Master the Slap Shot: How to Add Power to Your Game 🚀

By Coach Lance Pitlick | Former NHL Defenseman

There is no sound in hockey better than a perfect slap shot hitting the back of the net.

Whether you are a defenseman on the blue line or a forward looking for a one-timer, the slap shot is a weapon you need in your bag. It’s the hardest shot in the game, but also the hardest to master.

It’s not just about swinging hard. It’s about physics. Here is the step-by-step guide to turning your stick into a catapult.

What actually is a Slap Shot?

Most young players think a slap shot is hitting the puck as hard as you can. That is wrong.

A slap shot works by using your body weight to slam the stick into the ice before it hits the puck. This forces the shaft of the stick to bend (load up energy) and then snap back (release energy) like a whip.

Step 1: The Power Stance

You can't fire a cannon from a canoe. You need a solid base before you swing.

1. Body Orientation

Turn your body sideways so your shoulder is pointing at the net. You should be perpendicular to the goalie.

2. Hand Positioning

Slide your bottom hand down the stick. It should be lower than it is for stickhandling—roughly halfway down the shaft. This gives you the leverage to bend the stick.

3. Puck Placement

This is critical. The puck should not be in the middle of your stance. It should be slightly forward, lined up with your front foot.

Step 2: The Wind-Up and Weight Transfer

Now it's time to unleash the power.

1. Load the Back Leg

As you bring your stick back, shift 100% of your weight onto your back leg. Your front leg is just for balance at this point.

Tip: You don't need to bring your stick over your head! Waist-high or shoulder-high is plenty. Control is better than chaos.

2. The Explosion (Weight Transfer)

As you swing down, drive your weight from your back leg to your front leg. Lean into the shot.

3. Strike the Ice

Aim for a spot on the ice about 1-2 inches behind the puck. Slam your stick into the ground. Trust the technology—your stick is designed to bend!

Step 3: Aim & Follow Through

The shot isn't over when you hit the puck. Your follow-through determines where the puck goes.

• Shoot Low: Keep your stick blade low to the ice on the follow-through. (Great for rebounds).
• Shoot High: Follow through high towards the roof. (Great for beating a butterfly goalie).
• Point the Tip: Finish with the toe of your stick pointing exactly where you want the puck to go.

Ready to light the lamp?

Knowing the technique is step one. Repetition is step two. You need to shoot thousands of pucks to build the muscle memory for a heavy slapper.

If you want drills to practice this at home, check out our Elite-Weekly Online Hockey Training Drills. We have specific shooting modules designed to add speed to your shot in 30 days.