The slap shot is the hardest shot in hockey and is mainly used by defensemen. Although it is a hard shot, it is more about accuracy than power.

Following are seven tips to help you develop an excellent slap shot:

1. Accuracy first, power second 

A hard slap shot is useless if it is consistently wide or over the net.  The slap shot is mainly used by defensemen, usually taken at the offensive blueline. The goal of the shot is to get the shot on the net – scoring is a bonus. The ideal shot needs to be 10 to 12 inches off the ice. This low shot gives the best chance for the forwards to pick up rebounds and for tips and deflections. If the shot is low, the forwards are likelier to feel safe in front of the net to screen the goalie and take his eyes away.

2. Posture

Your power will come from your knee bend, so your athletic posture is crucial.

3. Puck placement

Place the puck close to your body and even or slightly behind your front foot.

4. Backswing

Your hand placement on the stick should be slightly more than shoulder-width apart, allowing your stick to flex when you hit the puck. When you wind up for your shot, your backswing must be no higher than your shoulder. The higher level you play, the less time you will have to release your shot.

5. Weight Transfer

On your backswing, you must load all your weight on your back foot. As you come down with your stick blade to contact the puck, your body must come down straight. Your weight needs to shift from your back to your front foot. This, along with the flex of your stick, will give your shot power.

6. Puck contact

This is where the “slap” comes in. Your blade should hit the ice about 5 or 6 inches behind the puck. This will give your stick enough time to “flex.” At this point, your body and bottom hand must be straight and directly over the puck. Contact needs to be at the heel to the middle of your blade.

7. Follow Through

Your follow-through will dictate the direction of the shot. Generally, if your follow-through is low – your shot will be low. If you follow through high, your shot will be high. To complete your follow-through, your bottom hand needs to be straight at your target, your body turns to face your target, and all your weight must be in your shot’s direction.

The slap shot technique is easy to learn, but the shot is difficult to master. Like all skills, you must take time to practise, practise, practise!