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Mastering the Hockey Wrist Shot: 10 Key Technique Points

With accompanying instructional video and diagrams

By Enio Sacilotto

The wrist shot is one of the most versatile and accurate shots in hockey. Whether you’re aiming to pick corners, catch a goalie off guard, or release the puck quickly under pressure, mastering the wrist shot gives players a dangerous edge. Below are ten essential points to build a technically sound and powerful wrist shot — all of which are demonstrated in the accompanying instructional video to help visualize and reinforce proper technique.

Watch the video all the way through.

  1. Carry the Puck in the Triple Threat Position
    Begin by keeping the puck in the triple threat position — a puckhandling formation that allows you to shoot, pass, or carry the puck with equal ease. This keeps defenders guessing and gives you maximum flexibility in your next move.
  2. Swivel Your Head and Scan the Ice
    Develop the habit of constantly scanning the ice. Swivel your head, take mental “pictures,” and evaluate your options — shoot, pass, or carry. Good shooters make quick, smart decisions based on what they see.
  3. Set the Puck in the Shooting Box
    Position the puck close to your body, within your “shooting box.” This allows for a quicker and more compact release while maintaining control over the puck and shot angle.
  4. Control with the Top Hand
    Your top hand is your guide, you steer the direction of the puck, it is the driver. It controls the motion and direction of the puck. Your top hand extends out on the release and pulls back in to finish the shot, helping with aim, snap and power.
  5. Power from the Bottom Hand – your engine.
    The bottom hand is the engine of the shot — it generates the force. Push down through the shaft to engage the flex of the stick, which stores and releases energy into the puck.
  6. Hands Away from the Body
    Maintain space between your hands and your body. This allows full arm movement and gives your shot more range and flexibility. Use your top hand actively to guide the shot — don’t let it stay passive.
  7. Push Down for Stick Flex
    Generating power in the wrist shot relies heavily on flexing your stick. Push down through your bottom hand to load the shaft, then release for a powerful shot.
  8. Transfer Weight from Back to Front Foot
    Good shooting involves full-body mechanics. Shift your weight forward during the shot — from your back leg to your front — to generate more power and stability.
  9. Full-Body Follow-Through
    Follow through using your entire body: your shoulders, arms, and stick blade should all finish toward your target. This maximizes shot accuracy and keeps everything in sync.
  10. Finish at the Net and Track for Rebounds
    Don’t admire your shot — follow it. Skate through to the net and be ready to capitalize on rebounds or loose pucks. Goals often come on second chances.

Conclusion
A strong wrist shot combines mechanics, awareness, and follow-through. Mastering these 10 points — and reviewing them alongside the accompanying video demonstration — will help players of all levels shoot more effectively, with greater power, accuracy, and confidence.

 

Enio Sacilotto is President of International Hockey Camps and operates the Mental Edge High-Performance Training. Enio has 43 years of coaching experience (professional hockey in Europe and the Victoria Royals (WHL)). Currently, he coaches at the Burnaby Winter Club Hockey Academy, is the Croatian National Men’s hockey team coach and is the Head Coach with the Grandview Steelers. If you have questions or are interested in his services, contact Enio at enio@coachenio.com or call 604 255 4747. Website: www.coachenio.com.