This video explains the progression of a wrist shot, starting with basic techniques and gradually increasing the difficulty by adding speed, movement, and passing. It emphasizes the importance of proper technique and body positioning for young and advanced players alike.
Key Coaching Points:
1. Basic Wrist Shot Technique:
- Hands should be shoulder-width apart and away from the body.
- Start with the puck on the heel of the stick blade and transfer weight from the back foot to the front foot.
- Drive the shoulders through the shot and follow through with the stick.
- Focus on pushing with the bottom hand for more power, even if the player doesn’t yet have much stick flex.
2. Common Mistakes:
- Avoid players placing the puck too far behind or too far in front of their body.
- Encourage shots that stay low and hard on the ice rather than focusing only on lifting the puck.
3. Adding Movement:
- After mastering stationary shots, incorporate movement by skating into the shot.
- Focus on transitioning weight from the back foot (heel) to the front foot while maintaining proper technique.
4. Receiving and Shooting:
- Teach players to address the puck correctly before shooting, especially when receiving passes from the side or from in front.
- Instruct players to load the back leg and follow through on the front leg.
- For backhand passes, emphasize smacking the puck into the shooting position rather than cradling it.
5. Progressive Drills:
- Start with stationary shooting for accuracy, then progress to skating into the shot.
- Introduce passes to simulate game situations, allowing players to practice receiving and shooting in one fluid motion.
This progression helps players develop both power and accuracy in their wrist shots, ensuring they can apply these skills during fast-paced game situations.
