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One-Timers
A typical post-game interview question asked of top NHL goal scorers: "That
was a beautiful go-ahead goal you scored, your 50th of the season, can you
walk us through it" Player's Response: "I don't know, the puck
just ended up on my stick, I let the shot go and beat the goalie, it just
kind of happened."
It is difficult to believe that a great deal of an NHL game "just happens". It's called instinct, equal parts hard work and God-given talent and is often what differentiates good players from great players. Tom Cruise flew with "it" in the movie "Top Gun" and the best hockey players in the world have achieved superstardam because many of their decisions on the ice are made, seemingly, for them. As a fighter pilot or hockey player you don't always have sufficient time to explore all your options and choose the best one. Often times, a Brett Hull 95 mph. One-timer that made every high-light tape North America, simply "just happened". Being able to switch to "auto-pilot" and free up your focus for creativity and team play is enjoyed only by a select few. Let's look at the technique of the "One-timer", something Brett Hull does instinctively.......thanks Dad!
There are several ways to score a goal, but the very best way is to catch a goalie off guard, before they have the chance to set up and play their angles properly. When the goalie is out of position, there is more net to shoot at and the shooter clearly gains the advantage. One of the best ways to take advantage of a sleeping goalie is to suddenly change the direction of the puck with a quick, hard shot. This is called a One-Timer, a scoring tactic that is feared by all goaltenders.
What is a "One-Timer" A One-timer occurs when the puck is immediately redirected toward the net at the precise moment a pass reaches your stick, without slowing or stopping the puck. Note, there is a difficulty factor depending whether you shoot left or right and from which side of your body the pass is coming. It is much easier to shoot a one-timer as a left handed shot when the pass comes from your left. A pass from your right side (from behind you) is much more difficult.
5 Quick Hints:
1. Hold your stick firmly - "load" both wrists so that your bottom palm rotates and faces down toward the ice (the top of your bottom hand is parallel to the ice) and your top hand rotates inward toward your body. Hands are extended low and away from your body, and your arms rotate back and forth like a pendulum at your shoulder joint. Your top hand is your control hand and your bottom hand is your power. Place a great deal of downward pressure on the stick to create a "whipping" effect of both the blade and shaft.
2. Do not take a big wind up with your stick - your stick blade should come no higher than your waist-level. Your bottom arm is extended straight behind you and your top arm has a slight bend.
3. Pick your target before the puck gets to you - keep your head up and know your surroundings. Know where each player is on the ice and select your best scoring target.
4. Use a wider than normal stance - this provides the balance you will need.
5. Call (scream) for the puck - bang your stick on the ice, whatever it takes!
An effective one-timer requires great body position, on ice awareness, timing and proper puck placement .
BODY POSITION - In all hockey situations balance and correct body position are key and ideal body position for power and accuracy when taking a shot is crucial. To help illustrate the proper body position, visualize the following analogies:
You have just stepped into the batters box and are preparing to hit a homerun. You are in position with your bat wound up. What position are your feet in. Which direction are your toes, hips and chest pointing Are they pointing the direction you want the ball to travel" Absolutely not, we don"t point our body at the pitcher in baseball, we don"t point our body at the hole in golf, and in hockey, we do not point our body at the net when shooting. For maximum power and control, we must turn our body 90 degrees so that our hips and feet are perpendicular to our target. We need to thrust and transfer 100% of our body weight from the back foot to the front foot and control our momentum and balance to attack the rebound, or return to position.
ON ICE AWARENESS - You must know where the pass is coming from, the position of the goaltender, and the location of your teammates and opponents. "Play away from the puck" is what wins hockey games and your ability to find openings (passing lanes) and create opportunities on the ice when you do not have the puck will set you apart from other players.
TIMING - Timing is a product of great on ice awareness and overall skill. During a one-timer, everything must come together at the exact moment the puck makes contact with your stick, including your body position, balance, stick and hand position and vision. The entire exchange should be very fluent, not "robotic" or jerky. It is a smooth continuation of your momentum and power toward the net.
PUCK PLACEMENT- As a passer, aim for the front foot of the awaiting shooter. As a shooter, you may have to quickly adjust your stance, but meet the puck as it approaches the inside of your front foot (approx. 2-3 feet in front of your body) with powerful forward momentum. With your body perpendicular to your target, transfer your body weight forward from your back foot.
Next time you watch
an NHL or College hockey game, look for One-timers and watch the play develop.
Like anything else, with perfect practice comes perfect execution. Good
luck!
This article was written by Shawn Killian,
Director of Planet Hockey Skills Camps and the Planet Hockey Ranch in Salida,
Colorado. For more information on all Planet Hockey Programs including Training
Videos and coordinating a Planet Hockey Skills Camp for your Association
or Group contact Planet Hockey at 1-800-320-7545 | www.planethockey.com
| shawn@planethockey.com