Hockey is an exciting game that demands athleticism, excellent skating and the ability to anticipate the next play. One of the most important aspects of the game is the ability to create offensively. The slap shot is often the end result of a creative offensive mind. The slap shot requires a player to have first-rate balance on his skates, strong hands and wrists, excellent timing and outstanding hand-eye coordination. Players who can combine these assets with an aggressive attitude can become top-notch goal scorers.
Step 1
Work on your skating and balance on the ice. Skating is always the most important factor in hockey, and that is especially true an offensive maneuver like the slap shot. In order to put tremendous force behind your shot, you must transfer your weight easily from your back side to your front side as you bring the club back and then forward. This requires a player who is at ease on his skates.
Step 2
Push the puck about 4 to 6 inches in front of your front skate when you prepare to hit your slap shot. You want all your momentum going forward when you make contact and the best way to do that is to push the puck to a spot where you have to "walk" into it to put force behind it. You can deliver a slap shot from a stationary position, but that requires perfect timing when you transfer your weight from your back side to your front side.
Step 3
Hit the ice first with your stick. While eventually you will strike the puck, you need to hit the ice with the blade of your stick about 2 or 3 inches behind the puck to get all of your weight, strength and force behind the puck. Trying to hit the puck flush and not making contact with the ice is too difficult for most hockey players and this will usually result in a mishit. Boston Bruins defensemen Zdeno Chara, who has won the NHL's hardest shot competition before the 2008 and 2009 All-Star Games, says it's vital to hit just behind the puck or that shooter will risk missing the puck and not getting enough force behind it.
Step 4
Follow through to make sure your shot will go on course. Similar to a golf shot, hockey players must follow through when delivering a slap shot or it will go off course. Finishing the shot by twisting your wrists on contact and pointing the blade of the stick to the spot where you want the puck to end up will help you shoot the puck accurately. A slap shot that is not on target has no chance of going in the net.
