This video explains the progression of shooting in stride, a skill that adds power and unpredictability to a player’s shot.
Coaching Points:
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Timing the Release: Players should release the puck as they plant their foot on the ice during a stride. Proper timing between the stride and release is critical for a smooth, powerful shot.
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Generating Power: As players step into the shot, they should bend their knees, drive their shoulders down and forward, and create flex on the stick. This body movement enhances shot power by using momentum from skating.
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Footwork Progression: Start with stationary shots to learn the timing of planting the foot while releasing the puck. Once comfortable, gradually increase speed, working up to 75-80% of full speed while focusing on foot placement and timing.
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Shooting Off the "Wrong Foot": Shooting off the inside foot, often seen in high-level players, requires proper knee bending and driving the shoulders toward the net. Avoid pulling back the shoulders, which reduces power and accuracy.
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Focus on Small Details: Key fundamentals like weight transfer, shoulder direction, and pressure on the bottom hand need to be practiced consistently. These small adjustments combine to make the stride shot more effective.
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Impact on Goaltenders: Shooting in stride makes it harder for goalies to track the puck due to changing angles and speeds. Mastering this skill increases a player's effectiveness in creating scoring chances.
This progression allows players to build up the skill step by step, enhancing both power and accuracy in stride shooting.
