Welcome to Day 3 of 5 Days to a Harder Shot!
If you missed the first day, find it here:
Day 1 - Roles of the Body
Day 2 - Puck Placement
This video focuses on incorporating stickhandling into shooting practice to simulate game scenarios while maintaining proper technique to improve shot power.
Coaching Points:
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Stickhandling Fundamentals:
- Stickhandle with your head up, maintaining awareness of the target (e.g., the net).
- Practice stickhandling in front of or to the side of your body, keeping movements realistic to game scenarios.
- Avoid excessive or unrealistic stickhandling patterns that wouldn't apply in actual gameplay.
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Shooting Technique:
- Pull the puck back into your shooting box (approximately a blade length from your foot and up/down from the ice) before releasing.
- Focus on pushing with the bottom hand and using the top hand to generate power without overextending.
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Lower Body Engagement:
- Maintain bent knees and avoid straight-leg positioning during the shot.
- Transfer weight effectively from your back foot to your front foot for optimal power.
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Progression and Repetition:
- Start slow, focusing on technique and accuracy, and gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable.
- Stickhandle 3–5 times before pulling the puck back and releasing for initial drills.
- Experiment with pulling the puck from different positions (e.g., across the body, from the side) for variety and challenge.
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Game-Specific Practice:
- Simulate realistic situations, such as stickhandling to maneuver around a defender’s stick before shooting.
- Incorporate drills that mirror scenarios players may face in games, such as quick releases off close stickhandling moves.
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Power Emphasis:
- Prioritize leg strength and proper weight transfer to generate more powerful shots.
- Keep the top hand up and away from the body to maximize leverage and stick flex.
Integrating stickhandling with shooting will improve players' ability to handle the puck and shoot effectively in dynamic, game-like situations.
