How to Hit a Hockey Puck With a Wrist Shot

The wrist shot is a tremendous tool in the hands of an experienced hockey player. Harder for goalies to predict than a slap shot and typically far more accurate, wrist shots combine speed of release with deception. Taking a solid wrister at the net involves specific hand placement and weight transfer to create the amount of stick torque needed to make it effective. A well-positioned wrist shot on goal will often lead to a good scoring opportunity for the experienced shooter.

Things You'll Need

  • Hockey stick
  • Puck
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your dominant hand roughly at the center position of the shaft of the stick. Your other hand is towards the knob at the top.

    • 2

      Align the puck and stick to the side or slightly behind you.

    • 3

      Practice placing the puck closer to the heel of the stick rather than the toe. This creates more spin and increases accuracy once you get the hang of the shot.

    • 4

      Shift your weight to your front leg as you begin the release. As you follow through, supply power from your trailing leg as well. Practice this movement to maintain maximum weight transfer through the shot without losing your balance.

    • 5

      Follow through with the shot, so the stick is nearly parallel with the shooting surface. You will be looking at the blade of the stick as you complete your follow through.