1. Hard and Fast
Hockey is a fast-paced, high-energy sport that requires both aerobic and strength fitness levels that far exceed many other sports. It's a dangerous sport too. Most professional hockey players don't have many of their own teeth, and are constantly being treated for injuries. One of the main causes of the injury to hockey players, in addition to the raucous fights that break out, is the slapshot.
2. Slap the Puck
To execute a slapshot, players swing the hockey stick to the puck and slap it as hard as they can. Players use it to pass the puck from teammate to teammate and send it down the ice. Mostly, a will use a slapshot when he sees an opening to make a goal and has a second or two to set his skates and stop the puck long enough to send it flying. While aiming is always important when you attempt a slapshot, you want to slap it into the net hard when you use the move to make a goal.
3. Fast Flying Puck
A good, solid slapshot can exceed 100 miles per hour. Goalies wear such heavy protective gear because they are most often the targets of a slapshot, and because it's their job to be in the way when one comes flying toward them. To efficiently use a slapshot, try to be as still as possible to take aim. Shift your weight to your back legs and raise the stick far over your shoulder.
4. Eyes on the Puck
Keep your eye on the puck as you bring the stick down. Let the stick hit the ice a few feet behind the puck so it will bend a little and add more torque when the stick finally makes contact. The stick will bow and may break. This is why hockey players tape up the lower part of their stick; it does, however, have some flexibility. Take advantage of this when performing a slapshot.
5. Broken Sticks
Follow through with the shot by releasing your bent wrists and continuing with the swing until the puck leaves your stick. When you get really good speed on the shot, the puck will leave the ice some. If you hit it too low, the puck will fly through the air, sometimes into the stands. Hit it just right and it will only rise a couple of inches.
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