Whether you are a novice hockey player, or an experienced one, learning how to transfer your weight properly is a great way to improve your shot.
You can prepare yourself, or your team, to use weight transfer strategies with some simple hockey drills. Using your leg muscles will give you an explosive shot, so you can take the best advantage of your scoring opportunities.
Here's a quick three-step technique to making a great shot from in front of the net:
- Bend your knees slightly – your legs are your strongest muscles, and this stance gives you the balance and mobility you want. Line your stick up with the puck to shoot.
- Load up the muscles in your leg opposite where the puck is. Get your whole body ready to propel the puck at the net.
- Use the “Nose to Toes” move.
Good for any types of shot
Your wrist shot, backhander or slap shot should follow these techniques. The "Nose to Toes" move will give you the best balance and power in your shot. To get used to this movement, be sure to go through some hockey drills in practice with your team. You can also practice it with your road hockey net with your friends.
- Start with your head above your back leg where the muscles are coiled ready to push forward.
- Your stick should have the puck drawn back like a catapult ready to spring, with your front foot pointed at the net.
- As you move the puck forward along the ice, push your whole body towards your target with your leg muscles, sliding the puck forward as you go.
- As you move the puck forward along the ice, push your whole body towards your target with your leg muscles, sliding the puck forward as you go.
You’ll notice if you try this technique without bending your knees, you won’t have the power, mobility or balance need to fire the puck with the snap and power you want to give the net that great twine push you really want. Transferring your weight properly makes the puck go faster, and make the goalie’s job that much harder.
Adds power to your shot
Practicing this weight transfer technique on dry land is a good way to get you used to the motion. The explosiveness of your shot will really improve, so be sure you put a net in front of the garage door. Things could get expensive. When you are ready to take the move to the ice, be ready for your team to ask you for tips on improving their shot too. Be sure to share this video with them so the whole team can amp up their game.
Remember the three steps and practice them in your hockey drills – Knees bent, load up the leg muscles, Noes to Toes shot with a good snap. Whether it’s a minute in to the first period, or a buzzer beater in sudden death overtime, you’ll rack up more goals with a powerful shot.
