HockeyFormHow to shoot a drag shot
The drag shot changes the angle of the shot just before you let it go. The goalie and anyone in the shooting lane are set for the old angle, and the puck leaves from a new one. The drag and the release are one motion.
Here is the drag shot step by step, the mistakes that slow it down, and drills to make it quick.
Step by step
- 1Pull the puck toward your body with the toe of the blade.
- 2Keep your hands away from your body to make room.
- 3Release the moment the puck reaches the new angle.
- 4Keep your eyes on the net during the drag.
Common mistakes
Hands too close to the body
Without room between your hands and your body there is no space to pull the puck in. Push your hands out front.
A pause after the drag
If you stop to set up the shot, the goalie gets set too. Shoot the moment the puck reaches the new angle.
Looking down at the puck
Feel the puck and keep your eyes on the net — that is where you are going to shoot.
Drills for the shooting pad
Hands out front
Room between hands and body lets you pull and flex the stick.
- Hold the stick with your hands well out in front of your body.
- Drag the puck in toward your back foot.
- Shoot without letting your hands come in to your body.
Reps: 3 × 10 shots
Eyes up
Looking at the target instead of the puck makes you shoot where you look.
- Before each shot, pick a corner.
- Look at it — not the puck — as you drag and shoot.
- Say the corner out loud when you release.
Reps: 20 shots
Practise it with HockeyForm
Put your phone about 3 m out to your stick side, a little behind you, and shoot. HockeyForm counts every shot by itself, checks your shot from head to toe against the range pro shooters reach, and gives you the drill for what to work on next.
The HockeyForm Stand holds your phone in the right spot →