Trouble with getting it up

[mug25 2]

Dirty minds...I'm referring to the puck.

I've been having trouble getting the puck up on simple things like chipping it off the boards or even moreso a backhand. I know I'm supposed to work the wrists to do so but I feel like my curve(s) are prohibiting my ability to get the puck up. Back when I played roller I would use a Lidstrom or LeCavalier pattern and getting the puck up was second nature...My wrist shot and snap shot I can roof the puck with any curve I have —  absolutely no problem.

Curves in my arsenal:

Iginla S17 - not too bad. I find it easy to roof it when in close on the net but other than that still trouble.

Forsberg S17 - finding it impossible to do anything with this curve. I almost hate it.

Gaborik original Stealth - the least of the three curves but still, having trouble.

Is there something I can do with my technique that will fix this or should I look into other patterns?

[mgoblue 0]

When it's something as elementary as lifting the puck, I don't think you can blame the pattern on the stick -- especially when we're talking S17s and Stealths.

Might it be because you're used to those goofy inline pucks that feel weightless compared to a real puck? Or maybe it's because you're switching between these distinct patterns back and forth before you can get used to one. I really think fixing this is a matter of picking a stick, getting used to the pattern, and just working on your shot. Get to some stick times and let 'er rip.

[hamstercaster 2]

The Lecavalier and Lidstrom blades have more loft and are more open so it is technically easier to put the puck up. I've played with a PM9 and use primarily a P88 and have no problem lifting the puck. It probably has to do with technique which should be a bit different than when you used the Lidstrom/Lecavalier patterns. Just practice hitting the top corners during the warm ups before the goalie gets in the net or practice on the boards while the others warm the goalie up. It may only be a problem with your point of release.

[xrickyb86x 1]

Might it be because you're used to those goofy inline pucks that feel weightless compared to a real puck?

This was my problem. I had to get used to putting a lot more strength into my shots on ice. Which helped when I would go back and play roller.

[skarbro 0]

Go back to basics. Practice wrist shots with a real puck in the driveway on piece of cardboard or those plastic sheets they sell in some LHS's. Take like 50 shots a day every day. This is no where the same as on the ice, but it will help your technique a lot. When you get on the ice, practice wrist shots against the boards. Over time, you'll improve guaranteed.

[hyprlte 0]

I think its more what you prefer than anything. I use a P91A and backhanders aren't a problem whatsoever. Maybe try your Lidstrom curve on ice?

[chippa13 1844]

LOFT = lack of f---ing talent.

The best advice is to shoot, shoot, shoot.

[gxc999 7]

When it's something as elementary as lifting the puck, I don't think you can blame the pattern on the stick -- especially when we're talking S17s and Stealths.

Might it be because you're used to those goofy inline pucks that feel weightless compared to a real puck? Or maybe it's because you're switching between these distinct patterns back and forth before you can get used to one. I really think fixing this is a matter of picking a stick, getting used to the pattern, and just working on your shot. Get to some stick times and let 'er rip.

That was the case for me when I played both and is a really common issue.

[rachael7 1]

Come on now... you come onto the board with problems getting it up... you think maybe your stick curves the wrong way... so I just gotta ask, have you considered maybe switching to pink socks?

[sickwilly 37]

I agree with the suggestions to practice on your technique, release, etc.

In terms of curves, I found that I had trouble keeping the puck down (as least initially) when I switched to a Sakic (or clone). Great curve for lifting the puck, IMO.

[tareatingrat 4]

I had to play with a Forsberg for street/ball hockey otherwise I'd send everything way too high.

Switched to a Sakic for ice for a bit and found I was able to get the puck higher with ease.

Now that I'm stronger with a regular puck, I can go back down to a Forsberg/PM9 with no issues. Beginning to prefer it for the stickhandling.

Practice.

[SirJW 207]

Yea I don't get the open face curves, I have trouble keeping shots low.

[mnpucker 33]

Stick a little blue pill down the shaft :D

[Scotty 8]

You need more skill if you have trouble lifting the puck.The stick or blade is not your problem. It's all technique.

Start practicing and playing more and you will settle into a curve you like. I used to use fairly big mid curves, but then settled into the Zetterberg/PM9 curve and have been using it for the past 10 years.

[IceBuckeye88 0]

LOFT = lack of f---ing talent.

The best advice is to shoot, shoot, shoot.

That's hilarious, never heard that before. I agree - practice and maybe some weight training.

[Warriorsdman 1]

Stick with the forsberg, and learn with that. If you can shoot anywhere with a forsberg, you will be able to adjust to any other curve later on. learning on a neutral curve like a forsberg is best, because you will not learn to rely on the open-ness of a skaic-like curve to elevate your shot. if you want to switch to a different curve later after you master your technique, fine. but learn the right way, and the best way to do that is with a forsberg like curve.

[MLSman 22]

Repetition

Work with an orange puck (11oz). Helps build strength for backhands.

[mug25 2]

Appreciate all of the replies but unfortunately I think 90% of you are missing what my problem is.

I have no problem at all lifting my shots. In fact, I have a problem keeping my shots down sometimes. It's things like a backhand or small things like chipping off the glass that I'm having trouble with.

Not to say I've got a great wrist shot either but I find it odd that I cant do the most simple thing like chipping it off the glass. I agree, it's more than likely technique that I need to work on rather than the curve. Was moreso curious if any of those (or all) of those curves are harder to lift a backhand than most.

Stick with the forsberg, and learn with that. If you can shoot anywhere with a forsberg, you will be able to adjust to any other curve later on. learning on a neutral curve like a forsberg is best, because you will not learn to rely on the open-ness of a skaic-like curve to elevate your shot. if you want to switch to a different curve later after you master your technique, fine. but learn the right way, and the best way to do that is with a forsberg like curve.

Thx, that's a very good point. I'm going to not even bring my other sticks out of the locker room this entire week and just use the Forsberg.

Come on now... you come onto the board with problems getting it up... you think maybe your stick curves the wrong way... so I just gotta ask, have you considered maybe switching to pink socks?

You have a great sense of humor. I was totally disappointed when I didn't see RBK Edge socks in pink! ;)

[gxc999 7]

 Remember, the backhand clears and chips, stuff like that, are all from your top shoulder. Whatever angle your follow through ends up at is how high it's gonna go. Just practice skating and doing backhands off the glass slowly at stick time. One big tip that I found from experience is to pick a spot on the glass or boards you're trying to hit. If I don't do that, I have the same problem. 

[TBLfan 25]

Backhands are pretty easy with any pattern once you get the motion down. I recommend lowering your lower hand, it makes it easier to get the puck up. As you start to get used to getting the backhand up with the lower hand lower on the shaft, you should be fine with shooting a backhand with your hands in normal or even reaching position. It's really not as hard as people seem to make it out to be, it just feels awkward at first.

[mug25 2]

thx gxc and TBL. Great replies.

[TBLfan 25]

Seriously, I was teaching a beginner player how to shoot a backhand two weeks ago. Previously, she couldn't get it to go more than 15' along the ice, within 4 mins she backhanded a puck off the glass from 8 feet away from the boards... It's not hard, you just need to figure out the motion.

[HattrickSwayze 3]

Regarding backhands, someone explained it to me one time as the same motion as shoveling snow. TBL's right, once you get the motion down it's simple. Just like everything else in hockey it's one of those things that just clicks one day, and you wonder why it took so long. If you can get your backhanders up standing still, you'll have no problem doing it in motion.

[adam14 182]

For the record, never clear the zone on your backhand. But that should be common sense.

[legiahockey 3]

LOFT = lack of f---ing talent.

The best advice is to shoot, shoot, shoot.

tell ovy and semin that lol....but maybe try a drury if you like eastons. i also have problems lifting a puck with a forsberg and have been playing for 15 years...some times curves are just meant to be or not dont know how to explain it. but i suggest a drury. with that or a lidstrom i can put the puck anywere i like