Shooting Basics – U9/U11 Wrist Shot

To take a successful sweeping/cross-body wrist shot in hockey, it’s important to develop a set of habits that will help improve your accuracy, power, and overall technique. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Proper Grip on the Stick

• Hands: Position your top hand at the top of the stick, known as the handle.  Position your bottom hand below your top hand, just above the mid-length of your stick. This gives you leverage and control over the shot.

2. Stance and Body Position

• Feet: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, knees slightly bent, and your weight balanced on the balls of your feet. Feet are positioned parallel to the target.
• Stick Placement: Hold the stick in front of you, bottom edge of the blade on the ice, just behind the puck. Keep your stick blade angled slightly over the puck in a ‘cupping’ position.

3. Puck Placement and Approach

• Puck Position before the sweep: Position the puck a couple inches behind your back leg (left leg for left-handed shooters, right leg for right-handed shooters).  Start with the puck near the heel of your stick blade. The puck will move from the heel of your blade to middle of the blade, the point of delivery.

4. The Shot

• Loading the Shot: With the puck positioned in front of your front leg and body weight on your front leg, slide the puck back, behind your back leg as you transfer your weight to your back leg. Load your shot by leaning your body weight through your bottom hand onto your stick, creating a flex in your stick.  When pushed/swept forward, the flex in your stick will create a ‘whip-like’ movement releasing the energy in the stick to propel the puck towards the net.
• Wrist Action: As you push/sweep the puck forward, roll your wrists to flick the stick. The power and accuracy come from the flex in your stick and snap of your wrists.
• Follow-Through: Your stick should follow the puck’s path toward the target. Keep your follow-through smooth and controlled, with the toe of your stick blade pointing towards your target.

5. Focus on Accuracy

• Eyes: Keep your eyes on the target, not the puck.
• Targeting: Aim for the corners of the net (high or low). The wrist shot is more accurate than powerful, so focus on where you want the puck to go rather than trying to shoot as hard as possible.
• Quick Release: The wrist shot has a quick release, so make sure you’re able to shoot rapidly without telegraphing your shot. Keep your eyes on the puck and stay aware of the goalie’s positioning.