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Shoot the Puck Off the Pass

By Ontario Minor Hockey Association, 12/21/14, 5:00AM EST

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Practice the One-Timer this week in the 5000 Puck Challenge

Is there anything more impressive than the sight of ripping a one-timer past an opposing goaltender? With a lightning-quick release and booming shot, you can make a living by shooting off the pass. If done correctly, a one-timer can catch a goaltender off guard and out of position.

WATCH STAMKOS RIP A ONE-TIMER GOAL

The one-timer is a great shot if you can do it properly and it is crucial that you know how to take a proper slap shot before you can learn how to take a one timer. In order for a one timer to work there needs to be communication. Most of the time it’s unspoken communication, such as a quick glance or putting yourself in position to receive a pass, which comes with practice and experience. Like any shot, you need to be accurate. A booming shot that misses the net and rattles the boards just makes a lot of noise and doesn’t do any good. Start slow and work on the proper technique. 

The key to a good one timer involves 2 key aspects, timing and body positioning.

1. Timing
When timing the shot you need to read how fast the puck is coming at you. A one timer has the exact same motion and technique as the slap shot but the puck is moving which requires precise timing. To work on the timing, start by receiving a slow pass in a stationary position. Pick out a target, either a spot on the boards or a net, and work on getting yourself in the proper position to receive the pass and shoot in one fluid motion. Don’t try to punish the puck every time, just try to connect with it. After mastering the timing try bigger wind-ups and faster passes, soon you should be able to connect with almost any pass. Hand-eye coordination is the secret to a good one-timer. Without it you will be fanning on the shot more often than getting it on net. For more advanced one-timers work on taking a one-timer in motion. As you improve, try working on where you want the puck to go. 

2. Body Positioning
You will only have a few seconds to adjust your body position once you see the puck coming. Ensure that the pass is received in the “slap shot zone” in order to get the one timer off properly. Remember where you normally hit the puck with a regular slap shot, and try to move your body so that you get the puck in that zone.

Adjusting your body position involves taking a stride forwards, backwards or to the sides. Remember not every pass is going to be perfect, so work on taking the one timer in different positions even if they feel uncomfortable. 

Dropping the Knee in a One-Timer
A modification to the one timer that helps get the shot up high is to drop down to one knee as you are shooting the puck. This allows the player to get under the puck and lift it up quickly, while still allowing them to put power on the shot. Steven Stamkos is great at this move as it is how he scores most of his one-timers.


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So, how well do you think your shot would improve if you were to take 5000 shots over a 10-week period? Think it can’t be done? Think again! We have created a plan for players of all ages and abilities to follow over 10 weeks to increase shot speed, quickness and accuracy.

To develop your shooting & scoring skills at home check out the OMHA Players Club and the 5000 Puck Challenge.