Slapshot Tips For Defencemen

A defenceman's slapshot from the point can change a game. It doesn't need to be the hardest shot in the rink — it needs to get through. Half the battle is making sure the puck reaches the net without getting blocked at the hash marks.

Stance and Wind-Up

Feet shoulder-width apart. Puck positioned off your front foot, roughly in line with your heel. The wind-up doesn't need to go past your shoulder. A shorter backswing is faster and more accurate. Coaches who played in the WHL during the 90s will tell you the same thing — keep it compact.

Contact Point

Hit the ice two to three inches behind the puck. The flex in the shaft loads energy. If you're hitting the puck directly, you're losing 30 percent of your power. Let the stick do the work.

Follow Through Low

Keep your follow-through below waist height. This keeps the shot down where it's hard to block and easy for forwards to redirect. High follow-throughs look dramatic but send pucks into the glass.

The Release Read

Before you wind up, look for traffic. If there's a clear lane, shoot low blocker side. If there's a screen, shoot mid-height — the goalie can't see it and a forward might tip it. No lane at all? Fake the shot and walk the blueline. A fake slapper opens up the entire offensive zone.