How to Have a Screaming Slap-Shot!!!

Okay... so you want to have a 100 mph slap-shot?

Well, I can't make any guarantees, but at least I can lay down the fundamentals.

It begins with weight transfer. You must have your weight on your back leg during the windup. As you release your stick downwards your weight will transfer forward. The key is to have your weight transfer to your stick and not your front leg. If you're somewhat new to playing hockey, you're probably going to spend some time on your backside. That's just part of learning the game.

Next, you need to hit behind the puck and not directly on the puck. Some say a few inches and the pros say closer to a foot. The reason for this is to allow time for the stick to flex from your weight before it releases. The more flex, the faster your shot will be. If you hit directly on the puck, you don't allow enough time for the stick to flex and you will be left with a less than satisfying shot.

Lastly, at the end of the shot you need to put in a little wrist flick that will create the spin on the puck, which helps create lift and added speed.

At this point your weight should now be entirely on your front leg, with your back skate off the ice. Confused? Watch your favorite player take a slap-shot and you'll understand.

When everything comes together and works in synergy... the slap-shot is a thing of beauty!

So, get out there and practice, practice, practice and some day you'll have a wicked slap-shot that makes the best goalies cringe and the crowd's jaws drop in awe.

Good Luck!!!