A little more confidence. A little more fun. Free to use.
PRACTICE BARNHOCKEY DRILLS & PRACTICE PLANSBuild a practice
Home / Drill library / Shooting
Shooting / On ice

Low-target wrist shot

Send a stationary forehand wrist shot toward a low part of an empty net with a controlled release.

6U · 8U · 10U · 12UBeginner7 minutes1–1 players
Original drill diagram
Low-target wrist shot: player positions and movement 1
1 shoots from about three meters in front of the secured empty net at right. The dot is the puck; the red arrow ends just inside the near post. This overhead view cannot show shot height: aim at ice level. No cone or person is placed in the goal. Retrieve only on the adult’s signal. Original schematic; not to scale. Circles with numbers or letters mark players. Other markers and arrows are explained in the caption; some diagrams show puck or ball movement instead of skating. Red arrows show shots. Follow the written setup for spacing.

How to run it

Equipment: Stick, Pucks, Net, Skates, Hockey protective equipment

  1. An adult checks the net is secured according to rink rules and the backstop is clear. Set the shooter about three meters in front of the goal, with three pucks beside the shooting position. Use one player at a time and no goalie.
  2. For 6U–12U players who can stand steadily and direct a puck, choose the ice-level opening just inside one post. The coach watches from behind and to the side of the shooter, outside the stick swing; nobody stands at the target.
  3. Set the puck on the forehand side slightly behind the feet, within easy reach. Sweep it forward, shifting weight toward the target and adding a wrist release. Finish low toward the chosen opening. A coach should demonstrate for the child’s handedness.
  4. Shoot all three pucks from the same spot, resetting before each shot. Do not shoot a rebound. Then put the stick down low and wait for the adult’s retrieval signal.
  5. Retrieve only when every nearby shooting station affecting this area is stopped. Reset three pucks and repeat. The seven-minute station includes demonstration, short sets, collection and rest; count low shots on target, not power.

Key teaching points

  • Cue: “Set, sweep, finish low.” Start with blade contact; avoid a backswing through the air.
  • Cue: “Pick your opening.” Choose the low target before starting the shot, rather than changing aim during release.

Common mistakes

  • Child slaps at the puck. Try: pause with blade touching puck before every attempt.
  • Shots rise above the intended target. Try: reduce effort and have the coach check blade angle and finish; do not teach scooping under the puck.

Make it fit the player

  • Easier for newer 6U/8U: move to two meters and aim at the whole lower net; use a program-approved lighter puck if available.
  • Harder for ready 10U/12U: name a different low corner before each shot while keeping the same distance; add distance only after consistent accuracy.
Research context & source notes

Background sources for this drill’s skills and teaching principles.

Keep building

More shooting drills · Development guides