Welcome to Day 1 of 5 Days to a Harder Shot!
This video focuses on the roles of the lower body, upper body, and arms in developing a harder shot, emphasizing proper weight transfer, body positioning, and hand techniques.
Coaching Points:
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Lower Body:
- Transfer weight from the back foot to the front foot during the shot, ensuring strong, smooth motion.
- Practice shooting off both feet (no "wrong" foot) to develop versatility.
- Bend the knees and drive toe caps toward the net for maximum power and stability.
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Upper Body:
- Drive the bottom shoulder toward the net for a strong follow-through.
- Avoid bending in half; maintain a straight line from the ankle to the shoulder for optimal posture and power.
- Focus on finishing in a balanced, controlled position.
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Arm and Stick Technique:
- Push down with the bottom hand to flex the stick, letting the top hand naturally pull in as you shoot.
- Keep the top hand up and away from the body to allow for better control and power generation.
- Avoid opening the blade too much; stay over the puck to maintain control and precision.
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Head Position:
- Keep the head up throughout the shot to build good habits for accuracy and situational awareness.
- As skills advance, practice looking away from the target for deceptive shooting.
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Advanced Tips:
- Finish every shot with toe caps facing the net to ensure proper weight transfer and momentum.
- Start slow to focus on technique before adding pucks or increasing speed.
- Use rollerblades to replicate the mechanics of shooting on ice, enhancing off-ice practice.
