help you learn how to shoot hockey pucks like a pro.  Let's dive in. 1. Watch the Goalie’s Positioning Before you shoot, take a quick look at where the goalie is in the crease. Too deep in the net? Look to go high or use a quick shot to beat them before they react. Aggressive and out far? A deke or a quick low shot can catch them overcommitted. Sliding across? Aim against the grain—where they just came from—to exploit momentum. Reading their depth gives you immediate clues about which parts of the net are most vulnerable. 2. Look for the “Holes” (aka Openings) Goalies aim to cover all 5 "holes." Your job is to find out which one is open: Glove Side High (Top Left…

You’ve got the puck, space opens up, and the net is in sight—it’s a prime scoring opportunity. But then, the shot misses wide, gets blocked, or goes right into the goalie’s chest. Sound familiar? Even experienced players make small mistakes that can kill scoring chances. That's why it's very important to work on your hockey shooting technique. If you want to become a more consistent and dangerous shooter, start by avoiding these five common shot-on-goal mistakes: 1. Telegraphing Your Shot One of the biggest giveaways for goalies is a predictable shooter. If you stare at the corner you're aiming for, wind up too long, or have the same release every time, goalies will read you like a book. Fix it: Keep your eyes scanning, disguise your release, and mix up your shot types (wrist shot, snap shot, backhand, etc.). Learn to shoot without looking directly at your target—your body language and release should keep the goalie guessing. 2. Shooting Without a Purpose Taking a shot just for the sake of shooting can waste a good opportunity. If you’re not picking a target, using a screen, or creating a rebound, your shot becomes easy to stop. Fix it: Every shot should…

The slap shot is one of the most iconic and feared shots in hockey. It combines raw power with finesse and is often the shot that gets the crowd on their feet. But when it comes to executing the perfect slap shot, there’s a delicate balance between power and precision. Understanding the mechanics behind this shot can help you harness both and use them to your advantage. 1. Power: The Key to the Slap Shot At its core, the slap shot is about generating as much power as possible. The key to this power lies in your body mechanics. Here’s how it works: Wind-up: A proper wind-up is essential for building up force. Start by pulling the stick behind you in a wide arc. The further back you can pull, the more energy you’ll be able to generate when you swing forward. Keep your knees bent and your body low for better torque. Hip Rotation: The power of a slap shot comes from your legs and core. As you begin the motion, rotate your hips and torso into the shot. This rotation transfers the power from your lower body through your stick and into the puck. The more explosively you…

Ever wondered what is a wrist shot in hockey? The wrist shot is one of the most versatile and effective shots in hockey. Whether you're a forward looking to pick a corner or a defenseman aiming for a quick release from the point, mastering the wrist shot can elevate your game to the next level. But how can you improve both its speed and accuracy? Here are some key tips to help you perfect this essential shot: 1. Focus on Hand Placement Your grip and hand placement on the stick are crucial for controlling the shot. Start by placing your top hand (the hand closest to the blade) about 6 to 8 inches from the blade, and keep your bottom hand on the end of the stick. This positioning allows you to get a solid, controlled shot with more power and precision. 2. Use Your Wrists Unlike a slap shot, where you rely heavily on your body for power, the wrist shot’s power comes from the snap of your wrists. As you shoot, you want to snap your wrists down and follow through, creating both speed and spin on the puck. Think of it as “whipping” the puck off your…