Changing the Angle of your shot and manipulating the release point is a very effective way to get pucks to the net while a defender has his stick or body in a shot lane.
Early in the 2023-24 season everyone is talking about Connor Bedard and his incredible shooting ability, but players like Auston Matthews and Patrick Laine have been thriving with a similar shot technique of changing the angle so the goaltender has to reacte quickly to a puck released from a different spot than it began.
Developing this shot off the ice can be a very effective way to add this skill to your skill set.
- Position and obstacle on your forehand side between your body and a pile of pucks
- Pull the puck into your body (keeping the puck on your forehand) before releasing it towards the target
- Set a daily or weekly goal and video yourself performing the skill, so that you can enhance the skill the more you do it.
Here is a clip of Auston Matthews shooting with a similar technique.
Austen Matthews – Change Angle – YouTube
