How to Load a Stick in Ice Hockey

Shooting a hockey puck accurately and effectively has a large amount of physics involved in it. It's not as simple as merely swiping the hockey puck across the ice, but rather involves a technique called loading, in which the hockey stick actually makes contact with the ice as far as a foot behind the puck. As the stick is then brought forward at a high velocity of speed, it will bend slightly, adding a flex and snap to the shot when the blade of the hockey stick finally makes contact with the puck. This technique takes a bit of practice, but can greatly improve a hockey shot's accuracy and power if properly mastered.

Things You'll Need

  • Hockey stick
  • Ice rink
  • Puck
  • Goal
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Instructions

    • 1

      Transfer your weight to your back leg as you raise your hockey stick to take the shot. Standing perpendicular to the puck on the ice, transfer your weight to your front foot as you begin your down swing, much like you would when swinging a golf club or hitting a baseball. The puck should be near your back foot for maximum velocity.

    • 2

      Make contact with the ice about 6 inches behind the hockey puck in a sweeping motion. Allow the base of the blade to drag against the surface of the ice slightly, flexing the stick back, which is known as pre-loading the puck.

    • 3

      Transfer all of your weight to your front foot as you make contact with the puck, turning your wrists outward slightly. This adjustment will load the stick, as it will make the blade snap forward, shooting the hockey puck with more velocity.