Slap shots from the point in Bantam A's

[anotherbrokenstick]

Is the prevailing thought to work it down low for the forwards and let them do the work or is it because the boys aren't being taught proper technique? when was the last time you saw 3 or more blasts on net in one game?

[Can't Never Tried]

A "D" man shooting from the point should keep it down low, it's great if they score, but the intent is to create a rebound, tip, or deflection for your fwds.

Any decent goalie should be able to handle most shots from the point.. barring a screen.

If your not accurate with a slapper, a good low wrist shot is just as effective, it doesn't have to be 100mph.

Sorry I misunderstood your post..anyway it's still good advice

[GR3343]

Is the prevailing thought to work it down low for the forwards and let them do the work or is it because the boys aren't being taught proper technique? when was the last time you saw 3 or more blasts on net in one game?

Players at the youth levels tend to forget that there are points out there. I generally disappears as they get older. Some players refuse to pass out there regardless of what they are taught. Some players still think a shot from the goal line is a good play. Some simply panic instead of looking for an open point. It all works itself out in the end.

[anotherbrokenstick]

thanks for the replies. I wasn't very clear. what I was trying to say is where have all the big shooters gone with great technique? What teams have the big guns? I have missed them

[my2cents]

Where has the slapper gone?

It drives me nuts when I see these "expert" coaches restrict their Pointmen from blasting slappers. Used properly (short backswing and shoot on the move), it is a much quicker release shot, and easier to keep low, than the big, telegraphed, sweeping wrist shots I often see. I see just as many wrist shots blocked by shin pads as I see slappers.

The point is not to go for a rebound or a tip from the blue line. The point should be shoot to score, which usually means keeping the shot down. Tips and rebounds come as a bonus.

Why would it be easier to get a tip or rebound with a wrist shot than with a slapshot? Makes no sense to me, as long as the player can come close to hitting the net (not always the case). You don't see the pros take big wristshots from the point.

Developing kids by restricting them from using options is just plain stupid.

[northwoods oldtimer]

I know that Duluth East and Grand Rapids Bantam A hockey clubs utilize the points quite effective in getting the puck into the scoring area. The slap shot at the amature youth level is very low percentage. Wristers and snap shots work best for the young guys. Primary goal get the pock to scoring area for rebounds and deflections.

[anotherbrokenstick]

thanks my2 cents.

I too will blame it on the coaches. I have never seen the slap shot practiced on the ice or more importantly taught correctly. (front arm locked) When performed correctly, it is a very effective and devastating tool. Most players at A Bantams have not felt a well measured blast hit them. When they do, they may think twice about getting in front of it. I have heard many conversations among the players about the one big shot that happened in the game. The upper end players practice it in the garage, at the outdoor rink or in basement but you rarely see it in the game. Wake up Defense coaches.

[breakout]

A few thoughts:

There aren't a lot of kids that work on their shots. If you don't work on your shot it won't be effective.

Slap shots are effective if you have a good one and can get it off quickly.

Unless there is a big shooting gap, a D man should move with the puck prior to shooting in order to create a shooting angle. Most kids don't get that part and consistently get shots blocked.

Ideally, the height of the shot should be just over the width of the goalie pad high. That kind of shot can score, can be tipped and will go over sticks trying to block the shot.

Also, coaches should use the D. It is a smart way to add offense and spread the ice out.

[breakout]

A thought for coaches

Consider putting some of your best athletes in the D position. Read the article today in the Strib about Kim Johnsson. He is offensive, athletic and makes 5 million year. There is value to having that kind of player on your team.

aka, Phil Housley, Paul Coffey, Bobby Orr

It takes guts to move a skilled forward to the D position. However, you may be doing that kid a favor in the long run because there are a lot of opportunities out there for that type of player.

[tomASS]

Agree with many of the posts. I think those players that have a big shot are the ones that might spend a bit more time on their own at the outdoor rink or on the pond working on something most coaches do not have time because of the restricted ice time they have.

God in the cold old days of outdoor ice, it wasn't bad enough to standing out there as a goalie freezing a bit, but I hated those slappers in bitter cold.......of course you knew it was time to warm up and regain some feeling when you caught it in your glove and you didn't feel a thing.

keep it low, keep it near frame and good things will happen.

[whockeyguy]

let the kids BOOOOOOOOOOOOM it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111 it pacens the game up and many of the goalies cant react to the faster pace, and the defencemen jsut get out of the way and forgot about what they are suppose to do,, seeing a good slapper at the bantams or high school is great,, let em BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM it

[Hockeyguy_27]

thanks for the replies. I wasn't very clear. what I was trying to say is where have all the big shooters gone with great technique? What teams have the big guns? I have missed them

The answer may be--instead of hammering hundreds of pucks in their driveways or at the local shooting cages, the would be snipers are playing X-box

[breakout]

thanks for the replies. I wasn't very clear. what I was trying to say is where have all the big shooters gone with great technique? What teams have the big guns? I have missed them

The answer may be--instead of hammering hundreds of pucks in their driveways or at the local shooting cages, the would be snipers are playing X-box

Many have well developed thumbs

[tomASS]

thanks for the replies. I wasn't very clear. what I was trying to say is where have all the big shooters gone with great technique? What teams have the big guns? I have missed them

The answer may be--instead of hammering hundreds of pucks in their driveways or at the local shooting cages, the would be snipers are playing X-box

Many have well developed thumbs

That and a greater degree of talking smack! Unbelievable how they go after each other with the on-line version