skip navigation

5 Keys to Scoring More Goals

By Kelly Erickson, 01/26/15, 12:00PM MST

Share

At the end of the day, what do coaches and players really want? More goals. We all want to score more goals.

Goals aren’t only essential to team victory, they instill confidence in the players. They fuel a fun environment that keeps kids coming back to the rink.

When it comes to finding ways to score more, there are five main things to consider, according to former NHLer and current Minnesota Wild assistant coach Darby Hendrickson.

Tools to Improve

Give children the tools to work on their shot. Create an environment and opportunity for them to get reps and improve. With improvement comes confidence. Provide them an off-ice area to practice their shooting and encourage them to spend time outside of practice to refine their shooting skills.

“I think the first thing is the ability to shoot — just getting that good shot that you’re confident in,” Hendrickson said. “That helps guys take shots, shoot for volume and put pucks on net.”

Make it Quick

Beyond developing a confident shot, Hendrickson’s second point was to have a quick one. Goaltenders are getting better every day. Getting off a fast snap shot can help a shooter, and a play, stay unpredictable, never allowing the goaltender to get set. If the goalie’s not set, there’s a higher chance of him/her giving up a rebound as well.

Kids love to take slap shots, but reiterate that it’s wrist shots and snap shots that are putting the puck in the net at all levels, including the NHL. Force your players to shoot quickly in practice.

Net-Front Presence

Players must get comfortable around the net. They must be comfortable being in a high-traffic area, ready for rebounds, deflecting shots and receiving passes.

“There’s a lot of parts to it where you have instincts — you’re around the net, you make a living around the net, you’re in the areas where you can be productive,” Hendrickson added.

Emphasize that the play is not over until the whistle is blown. Always be ready for the puck to squirt out or for a rebound and stay strong on your feet with a low center of gravity. Coaches can do exercises around the net, helping skaters get used to picking up loose pucks and burying them.

“There’s a number of pretty goals off the rush that are great and certainly those are fun goals to watch, but there’s so many goals where the second effort is key,” Hendrickson said. “I think an underrated skill is, when there are rebounds, you’re able to elevate, to get it up over the goalie. Goalies at every level get better and are able to make those great saves, but the ability to get the rebound upstairs is important.”

Change the Angle

Changing the shot angle keeps it unpredictable for the goaltender. Hendrickson advises practicing taking shots in stride and from different areas on the ice, which, again, won’t allow a goaltender to get set for a save.

Changing the angle can open new holes to the net and force the goaltender to move, sometimes out of position. Whether it’s a defenseman skating laterally on the blue line or a forward cutting in from the circles, the change can create scoring opportunities, especially if the current shooting lanes are obstructed. Use cones to simulate defensemen to force players to change angles and shoot quickly.

Developing Instincts

While these different tactics are key, it’s all about developing strong instincts. Certainly, being in the game and experiencing moments first hand will help create those instincts, but small-area games and skill-intensive practice plans can help simulate a game-like atmosphere.

Watching the pros is also a good place for young players to start.

“For a young player, it’s watching the elite guys and just seeing how opportunistic they are around the net — that’s how I watched when I was younger,” Hendrickson said. “I watched the guys who were elite, the guys who had the most success and I think for young kids, to keep an eye on those guys whether it be a Zach Parise or whoever it might be, that’s a great lesson.”

Develop that shot, stay unpredictable, be strong in front of the net and cultivate strong instincts. Goals will follow.

Recent News

Michigan Womens's Ice Hockey Team - by Nolan Bona
  • The Game Lives On

  • By Clara Boudette 03/13/2024, 10:15am MDT
  • The University of Michigan Women’s Ice Hockey Team Embraces Domestic & Global Opportunities American College Hockey Association Provides
  • Read More
The Lady Duck "We Play Her Way" program smiles for a photograph on the ice.
Group Picture of the adaptive hockey on-ice event. They are wearing Victory Green Dallas Stars jerseys and black and orange jerseys as they pose for a picture on the ice.
A young boy, in a black Bauer helmet and a navy USA Hockey/NHL jersey sits on the ice and smiles during Try Hockey For Free Day
The Grow Colorado Goalies clinic takes a group photo, with coaches and young goaltenders on the ice.
The Irish Youth Hockey League hosting a Try Hockey For Free Event. Young girls on the ice pose for a photograph after the event.
The Over-80 USA Hockey Team, comprised of players from eight different states (New Hampshire, Minnesota, Alaska, Massachusetts, Colorado, Illinois, Florida and California), came together in the Fall of 2023 to compete in the Canada 150 Cup tournament in B

Most Popular Articles

3 Tips for Measuring Your Powders

By USA Hockey 04/11/2017, 11:00am MDT

Useful tips when getting ready to mix up a shake

Disabled Hockey Event Calendar Set For 2023-24

By USA Hockey 08/15/2023, 11:45am MDT

Inaugural Toyota USA Hockey Warrior National Championship Set For April