Learn Proper Wrist Shot Technique

The wrist shot is probably the most effective shot in hockey. It is a very accurate shot and it can be released fairly quickly. This is the shot that a player should learn first. While not as fast as the slap shot, with practice, proper technique and upper body strength, the wrist shot can be very powerful.

Wrist Shot Technique – Use the proper stick grip and hockey stance. Move your lower hand halfway down the shaft to add power to the shot. Position your body at a 45-degree angle to the net. Bring the puck behind or even with your back leg, lowering your shoulder as you reach back and down with your stick to position the puck. Keep the puck in the middle of the blade with the blade tilted over the puck (rotate your wrists). In this position, your weight should be on your back leg.

Sweep the puck forward while transferring your weight toward your front foot and rotating your body forward. As the stick blade crosses your body, transfer your weight onto the stick while pushing forward with your lower hand and pulling backward with your top hand. The puck is released when it reaches your front foot and your shoulders are square to the net. At the point of release, both wrists turn causing the stick blade to turn out and lift the puck. After the puck is released, follow through pointing the toe of your stick toward the target. The height of the shot depends on the amount of rotation in the wrists and the height of the follow-through.

Video: Here is a great video detailing how to execute this important shot:

Variations:
Short Wind Up Shot – This is similar to the description above except the puck is positioned between your back leg and front leg. Starting with your weight on the back leg, step directly into the shot, transferring body weight on the stick while pushing forward with the lower hand and pulling backward with the top hand. The short wind up has a quicker release and should be used when there is little time to prepare and power is not necessarily required.

Advanced Shooters - Position the puck on the back third of the blade. When the shot is released, the puck rolls toward the toe of the blade causing it to spin, which provides a faster and more accurate shot.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to SportsKool.com for this great training tool!