The slap shot is hockey's most powerful weapon. Kidzworld gives you tips on how to add one to your game!
Slap Shot - Technique
Believe it or not, being the
strongest guy in the world doesn't mean you can
hit a hard slap shot. In fact, a lot of the power of a slap shot comes from your mechanics and technique.
Tiger Woods is a skinny guy, but can hit a golf ball 400 yards. The same thing goes in a slap shot - it's all about
driving your hips and shifting your
weight to drive the puck. So no matter what size you are, if you can master the
fundamentals of a good slap shot, then you will be a
nightmare for opposing goalies!
Slap Shot - Steps
If you are right handed, put your right hand halfway on the shaft of the stick. Place your left hand near the top of the stick. Make sure your grip is tight. Reverse this if you are left handed.
Position the puck four to six inches behind your front foot. Make sure the puck is far enough from your body so you have room to comfortably hit it.
When you wind up the stick, always keep your right arm straight (or your left arm if you are left handed). Your weight should be on your back leg.
Keep your eyes on the puck!
As you drive your stick to hit the puck, lean into the shot driving your hips and shifting your weight onto your opposite leg.
Swing hard and quick and your stick should strike the ice, two to three inches before the puck. This will give the puck some lift when you hit it.
Make sure to follow through and snap your wrists after you hit the puck.
On the follow through, make sure you are pointing at the target and resume a balanced position with your weight fully transferred on your front leg.
Slap Shot - Tips
Practice makes perfect. The more repetition your swing gets, the more accurate and powerful it will become.
Building muscles in your wrists and forearms will help add power and speed to your slap shot. Push-ups and chin-ups are good exercises for this.
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