The ways to score in ice hockey are numerous. One of the most spectacular and memorable ways to score is when a player comes skating into the offensive zone at top speed and unleashes a slap shot. This shot may reach speeds of 100 miles per hour or better, and has the ability to intimidate goaltenders because of its ferocity. A well-placed slap shot can turn the tide in a hockey game.
Origin
Before the 1937-38 National Hockey League season, players would attempt to score goals with wrist shots, backhanders and dekes, and fakes when on a breakaway. However, New York Rangers forward Alex Shibicky introduced the slap shot when he took his stick back to shoulder height and then drove it through the puck in a manner that was reminiscent of a golf drive. Shibicky's shot had more speed and power than a wrist shot, but it didn't really catch on until Bernie "Boom-Boom" Geoffrion of the Montreal Canadiens started unleashing his slap shot in the 1950s. Since then, the slap shot has been a key factor in offensive hockey.
Slap Shot Technique
When a player takes a slap shot, the puck is positioned near his front skate. To deliver the shot with power and accuracy, the player will draw his stick back to shoulder height. At the apex of the back swing, most of the player's weight and momentum will be on his back leg. The player transfers his weight to his front leg and drives the blade of his stick 2 or 3 inches behind the puck. The player makes contact and continues to drive his stick until it is at hip level on the follow through. This type of shot will travel at a high velocity and has an excellent chance to produce a significant scoring opportunity.
Strategic Use
While the slap shot has more velocity than any other shot in hockey, it takes time and space to wind up and deliver this shot. Players need to be open to have a chance to get the shot away without it getting blocked by opposing defensemen. Players regularly use the slap shot when their team has a man advantage on the power play. When the opponent has to play shorthanded, the offensive team will often try to shuttle the puck back to a player waiting at the blue line. This area of the attack zone is called the point. That player will wind up and take a slap shot if he sees he has an open lane to the net.
Record Slap Shot
The NHL holds a skills competition before its All-Star game every year. One of the contests that takes place at the competition is the hardest slap shot drill. Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins set the league's all-time record at the 2011 skills competition when he fired a shot that registered 105.9 MPH. In the 1960s, Chicago Blackhawks left wing Bobby Hull was said to have his powerful shot measured at 115 mph, but that clocking was not "official."
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