Written by: Todd Drevitch of Hockey Techniques www.hockey-techniques.com or (888) 568-8451 or (908)453-2436

Before I explain the proper technique for taking a slap shot, you must understand a very important point. It should be the least used shot in hockey.

The most important part of any player’s shot is release, accuracy, and finally the speed of the shot. Although the slap shot is the hardest shot a player can use, it is also the slowest release and one of the least accurate. Ask yourself a question. How many slap shots do you see Mark Messier use? NOT MANY, if any at all.

However, the slap shot is still a very valuable shot. With this being the hardest shot, it is the most difficult for goaltenders to control. They will tend to leave rebounds out in front of the net giving second and third chances to shoot and score. It is also a greater threat, because of the potential for it to be tipped or redirected. This is why you need to develop this shot along with all others.

There are five steps to remember when taking the shot. Some of these steps may feel awkward or strange, but they become more comfortable with practice.

First is the stick itself. Put your bottom hand halfway down the shaft. Now move it up one hand width. The reason you do this is to get maximum flex in you stick. You may not see it, but the stick bends and snaps as you shoot the shot. The reason your bottom hand is slightly above the halfway point is because it keeps your chest up enough that you can react if the shot is blocked. This also allows you to keep your speed and follow your own rebound.

Second is puck alignment. Have the puck just inside of your front foot. The puck should be about two blade lengths away from your body. This may seem close to you. However, you will achieve maximum power with the puck in this location. You just need to bend the knees even further putting more body weight into the shot.

Third is the windup. Think of it this way. The higher you pick up your stick the longer it will take to swing it back down. Therefore, to have a quick release, you must only bring the stick waist high. You will still be transferring your weight from the back foot to the front foot. Also, the stick must come straight up and straight down. Try not to turn your hips so that the stick goes behind you.

Forth is the shot. After looking where I want to shoot, I look back down at the puck. I want to strike the ice with my stick blade about two to three inches behind the puck. I am also trying to hit the ice and puck with the strongest part of my stick blade, the heel. By hitting the ice and not the puck, you allow the stick to flex or bend. As it snaps back into shape it strikes the puck with more force.

Fifth is the follow-through. As with all shots, my follow-through will most likely dictate where the puck goes. Here is a test for you. Put the puck on the blue line and shoot at the blue strip on the boards. After you shoot the puck, freeze your follow-through. If you look straight down the shaft of your stick, you should be able to see a straight line from your knob to the blue strip on the boards. One more hint on your follow-through. As you are shooting the puck, you must turn the toe of your front skate towards the target you are shooting at. This allows you to keep your momentum towards the net, get full power behind the shot, as well as keep better balance.

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