This video explains how players can use their feet to control bad passes and quickly turn them into shots on goal.
Coaching Points:
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Using Your Feet: When a pass comes in too quickly or inaccurately, it’s useful to be able to use your feet to control the puck. Kick the puck from your skate to your stick for a quick release shot. This technique is particularly helpful when there is no time to adjust your stick position.
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Weight Distribution: To effectively kick the puck, players should have most of their weight on the opposite foot of the skate being used. For example, if using the left foot to kick, shift the weight to the right foot to free up the left leg for the motion.
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Angling the Skate: The angle of your skate is critical. Tilt your skate slightly upwards and aim to direct the puck into your shooting box area. This helps you quickly get the puck in position for a shot without needing to re-adjust.
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Quick Release: After using your foot to control the puck, aim to get a quick shot on net. It doesn’t need to be a powerful shot but should be executed quickly to catch the goaltender off guard as they move across.
By practicing these techniques, players will be able to handle bad passes more effectively, turning potential turnovers into scoring chances.
