Quick Wrist shots are a crucial part of any hockey player’s skill set, and mastering a quick, accurate release can give you a significant edge on the ice. A modern approach to a wrist shot focuses on starting with the puck on the toe of the stick blade.
This method became even more critical with the introduction of the AB28 blade. The AB28 blade features a toe curve with a slightly open face and a sharp, pronounced curve towards the toe.
This guide will walk you through the steps to perfect this technique, with a focus on using the lightweight All Black Hockey Sticks 18K stick to maximize your performance.
Step 1: Understanding the Toe-Start Quick Wrist Shots Technique
Puck Placement and Movement:
Starting Position: Begin with the puck positioned near the toe of the stick blade. Unlike the traditional wrist shot, which starts with the puck on the heel or middle of the blade, this technique emphasizes starting on the toe for quicker and more controlled shots.
Movement Across the Blade: As you execute the wrist shot, the puck should move smoothly from the toe of the blade towards the heel and then back to the toe during the follow-through. This rolling motion across the blade adds spin to the puck, which enhances both the speed and accuracy of the shot. You will be hard pressed to find training online for this new technique. Most still discuss starting with the puck at the heal of the blade.
Benefits of the Toe-Start:
Quick Release: By starting on the toe, you reduce the time needed to wind up and shoot, making it ideal for fast-paced game situations.
Improved Control and Accuracy: The movement of the puck from toe to heel and back to toe allows for better control, as the player can adjust the shot’s direction and power during this transition.
Step 2: Quick Wrist Shots Hand and Stick Positioning
Hand Placement:
Place your bottom hand about halfway down the shaft of the stick. This positioning is crucial for leveraging the stick’s flex, especially when using a lightweight stick like the All Black 18K, which requires less effort to flex and release quickly.
Stick Flex and Follow-Through:
Flex the Stick: Apply downward pressure to flex the stick as you begin your shot. This stored energy is released when you snap your wrists, propelling the puck forward with significant speed and power.
Follow-Through: Continue the motion of your wrists after the puck is released, ensuring the stick blade points towards your target. This follow-through helps maintain accuracy and guides the puck to its intended destination.
Step 3: Drills to Perfect the Quick Wrist Shots Technique
Stationary Toe-Start Shots:
Practice shooting from a stationary position, focusing on starting with the puck at the toe and moving it across the blade as you shoot. Aim to develop a fluid motion that transitions the puck from toe to heel and back to toe.
Goal: Build muscle memory for the toe-start technique and the puck’s rolling motion.
Weight Transfer Drill:
Start with balanced weight distribution. As you shoot, shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot. This fluid movement, combined with the puck’s transition across the blade, enhances both power and accuracy.
Goal: Strengthen your ability to generate power through weight transfer while maintaining control of the puck.
Snap & Shoot Drill:
Practice shooting quickly from various angles, focusing on snapping the puck off the toe as soon as it reaches the blade. Use this drill to simulate game situations where quick releases are essential.
Goal: Improve your ability to execute quick, accurate shots with the puck rolling smoothly across the blade.
Step 4: Utilizing the All Black 18K Stick
The All Black 18K stick is engineered to optimize this modern wrist shot technique. Its lightweight design allows for faster puck movement across the blade, while its excellent flex provides the necessary power for a quick release. This combination is perfect for executing the toe-start technique, where control, speed, and precision are crucial.
Comparison: While some players might prefer expensive $400 sticks for enhanced performance, the All Black 18K offers similar benefits at a more affordable price of $145 or three custom-made for $399, making it an excellent choice for players who want top-tier performance without the hefty cost.
Get your game on!
By incorporating the toe-start technique into your training, you can significantly improve the speed and accuracy of your wrist shots. The key is to master the movement of the puck across the blade—from toe to heel and back to toe—while using a lightweight stick like the All Black 18K to maximize your efficiency and control.