How To Improve Your Hockey Shot
How To Shoot Harder
By
January 17, 2025
In case you want to listen to this, head over to the Hockey Lab Podcast for the audio version.
How can I improve my hockey shot?
We get this question from parents and players of all ages and levels. In fact, we even had a few NHL players put this as a primary focus last off-season. If well-established pros are still thinking about improving their shot, we can probably all spend a bit more time on it.
To help you get better, we wrote an article on improving your shot. We’ll cover four aspects.
- Technology
- Technique
- Training
- Timing (Skill Implementation)
If we’re going to talk about ripping the biscuit, we have to take a little trip down memory lane. Hockey stick technology has evolved significantly, and that evolution has had a huge impact on how we shoot the puck.
Here’s a brief timeline:
* 1800s: Solid wood sticks, durable but heavy with limited flexibility.
* 1920s-30s: Laminated wood sticks improved durability and consistency.
* 1950s-60s: Introduction of curved blades, enhancing shot dynamics.
* 1970s-80s: Fiberglass reinforcement added strength and stiffness.
* 1990s: Aluminum shafts with replaceable composite blades.
* 2000s-Present: Carbon fiber composite sticks tuned for flex, balance, and durability. (Modern technology even includes smart sticks with sensors to track blade speed and puck velocity, helping players refine their shots.)
(If you’re a parent reading this and you have a few vintage models kicking around the house, show them to your kids, or even better, have them try and shoot with them.)
The next aspect of technology to consider is the length of your stick, the flex of the shaft, and your curve. All three of these aspects impact your on-ice play and positioning.
-Stick Flex: Refers to the force needed in lbs to bend the stick 1 inch. A general rule of thumb is to start with half your body weight in pounds for the flex number and adjust based on your strength and shooting style. Extending or cutting the stick has an impact on the flex as well, so keep that in mind. Every 1” you cut off adds 3-5 lbs in flex.
-Stick Curve: Experiment with different curves to find what suits your needs. We’ve worked with players like Leon Draisaitl and Derek Roy, who are great examples of how blade curves impact play style and ability on the ice.
Nailing down a stick that feels right and allows you to perform on the ice is crucial! So don’t be afraid to experiment in practice or open ice times until you find something that feels right.
Story Time
I asked Bedard during a workout why he picked Sherwood. I can’t say his response surprised me, but it makes for a good story. “Score more goals. They’re awesome to work with, and I love the stick. You couldn’t pay me to use a stick I don’t like, not for a million dollars.”
The moral of the story is that you need to love your stick.
The next aspect of shot development is mastering your technique. The technique is often the difference between making a shot look effortless and grunting through every rep. We won’t talk about shot specifics here – that’s for the on-ice coaches – but we will touch on how to improve.
Improving technique involves deliberate practice and understanding motor learning principles:
1. Consistency: Practice multiple times a week in short, focused sessions. Consistency beats intensity over the long run every time.
2. Quality over Quantity: Prioritize mindful, deliberate reps over sheer volume.
3. Variety: Practice different shots, angles, and scenarios.
4. Rest and Recovery: Allow your muscles and neural pathways to recover for optimal performance.
Of course, you need to develop some feel for your shot progression, but having a coach on the ice watching and using video analysis are great ways to keep yourself accountable and progressing. This allows you to compare your progress over time and continue to make adjustments during and after sessions.
Training is a part of improving your shot. It provides the general/raw attributes you need to then integrate into the sport-specific skill.
1. Mobility: Proper range of motion is essential for optimal shot mechanics. Incorporate static stretching, mobility drills, and manual therapy. Scottie Scheffler – #1 golfer in the world - did an interview where he said the main reason recreational golfers can’t hit the ball well is because they lack the mobility to get in the right positions. Shooting the puck can be similar if you’re restricted.
2. Strength: Lower body strength provides the engine and base for you to sling the puck. Studies show a correlation between upper-body strength and shot speed. A Slovakian study highlighted the role of bench presses and rows in improving shot power.
3. Power: Rotational power is critical. A notable 18-week training program study saw golfers improve driving performance through increased rotational strength—a principle transferable to hockey.
We get a lot of questions about weighted pucks. There appears to be some benefit in training with slightly heavier pucks to improve shot power, but overuse may alter mechanics. But don’t use them too often, as it can affect your accuracy and technique.
The last component of improving your shot is timing and integration. Shooting in practice is vastly different from executing during a game. We have all met great practice players who can’t perform in a game. Ever wonder why?
1. Chaos: A game has way more chaos. You are no longer on the ice alone but battling with nine other players for space and time on the ice.
2. Arousal Levels: Practice is a low-stress environment; games are not, and some players struggle to handle the change in stakes.
3. Pre-Fatigue: If you aren’t fit enough, your decision-making will be compromised later in games.
So, how can you implement your new sick shot? We like a progressive model.
Step 1: Isolated shooting practice.
Step 2: Add low levels of chaos (e.g., screens or movement).
Step 3: Controlled game scenarios with low stakes. (Practice)
Step 4: Full-speed, high-stakes game scenarios. (Games)
Remember to incorporate feedback! Regularly reviewing footage with a coach can highlight areas for improvement and reinforce good habits.
Like all aspects of sport, improving your hockey shot requires a comprehensive approach:
1. Invest in the right technology.
2. Refine your technique with consistent, deliberate practice.
3. Build strength, power, and mobility through training.
4. Integrate skills systematically into game settings.
Follow these steps, and you’ll see real improvements in your shot—both in power and accuracy. After all, scoring goals is pretty fun.
