How to Score More Goals in Hockey

Everyone loves the roar of the crowd when the puck hits the back of the net. If you’ve ever wondered how to get that feeling more often, you’re in the right spot. Below are practical ideas you can try on the next practice or game. No fancy jargon—just clear steps that work.

Find the Right Spot on the Ice

Good scoring starts with positioning. Before the play even begins, ask yourself where the defense is setting up. If you see a defender hanging back, drift toward the slot—the high‑traffic area directly in front of the goalie. Being in the slot gives you quick looks at the net and forces the goalie to move more.

Another smart move is to stay near the boards when the play is moving around the perimeter. This forces the defense to stretch, leaving gaps for a cross‑ice pass. When you receive the puck, turn quickly and shoot before the defender can close the gap.

Sharpen Your Shooting Technique

Technique matters more than raw strength. Start with your grip: keep the stick low on the shaft for better control, and place your top hand a little farther up for leverage. When you fire, snap your wrist and follow through toward the target. This adds speed and keeps the puck low, making it harder for the goalie to get a clean save.

Try the “quick release” drill. Set up a few cones in the neutral zone, receive a pass, and fire within two seconds. The goal is to cut down the time between catch and shot. Faster releases give goalies less time to react.

Also, learn to aim at the corners. Most goalies protect the middle, so a low‑right or low‑left corner shot has a higher success rate. Use the stick’s curve that feels comfortable—some players like a tight curve for quick snaps, while others prefer a larger curve for powerful slap shots.

Don’t forget the one‑timer. If a teammate can feed you a puck on the move, you can shoot in one motion without stopping. This catches the goalie off guard and can produce quick point‑blank goals.

Lastly, mix up your shots. Alternate between wrist shots, snap shots, and slap shots so the defense can’t predict what you’ll do. Surprise is a powerful weapon.

Implement these tips in practice and watch your goal count rise. Remember, consistency beats flash. Keep working on positioning and release, and the goals will follow.