How To Improve Hockey Shot Accuracy

When it comes to hockey, having a powerful shot is important—but having accurate shots is what truly makes a difference. Whether you’re aiming for the top corner, the five-hole, or a quick one-timer, accuracy is key to beating goalies and creating scoring chances. The good news is that shot accuracy can be developed through practice and focused drills.

In this article, we’ll walk you through 12 proven drills and techniques to help improve your hockey shot accuracy. These drills are designed for players of all levels, and they focus on different aspects of shooting, from your mechanics to your ability to pick the perfect target on the ice.

1. Perfect Your Shooting Mechanics

Before diving into specific drills, it’s essential to focus on your shooting mechanics. If your technique is flawed, accuracy will be difficult to achieve. The following fundamentals are critical for a consistent shot:

Follow Through: Always follow through on your shot. The direction of your stick and your hands at the end of your shot will determine the accuracy of where the puck goes.
Weight Transfer: Use your whole body when shooting. Transfer your weight from your back leg to your front leg for more power and accuracy.
Head Up: Keep your head up to assess the play and determine where to aim. Never look down at the puck; trust your stickhandling and your shooting instincts.

Tip: Practice these mechanics with each shot to build muscle memory and consistency.

2. Wrist Shot Target Practice

The wrist shot is the most commonly used shot in hockey because it’s quick and accurate. To increase your shot accuracy with a wrist shot, aim for specific targets within the net.

Drill:

Set up targets in the top corners of the net or place small cones inside the goal to aim at.
Practice shooting from different angles and distances, aiming for specific spots (like the top corner or far post).
Focus on a quick release and aim to shoot with precision and consistency.

Pro Tip: Keep your hands close to the body to maintain control and focus on a smooth, fluid follow-through.

3. Slap Shot Accuracy Drill

The slap shot is one of the most powerful shots in hockey, but it can often be less accurate if not executed correctly. Improving slap shot accuracy is about precision and proper technique.

Drill:

Place targets (such as small pucks or pyramid-shaped targets) in the corners of the net or along the goalposts.
Set up at the blue line or your typical shooting position.
Focus on hitting the targets in the corners while maintaining proper windup and follow-through.
You can also do this drill in intervals: 5 shots at the far post, 5 at the near post, and 5 at the middle of the net.

Pro Tip: Keep your body weight over the puck when shooting for more power and accuracy.

4. Backhand Shooting Drill

The backhand shot is a tough one to master but is incredibly useful in tight spaces or when shooting at odd angles. Improving accuracy with a backhand can give you an edge in scoring opportunities.

Drill:

Set up cones or targets in the corners of the net.
Work on getting your shot off quickly by practicing from different angles (on the forehand side of the body, near the boards, or near the crease).
Take backhand shots while focusing on your wrist movement and follow-through. Aim for the upper corners of the net or the small space between the goalie’s pads.

Pro Tip: Use your bottom hand to help direct the puck toward your intended target, and make sure to follow through properly.

5. One-Timer Accuracy

The one-timer is a fast and effective shot when the puck is passed to you. The key to a successful one-timer is being able to time your shot with the pass and direct it accurately to the target.

Drill:

Have a partner or coach pass you the puck at various speeds and angles.
Focus on timing your shot so that you shoot the puck right as it reaches your stick.
Aim for the corners of the net or the small space between the goalie’s pads.
Start by shooting from stationary positions and gradually move to shooting on the move.

Pro Tip: Practice this drill using both the forehand and backhand for increased versatility.

6. Shooting on the Move

Shooting while in motion is a valuable skill because game situations often require you to shoot while skating. It’s important to maintain control and accuracy even when you’re on the move.

Drill:

Skate around the ice, practicing shooting while in motion. Focus on both wrist shots and slap shots.
Set up targets in the net to focus on hitting the top corners or far post.
Work on shooting while transitioning from skating forward to backward or while making quick turns.

Pro Tip: Use your skating speed to generate power in your shots while keeping your hands soft for better accuracy.

7. Shooting from Tight Angles

Shooting from tight angles, such as near the goal line, requires accuracy to hit small areas of the net. It’s all about finding the right shooting lane.

Drill:

Position yourself at a sharp angle to the net (near the goal line).
Practice shooting low to the far post or aiming for the top corner of the net.
Work on shooting while close to the goalie, simulating game situations where you have to shoot from odd angles.

Pro Tip: Shooting low and near the far post is often the best approach when shooting from tight angles.

8. Snap Shot Accuracy Drill

A snap shot is a quicker, more accurate shot than a slap shot but with less power. It’s great for quick-release shots in tight situations.

Drill:

Set up a target in the top corners or bottom corners of the net.
Practice shooting a quick snap shot from various distances and angles.
Focus on quickly pulling the puck off your stick and firing it with accuracy.

Pro Tip: The key to a successful snap shot is the wrist movement and releasing the puck quickly. Keep your stick low for better control.

9. The “Shooting Triangle” Drill

This drill helps you become more accurate in different shooting situations by incorporating quick decision-making and targeting.

Drill:

Set up 3 targets in the net: one in each top corner and one in the center.
Skate around the perimeter of the ice and shoot the puck at one of the targets.
Alternate between shooting at the top corners and center based on your positioning.

Pro Tip: Use this drill to improve your decision-making under pressure. Focus on hitting the target you aim for each time.

10. Cross-Ice Shooting

Cross-ice shooting simulates a game situation where you need to shoot after receiving a pass across the ice. It helps improve your accuracy and timing while adjusting to new angles.

Drill:

Set up a partner or coach to pass the puck across the ice.
Focus on receiving the puck in stride and shooting at a target in the net.
Aim for specific spots such as top corners or the five-hole.

Pro Tip: Work on your shot release to make sure it’s quick and accurate as the puck comes across the ice.

11. Shooting While Being Blocked

In games, defenders and goalies often block shooting lanes. Practicing shooting through traffic will improve your ability to get the puck through to the net.

Drill:

Set up a group of players or cones in front of the net to simulate defenders.
Practice shooting while aiming for small targets (such as the corners) while trying to shoot through the “traffic”.
Focus on shooting with accuracy and patience, waiting for the right lane to open.

Pro Tip: Use your body to shield the puck and aim for the far post when shooting through traffic.

12. Visualization Techniques

Visualization isn’t a physical drill, but it plays a huge role in improving shot accuracy. By visualizing successful shots and specific targeting, your brain helps you replicate these movements more effectively during real situations.

Drill:

Close your eyes and mentally visualize yourself shooting at the net, aiming for specific targets in the corners.
Visualize different game situations where you would take the shot and practice the follow-through in your mind.
This can help improve your confidence in hitting targets during actual games.

Pro Tip: Combine visualization with actual physical practice for maximum effectiveness.

Conclusion

Improving your hockey shot accuracy takes time, consistency, and dedication. By practicing these 12 proven drills and techniques, you’ll develop a more accurate shot, whether it’s a wrist shot, slap shot, backhand, or one-timer.

Remember to focus on your technique, aim for specific targets, and always practice with purpose. With consistent training, you’ll see improvements in your shooting accuracy, making you a more dangerous player on the ice.

Keep shooting, stay focused, and enjoy the process!