The slap shot is the most powerful shot in hockeyhttp://www.playyourgame.com/slap_shot.html. Hockey players tend to learn how to take a wrist shot first because of the dedication it takes to master the slap shot. But if a player can perfect the slap shot, then they will soon realize how powerful the shot really is. The problem that many players occur with the slap shot is that they don’t properly know how to execute the shot to its full potential, and therefore can either whiff on the shot or get no power behind the shot and shoot a flat puck to the goalie.
The slap shot is a weapon among hockey players. Hockey fans love to watch their players launch slap shots from the blue line, and the current NHL has seen some of the fastest recorded slap shots ever. Just how fast can a slap shot be performed? Bobby Hull, a Hockey Hall of Fame member, holds the record for the fastest slap shot at 118.3 mphhttp://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,941234-2,00.html. The slap shot is used mostly by defenders at the point, and is utilized more often when there is a power play. Anyone who has a desire to learn the slap shot must be able to keep their head up when shooting, for this could lead to a defender knocking you out when your head is down.
Step 1: Position Your Hands
•The lower hand should be placed about half way down the shaft of the hockey stick. The reason to place your lower hand half way is to provide an extra source of power when you make contact with the puck.
•Your top hand should be at the top of the shaft.
•Your hands should be shoulder length apart, and when the stick reaches its highest point, your hands will spread more across the shaft of the hockey stick. Ref
Step 2: The Wind Up
•This is the most important part in the process. You should pull the stick up to your waist, and while doing this, you should be focusing on the puck so you don’t miss it.
•As you become more accustomed to taking a slap shot, you can increase your wind up distance beyond your waist, but some players have more effective slap shots with a shorter and quicker windup rather a timelier windup. http://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Slapshot-in-Ice-Hockey
Step 3: Hit the Ice before the Puck
•Beginners will not understand this step at first since it seems obvious that your goal is to hit the puck, not the ice. But an effective slap shot requires that you hit the ice around 2 to 4 inches from the puck
•The reason behind this is that the stick will flex when it makes contact with the ice, which will cause the stick to bend and produce even more power when it makes contact with the puck.
•If you want to perfect the slap shot, you must practice this step over and over again in order to perfect the technique of the slap shot.ref
Step 4: Transfer Your Weight
•Make sure to bend your legs during the process, as this will drive more power from your back leg. Transfer your weight to the front of your body as you swing your entire body into the shot.
•Don’t rely on your arm strength when taking a slap shot. The legs and torso hold more power than your arms, in fact, your arms contain about a fraction of what your legs and torso can produce.http://www.talkicehockey.co.uk/guides/ice_hockey_shots_slapshot.html
Step 5: The Follow Through
•As the puck leaves your stick, do not stop your motion.
•You must follow through in the direction you want the puck to travel. The follow through will only benefit your shot, making it much more accurate.
•When your complete motion is done, your shoulders should be facing the net, while your hips should twist in the direction of the shot, and your lead foot should be pointed towards the goalie. Ref
How to Take A Slap Shot
The instructional video clearly demonstrates how to perfect the slap shot. The video shows all the key tips, tricks, and information on how to exectue the slap shot. It also goes over the one-timer shot, which is a timed slap shot from an incoming pass. Another shot is covered as well, the moving slap shot, which is when the player glides when taking the shot.
References
Fast Facts
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Practice often. Though this is pretty basic, it is so true. The only way to master the slap shot technique is to practice it over and over again until you feel satisfied with your technique.
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Don’t practice slap shots in a house. Instead, go to a nearby recreation center, find a wall, or shoot at some trash cans.
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During contact with the puck, you can roll your wrists, which will place the thumb turned towards the ice. This will add more accuracy to your shot .
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If you’re trying to score, be sure to take a look at the goal while in your windup, and pick the spot you want to hit.
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Before hitting the puck, make sure to hit the ice about 2 to 4 inches before making contact with the puck.
