5 Days to a Harder Shot - Day 4 - Receiving a Lateral Pass

Get Full Access

Welcome to Day 4 of 5 Days to a Harder Shot!

If you missed the first day, find it here:

Day 1 - Roles of the Body
Day 2 - Puck Placement
Day 3 - Puck Movement

This video teaches how to effectively accept lateral passes on both the forehand and backhand to quickly transition into a shot while maintaining proper technique for power and accuracy.

Coaching Points:

  • Forehand Pass Reception:

    • Position your body with knees bent, hands towards the puck, and blade cupped to receive the pass in the shooting box.
    • Avoid overextending hands; keep the puck within your midline for immediate shooting readiness.
    • Roll your wrist down to cradle and control the puck as soon as it makes contact with your blade.

  • Backhand Pass Reception:

    • Position hands away from the puck and slightly towards your inside skate to allow proper control.
    • Use a "smack back" technique: time the puck’s arrival to strike it back into the shooting box.
    • Ensure the blade is cupped, aiming to make contact with the heel-to-middle part of the blade for control.

  • Progressions:

    • Start by practicing slow, controlled pass receptions on both forehand and backhand.
    • Gradually add a shot after receiving the pass by transitioning the puck into the shooting box quickly.
    • Incorporate speed and reduce the time between reception and release as comfort increases.

  • Shooting Mechanics:

    • Drive the shot with a strong push on the bottom hand while maintaining top-hand stability.
    • Keep your head up, shoulders aligned to the net, and toe caps facing the target for proper follow-through.
    • Focus on power and accuracy by maintaining consistent body positioning and weight transfer.

  • Advanced Variations:

    • Add movement to mimic game scenarios, such as receiving passes while skating.
    • Practice combining pass reception with quick stickhandling moves before shooting.
    • Use both forehand and backhand receptions to build versatility and adaptability in different situations.

Mastering pass reception is critical to executing quick and powerful shots, a vital skill for creating scoring opportunities in games.

Membership gives you access to: