We strive to never stop improving on and off the rink. Today we will guide you through the fundamentals of the ball hockey slapshot. This powerful shot can be a game-changer, and mastering it will elevate your performance on the rink.
Hand Positioning
Start with your hand positioning:
- Top Hand: Place your top hand at the top of your stick’s shaft.
- Bottom Hand: Position your bottom hand about halfway down the shaft.
Foot Positioning
Next, focus on your foot positioning:
- Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Angle: Turn your feet to a 45° angle towards the forehand corner of the offensive zone. For left-handed players, this would be the left corner.
Movement
Now, let’s break down the movement of the slapshot:
- Ball Placement: Position the ball in the middle of your stance.
- Stick Raise: Raise your stick so that your bottom hand is at eye level. Avoid raising it above eye level to ensure a quick shot.
- Power Generation: Generate power from your back leg. Step forward, allowing your stick to trail slightly behind you.
- Contact Point: Aim to strike about 1-2 inches behind the ball. As you come down on the ball, keep your blade closed and open it upon contact.
- Flex and Whip: Push against the ground to create flex in your stick, which will give you more whip and power in your shot.
Elevation
Finally, let’s talk about the elevation of your slapshot:
- High Shots: If you want the ball to finish in the top half of the net, finish your swing high.
- Low Shots: For shots aimed at the bottom part of the net, finish your swing low.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to execute a powerful and accurate slapshot, making you a formidable player on the rink.
