After teaching hockey for a number of years I have noticed a few common mistakes that many hockey players make while shooting. Most hockey players do not even realize that just a slight change in their technique could result in a lot more power.
In this article and video I will share three ways that a hockey player can improve their shot power.
Bend the knees
Not bending the knees is by-far the most common problem I see with hockey players. Newer hockey players will shoot with their legs almost straight. What most players don't realize is that they need to harness power from their entire body, not just the arms. When shooting a lot of power is generated from the legs, and a good knee bend is the first step in producing power from the legs. When you start your shot you should begin by pushing into the shot with your back leg and transferring the weight onto your other leg. This brings me to my next point.
Weight Transfer
Weight transfer is very important in a shot and many players don't do it enough. A good principle I like to teach is the nose to toes rule. Start your shot by lining your nose up with the toes of your back foot and finish the shot with your nose lined up with the toes of your front foot. Remember you want to get as much energy moving towards the net as possible. The energy comes from your arms, legs, stick, and body all moving the puck towards the net.
Use your stick
Many younger players are using hockey sticks that are not the right size or flex. For a stick I usually recommend the stick comes under the players chin while they are on skates, and the flex is about half of the players weight.
Once a player learns the proper technique they should focus more and more on using the flex of the stick to get even more power. When the stick is flexed it is loaded with potential energy, when the puck is released a lot of this stored energy is used to propel the puck towards the net. Flex is used the most in the slapshot, then the snapshot and only slightly in the wrist shot and backhand.
