How to Take a Slap Shot Like Alexander Ovechkin

Alexander Ovechkin is arguably the best pure goal scorer in the NHL right now. With little help, he has amassed large point totals every year he has been in the league. He is the first player in the NHL to score 60 goals in a season since Jaromir Jagr scored 62 in 1995/1996. Many of Ovechkin's goals have come from his powerful slap shot. It's fairly easy to learn the most popular shot in hockey.

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide where you want the puck to go before you shoot. Take a look at where the goalie is and where you are on the ice. Remember where everything is before you receive a pass or prepare to shoot because you might not have the time to look at the goalie again.

    • 2

      Get your body in the right position. When you shoot, the puck should be about 18 to 24 inches in front of you and near your back heel. If the puck is too far in front of you, you will be off-balance when you shoot.

    • 3

      Aim with the heel of your stick, but hit it with the toe. This allows your body to extend naturally, making your shot more powerful and more accurate.

    • 4

      Bring your stick straight back behind your body, turning your hips. Your wind-up is where you generate your power. Only wind up all the way if you have lots of time to shoot.

    • 5

      Follow through where you want the shot to end up. If you want your shot to go high, then follow through with your stick high. If you want the puck to go low, then your follow through should be low. Defensemen tend to shoot low to get the puck through a screen or have it deflect off a skater, while forwards keep the puck high.