Today’s PSA (public service announcement) for ALL hockey players:

SHOOT LOWER!

Sure, there is a time and place to try to pick the top corners, but far too often players end up “testing the glass” with their high shots instead of hitting the mesh.

So let’s be specific – shooting lower doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be along the ice (although you can definitely score like that too).

Inspired by 3 amazing goals scored this past week by Team USA and Team Canada at the Olympics, I want to talk about low shots that are right above the goalie’s pads when they drop down into their butterfly.

In the video clip below, you’ll see 2 perfectly placed shots for goals in the 1st period by Team USA from their preliminary round game vs Switzerland, as well as the beautiful penalty shot goal by Marie-Philip Poulin from the Canada vs USA game a few nights ago.

Inside the post, 12-18 inches off the ice above the goalie’s pad is the most difficult shot for a goalie to stop. These shots are just high enough to get over the pad, but not high enough for the goalie to comfortably reach with their glove or blocker.

Make sure to watch the slow-motion replays of each of these goals to see just how perfect the puck placement on these shots is and how even the best goalies in the world don’t stand much of a chance at stopping them.

Enjoy and please share with anyone who’d like to score more goals in their next game!