The Wrist Shot: How to Take a Wicked Wrister

Ever wish you could snap a wrist shot like an NHL sniper? If so, read on!

(Previously published article contains updated information)

A good wrist shot is quick, accurate, and—if time allows—powerful. And although the wrist shot is typically the first shot a player learns when they begin playing hockey, loads of practice with attention to proper technique is critical to developing a lethal shot!

Matt Schwartz, co-founder of the Hockey Players Club and Quest Hockey, works on the ice daily with players to help them improve their game. He shares with us tips and drills on how to take a wrist shot… and how to develop a deadly one at that!

The hard work you put in is well worth it, as few things are as satisfying as a wicked bar-down wrist shot. And since they don’t require the time of a long wind up like a slapshot, the wrister is often the shot of choice for perennial NHL goal scorers. According to NHL shooting coach Tim Turk, 71.8% of Nathan MacKinnon‘s 39 goals in the 2017-18 NHL season were scored on wrist shots. Turk says a wrist shot puts the goalie into what he refers to as an “acoustic and blocking mode.” In other words, the wrister does not produce a sound the way a slap shot does; if the goalie can’t hear the shot there’s a better chance the puck will find its way into the net—especially if they’re screened.

Tips on How to Take a Wrister

Correct hand placement, puck position, weight transfer, and follow-through are critical to snapping off a hard and accurate wrist shot.

Your top hand (left hand for a right-handed shooter, right hand for a left-handed shooter) should remain high and off the body. Note that it’s important to not allow your bottom hand to sink down towards the playing surface. It will reduce your ability to flex your stick with your bottom hand.

Your bottom hand (right hand for a right-handed shooter, left hand for a left-handed shooter) should be approximately a forearm length down the shaft of your stick from your top hand. Be sure to apply downward pressure into the playing surface to engage the flex of your stick.

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When initiating a wrist shot, the puck should start on the heel to the middle of your stick blade. As you follow through, it should roll up the blade and off your toe as you snap your wrists over.

As you take the shot, transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot while you shoot the puck (from your right to your left foot for a right-handed shooter and your left to your right foot for a left-handed shooter).

Lastly, it’s crucial for your hands to follow through, snapping your wrists and ending with the toe of your blade aimed at your target.

Drills to Improve Your Wrist Shot

1. Flex/Pop Drill (no puck): Flex your stick and allow it to “pop,” or return to a straight position without the puck. Do this 5 to 10 times.
2. Flex/Pop Drill (with puck): Now, shoot 5 to 10 pucks with an emphasis on using the “pop” created when flexing your hockey stick.
3. Barrel of the Gun Drill: To reinforce proper follow through, take a wrist shot and point at your target. Keep your stick pointed at the target for one to two seconds after shooting the puck. Remain in that position as your eyes look down the shaft of the stick and blade (hence, barrel of the gun).
4. Three-Puck Weight Transfer Drill: Set up two pucks about 12 to 18 inches apart from each other. With the third puck on your backhand and 95% of your weight on your front foot, slide the puck between the two pucks as you transfer your weight from the front foot to the back foot. Now you’re in a great shooting position, with 95% of your weight on your back foot. With your head and chest up and eyes fixed on your target, transfer all of your weight back to your front foot as you unleash a wicked wrist shot.
5. MacKinnon Wrist Shot Drill: Instead of shooting from a closed body position, face the net with your shoulders parallel to the crossbar. Bend your knees and sink your butt down as you “grab ice” or pull the puck behind your body. Keep your top hand out in front of your body to serve as an anchor. Exert force downward with your bottom hand to flex your stick. With 75% to 95% of your weight on the foot nearest the puck, release the flex of your stick and push the puck towards the net. And don’t forget to follow through and point at your target.

Looking for more power? Use an orange weighted puck to strengthen your wrists and forearms.

Published with permission of the Hockey Players Club. For more training videos and other great hockey content, check out their YouTube channel.