Problems shooting over the net

[Kyle Friedman 9]

I use a totalone, pm9 curve. I play forward and I stick handle alot and take quick shots. I have a problem with shooting over the net, alot. I take primarily snap, and wrist shots. I use a pm9 curve though which is about as flat of a curve as you can get.

Id like to improve my snap shot accuracy and shoot a bit lower. My shots are strong and fast but they seem to really rise and sore above the net.

I broke a stick last night and im looking to buy a new stick so, my question is: Will a curve with a little more to it, such as an iginla or heatley help with me shoot a little lower, and help me take quicker snap shots?

[kovalchuk71 212]

I have found that lowering my flex number helps a bit. My shots rise like no ones business with a super stiff stick.

[Vet88 674]

An iginla or heatley will not help if your technique remains the same, they have a higher loft which means you will lift the puck even more.

I would have a look at where you are getting the puck to release from your blade, the more toe you have in the shot eg you are starting the shot with the puck past the middle towards or near the toe, then the higher you will get the shot. Try starting the shot with the puck near the heel, it takes a lot of practice to get the technique right if you have never done this before.

Also remember to roll your wrists over at the end of the shot and point the stick at where you want the puck to go.

[Kyle Friedman 9]

I have no problem picking corners when i have a second or two to get my shot off. I always shoot off my toe because its more accurate and stronger.

The thing is, when i take quick shots they seem to soar over the net alot.

[ibeck 38]

What flex are you using now?

[Kyle Friedman 9]

75 cut down to about 85. Im 16 years old 5'8 140 lbs

[sickwilly 37]

An iginla or heatley will not help if your technique remains the same, they have a higher loft which means you will lift the puck even more.

I would have a look at where you are getting the puck to release from your blade, the more toe you have in the shot eg you are starting the shot with the puck past the middle towards or near the toe, then the higher you will get the shot. Try starting the shot with the puck near the heel, it takes a lot of practice to get the technique right if you have never done this before.

Also remember to roll your wrists over at the end of the shot and point the stick at where you want the puck to go.

This.

I'd stick to the PM9. If you want to try another pattern, I'd stick to something that's closed, for now. Like others have said, the best thing to do is work on your form.

[Kyle Friedman 9]

Arent both the iginla and heatley more closed then the pm9?

[noodle3872 40]

I have no problem picking corners when i have a second or two to get my shot off. I always shoot off my toe because its more accurate and stronger.

The thing is, when i take quick shots they seem to soar over the net alot.

Sounds like there is nothing wrong with the stick or curve you're using. IMHO it's just a matter of practicing your shot when you have no time to spare. Like most players, when you have time to settle the puck or visually pick your target you have more success.

[Vet88 674]

Arent both the iginla and heatley more closed then the pm9?

No, I have all 3 curves and they are all very similar in the loft, if I was to make any decision I'd say the pm9 is a fraction more closed than the iginla or heatley.

I always shoot off my toe because its more accurate and stronger.

And here is the cause of you shooting high. Try this for an exercise, shoot 3 shots:

- the puck starts on the heel

- the puck starts from the middle of the blade

- the puck starts from the toe (as you currently do)

Each shot will go progressively higher. Practice each one and as you get better at them your game will improve as you get a better range of shots to use.

[Chadd 916]

Shooting off the toe is not stronger or more accurate. The shot you practice most will be the strongest and most accurate

[Kyle Friedman 9]

I meant for me, my shots are stronger and more accurate off the toe. I tend start at the toe, and snap the puck to the heel.

Its not that I lack skill in shooting, im actually a fairly skilled shooter.

Im looking more for peoples opinion on if a curve with just a tiny bit more toe vs the pm9 that i use, would help me shoot a little harder specifically on snap shots; helping me shoot a little lower, or helping my shots reach the net a split second sooner so they dont rise as much.

I am aware that technique probably needs to be improved upon as well

[Vet88 674]

I tend start at the toe, and snap the puck to the heel.

I would suspect that you think it is snapping to the heel but in reality it is still coming off the toe. If you know anyone who has a HD camera, get them to film you up close taking a dozen shots or so and then have a look at what you are doing.

If you want a bit more curve but keep the same loft in the face, try a P88 curve. I found it mainly impacted on the direction of my shot but the lift remained the same however you may get a different result.

[Kyle Friedman 9]

I have used the p88, and i did not care for it. The curve was too big, and the lie was off.

A happy median for me would be something with a 5 lie, and a curve somewhere inbetween the pm9 and p88 with a relatively closed face.

[JSK81 400]

I have used the p88, and i did not care for it. The curve was too big, and the lie was off.

A happy median for me would be something with a 5 lie, and a curve somewhere inbetween the pm9 and p88 with a relatively closed face.

You just described the Easton Heatley curve.

[Kyle Friedman 9]

Perfect, thats what I was thinking just iv only seen pictures of it online. Im going to try my friends Eq50 heatley in practice tonight though so see if i like the curve.