How to Shave 1 Second off your Hockey Shot
Jan 07, 2026
Quick Summary: How to Get a Faster Hockey Shot Release (In-Tight)
Want to score more around the net? In-tight goals often come down to two things: shot speed and release time (how fast you can get it off). This post shows a simple technique tweak that can help you shoot faster and elevate quicker.
- Stop stopping the puck before you shoot
- Slide the puck laterally to your forehand “spot”
- Step forward + push your top hand forward
- Use the toe of the blade to “pop” it up quick
Perfect for players ages 8–14 (all levels) who want a faster release and more goals from close range.
How to Shave 1 Second Off Your Hockey Shot Release (In-Tight)
One second doesn’t sound like much… until you’re right in front of the net. Here’s a quick-release trick that helps you shoot faster and elevate quicker when time and space disappear.
If you want to score more goals in tight, you don’t need a brand-new shot — you need a faster release. The best scorers don’t give the goalie time to set. They get it off quickly and place it.
I’m Coach Lance from Online Hockey Training. In this post, I’ll show you the #1 mistake that slows your release, the simple fix, and two quick drills you can do at home or on the ice.
Key Cue: Slide → Step → Pop (don’t stop the puck)
If scoring in tight is a big goal for you, this pairs perfectly with our Scoring Under Pressure training (quick release + finishing under pressure).
Why “1 Second” Matters In Tight
In-tight scoring usually comes down to two things:
- Shot speed (how hard it comes off the blade)
- Release time (how fast you can get it off and elevate it)
Big idea: A faster release beats a goalie who’s set. Close to the net, speed and surprise win.
The #1 Mistake That Slows Your Release
Most players receive a pass in front, pull it to the forehand, stop the puck, and then shoot.
That tiny pause is everything. It gives the goalie time to get square and set their edges.
The Fix: Slide & Shoot Before the Puck Fully Stops
Here’s what you’re going to do instead:
- Slide the puck laterally to your forehand “spot”
- Step forward as you load the shot
- Pop it up quick (before the puck fully stops moving)
Coaching cue: “Same spot, every rep.” Consistency makes your release faster.
Step-by-Step: The Quick-Release “Pop” Shot (Forehand)
- Slide the puck to your forehand spot.
Slide it sideways to the same spot every time. Don’t over-pull it back to your feet. - Step forward + push your top hand forward.
As you step, push your top hand forward to help set the blade and get ready to lift quickly. - Pop it with the toe.
Make contact more on the toe of the blade, drive the toe down quickly, then lift straight up aggressively with a slightly open face. Finish under the crossbar (don’t over-swing).
Common mistakes (fix these fast):
- Stopping the puck before the shot (kills your release)
- Big swinging follow-through (slower + less control in tight)
- Rolling wrists over (often pulls it toward the middle)
Important: If you roll your wrists over like a normal wrist shot, the puck often drifts toward the middle of the net. Keep your blade face more consistent so your shot stays on target.
2 Drills to Lock It In (At Home or On Ice)
Drill 1: Slide-to-the-Spot Reps (No Shot)
This drill is all about consistency.
- Start with the puck in front of your body
- Slide it laterally to your forehand spot
- Reset and repeat
Reps: 20–30 clean slides
Drill 2: Spot Puck + Pop Top Shelf
This is where you add the quick release + quick elevation.
- Place the puck in your forehand spot
- Step forward and “pop” with the toe
- Finish under the crossbar (short, controlled follow-through)
Reps: 10–20 quality shots
Rule: If accuracy disappears, slow down and fix the motion.
How Much Should You Practice This?
You don’t need a huge workout. You need clean reps. Here’s a simple plan you can do in 5–8 minutes:
- 2 minutes: Slide-to-the-spot reps (no shot)
- 3–5 minutes: Spot puck + pop shots (quality reps)
Quick win: Do this 3–4 times per week for two weeks and you’ll feel the release get smoother and quicker.
Want More In-Tight Scoring Training?
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