Add speed to your shot

A powerful shot is generated by utilizing many muscle groups in your body. Having a strong upper and/or lower body doesn't automatically mean that you will be able to shoot the ball hard. I know a few skinny, weak players who can shoot a lot harder than bigger, stronger players because they generate power through their legs, hips, and torso better than some of the bigger players. Each of the techniques in the list below will add power to your shot. If you're able to incorporate all of these techniques with every shot, I guarantee you will generate a lot of power and you'll shoot the ball much harder than before. If you don't see a significant improvement in your shot speed after trying these techniques, then you're not doing something right and you need to re-examine your shooting motion. However, be aware that a dramatic increase in shot speed won't come overnight. It will take some time and a lot of practice.

There are three general categories of shots. These are shooting on the run, shooting in close, and shooting from the outside - also known as "time-and-room" shooting. Different skills are required for each of these three categories, and the techniques below are primarily designed to add speed to your outside shooting ability.

First practice these techniques standing about 5 yards away from the goal. Focus on shooting the ball into the net with power, and don't worry about shot placement. As your shooting technique becomes more consistent, you can then start to slowly move further away from the goal.

• Point the toes on your lead foot towards the goal as you shoot. Beginning players often have the tendency to keep their feet pointing straight in front of them as they stand sideways to the goal. As you shoot, you want to point your toes towards your target. This will open up your body towards the goal and naturally generate more power through your hips.
• A large portion of your power is generated through your torso. Practice lining up for a shot with a normal stance, standing sideways towards the goal. Then, without turning your feet around, coil your upper body so part of your back is facing the goal with the stick extended away from your body. Next, in one explosive movement, rotate your torso and explode off your back leg, shooting the ball. Turning part of your back to the goal, even just a slight amount, will engage more of the muscles in your abs and lower back, generating more power on your shot.
• Your legs contain the strongest muscles in your body. Take advantage of that strength and incorporate more leg power into your shot. While winding up, bend your back leg at the knee so it's bent slightly more than normal. As you shoot, leap off your back leg, jumping as far as you can in the direction of the goal. Be sure to follow through on your shot with your upper body so your head ends up near the knee on your front leg.
• Make sure all your weight is transferred from your back leg to your front leg during your shooting motion.
• Raise your front elbow high and snap it downwards as you shoot.
• Snap your wrists at the end of your shot to add extra speed. Many players don't realize how much of a difference a strong wrist-snap can make. This alone could easily add 10 mph to your shot.

Having a faster, harder shot is all about repetition. Be patient, have fun, and practice, practice, practice!