Shooting Tip 6: Slap-shot
This is one of the least effective shots. It is mainly important for
the defense on the powerplay. People like to use it because it looks
impressive, but sometimes it's not the best shot in a situation (it
does not have a fast release).
When you contact the puck, you should contact the ice one inch behind
the puck. It is this impact which causes your shaft to bend, thus
giving your shot power. If you are really strong, then you can contact
the puck about 3 inches behind it. This will cause the shaft to bend
even more, causing an even more powerful shot. Some people like to
slide their bottom hand down a little as they take the slap-shot.
The puck should be a little bit lower than the centre of the blade of
your stick (closer to the heel than the toe) (see "+" in diagram below).
As you shoot the puck, the puck will sort of roll up and propel off the
toe of your stick, as shown by the arrow in the diagram below:
//
_______//
|____+__/
<---
You don't need a big wind-up when you take a slap-shot. Keep your stick
cupped (closed) in your backswing, as you do with the wrist-shot. Like
in
the wrist-shot, the height of your follow through will determine how
high
the puck goes. Also, like in the wrist-shot, the most important thing
with this shot is the weight transfer. This is where you get a lot
of the power. Your weight will shift from your back to your front leg.
Keep those knees bent!
Click here for Tim Falconer's
Six Stages of the Slapshot.
Remember ... Practice Makes Perfect!
This page is maintained by © 1998
Andria Hunter
(andria@whockey.com).
URL: http://www.whockey.com/tip/shooting_animate/6_slap.html
