How to Lift a Wrist Shot

Hockey forwards score powerful, exciting goals by firing slap shots past the goalie. The speed of a slap shot makes it a weapon of choice for top goal scorers. But when skaters have some time to set up, a wrist shot can be just as effective. Wrist shots are generally more accurate than slap shots, as shooters can guide the puck into a corner of the net. Lifting a wrist shot into the air is a skill that can be picked up by many hockey shooters.

Things You'll Need

  • Hockey puck
  • Hockey stick
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up your body in front of your target with the correct stance and hand placement. Your bottom hand should be about halfway down the shaft of the hockey stick. The puck should be about even with your back leg and in the middle of your stick blade.

    • 2

      Bring the puck forward to start the shot. Your weight transfers from your back foot to the front foot. Keep the puck in the middle of the blade and keep the blade flat along the ice as it comes through the shooting zone. This is key to lifting the puck upon release.

    • 3

      Push your bottom hand across your body and toward the goal. At the same time, your top hand moves backward toward your back foot.

    • 4

      Snap your wrists when the puck reaches your front foot. This quick whipping action launches the puck off the ice and into the air. The blade of your stick comes up and off the ice as the puck is released.

    • 5

      Follow through with the toe of the stick blade pointing toward the goal or target. The higher you follow through, the higher your shot will fly.