The Hockey Resource Message. Getting the puck on net is important.
But there is a difference between simply taking a shot and shooting with the intention to score.
That is today’s Coach Joey™ lesson:
SHOOT TO SCORE.
The Hockey Resource: Don’t simply throw the puck toward the net.
Look for an opening.
Pick a target.
Release the puck quickly.
Make the Goalie work.
Coach Joey’s 10-Second Lesson
“Hey everyone, Coach Joey here. Don’t just shoot the puck at the net. Pick your spot, shoot with purpose, and shoot to score.”
The Hockey Resource – Simple message.
Big difference.
Do Not Shoot Just to Get Rid of the Puck
Young Players can sometimes feel pressure to shoot as soon as they enter the offensive zone.
Getting shots on goal can certainly create opportunities.
However, Players should also learn to recognize what is available.
Before shooting, ask:
Where is the Goalie positioned?
Is there an opening?
Can I change the shooting angle?
Is there traffic in front?
Can I release the puck before the Goalie gets set?
The objective is not simply recording a shot.
The objective is creating the best possible scoring opportunity.
Pick a Target
The Hockey Resource – Good shooters are not simply aiming for “the net.”
They are trying to put the puck somewhere difficult for the Goalie to stop.
Possible targets may include:
- Open space above a pad.
- Low shots that can create rebounds.
- Openings around the blocker or glove.
- Space created when the Goalie moves.
- Areas exposed by changing the shooting angle.
The correct target changes with every play.
That is why Players need to look before they shoot.
Quick Release Matters
The Hockey Resource – A powerful shot can be useful.
A quick shot can be just as dangerous.
The longer a Player waits, the more time the Goalie has to:
- Set their feet.
- Square up to the puck.
- Read the shot.
- Close available openings.
Players should learn to get the puck off their stick efficiently when the opportunity appears.
Change the Angle
The Hockey Resource – Sometimes the best way to create a scoring opportunity is to move the puck before shooting.
A small change in angle can force the Goalie to adjust.
That movement may create an opening that was not available a moment earlier.
Players do not always need another stickhandle.
Sometimes one movement and a quick release are enough.
Shoot Through Traffic
The Hockey Resource – Not every goal needs to be perfectly placed in an open corner.
Traffic can make even a simple shot difficult to stop.
A Goalie who cannot clearly see the puck has less time to react.
Shots through screens can also create rebounds, tips, and second opportunities.
That means Players should understand when to:
Pick a corner.
Shoot quickly.
Shoot through traffic.
Shoot for a rebound.
Different situations call for different decisions.
Coaches Can Teach Purposeful Shooting
The Hockey Resource – Shooting drills should not become competitions to see who can fire the puck hardest.
Ask Players to think about why they are shooting.
Coaches can reinforce:
LOOK.
See the Goalie and the available space.
DECIDE.
Choose the best target or opportunity.
SHOOT.
Release the puck with purpose.
This helps turn shooting practice into decision-making practice.
Coach Joey’s Takeaway
SHOOT TO SCORE.
The Hockey Resource – Do not simply shoot because you have the puck.
Look for the opportunity.
Pick your target.
Release it with purpose.
That is today’s Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™.
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Presented by The Hockey Resource™
Visit TheHockeyResource.com for more Coach Joey™ Hockey lessons, Player development information, Coach Leadership™, Hockey Parent Intelligence™, and practical Hockey answers.
As always, thank you for being part of The Hockey Resource Community.
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