| Hockey Classroom
The Wrist Shot
from Coach McAleese
The wrist shot is deadly because it's quick, accurate and can be taken in any situation—often to the surprise of the opposing goalie.
But if you're totally focused on the goalie, chances are you'll just be sending the puck straight at them or wide of the goal instead of into the net. Always notice the goalie but focus your intent on the net. The white twine is what goals are about, find it.
Use your Whole Body
To launch a great wrist shot, move the puck and your weight to your back foot and spread your hands wide to maximize power. Cup the puck and keep it on the middle of your blade. Bring both the puck and your weight in a forward sweep toward the target. Put everything you have into this sweep. Whatever you weigh put every last ounce into it. As you release the puck, SNAP your wrists with force and point your stick where you want it to go.
Wrist it Over or Wrist it Under?
Lots of skill manuals will tell you to roll your wrists over with a shot. Others say under. Everybody's an expert. But I recommend you pay close attention to how you shoot and experiment both ways. Perhaps you'll realize that to roof a shot in close you'll need to to snap your wrists under. Maybe from the blue line you'll need to roll your wrists over to keep it low instead of shooting at a flock of geese flying by.
Follow your shot!
Many players, even at the NHL level, get into the habit of turning away from their shot and taking themselves out of the play. But if there's a rebound, do you want to be looking at it from the corner over your shoulder or at your feet in front? If you need to, stop gather the rebound and roof a wrister over the sprawling net minder into the sweet white twine of goal heaven.
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