Increasing Your Team’s Shooting Power

I did a test recently with our HockeyMentor App, acting as a coach at the high school level, and explaining to “AI” that the challenges we’re facing are mainly in a the need to increase our shot power. Amazingly, here is some tailored advice and training solutions aimed at helping my players in this area:

1. Strength Training:

• Core Exercises: Emphasize core strength as it plays a crucial role in shot power. Incorporate exercises like planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball throws into their routine.
• Lower Body Strength: Focus on building leg strength through squats, lunges, and plyometric exercises like box jumps. Strong legs provide a stable base and contribute significantly to the power generated in shots.

1. Technique Enhancement:

• Proper Stance: Ensure players maintain a good hockey stance with knees bent and weight centered over the skates, which aids in transferring energy efficiently from the lower body to the shot.
• Stick Flex: Teach players about the importance of stick flex. A proper flex allows players to store energy in the stick, releasing it as extra power in the shot. Encourage players to find a stick with a flex that matches their strength and playing style.

1. Shooting Drills:

• Weighted Pucks: Introduce drills using weighted pucks to enhance strength and power. Once players return to regular pucks, they’ll notice an increase in shot speed.
• One-Timers and Snap Shots: Incorporate drills that focus on one-timers and snap shots, which rely on quick, powerful motions. This will help players develop the ability to put more power behind their shots in game situations.

1. Video Analysis:

• Use video analysis to review players’ shooting techniques. Identify areas for improvement, such as follow-through, body positioning, and the timing of weight transfer. This visual feedback can be invaluable in making technical adjustments.

1. Consistency and Repetition:

• Encourage regular practice and repetition of these drills and exercises. Consistent practice is key to developing muscle memory and increasing shot power over time.

By focusing on these areas, you can help your team develop more power in their shots, leading to better scoring opportunities and overall performance on the ice.

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PS: From my 45-ish years in coaching, I might adjust or add just a little up there — but not much. Actually, there’s a guy floating around the US touting himself as a shooting coach, and he offers hardly any of the above, while brandishing a hockey stick that’s twice as long as it should be. And that has me liking the HockeyMentor App all the more.