The shoulder shot is most commonly used around the crease, especially when you're working in tight space and have a defender on your side.

The goal is to keep your hands close so you can get the shot off quickly while maintaining control.

How to Do the Shoulder Shot

Start with the ball in your dominant hand with your hands positioned close to your body.

From there:

  1. Step into the shot.
    You can step with either foot. Choose whichever feels most comfortable.

  2. Bring your hands down.
    Keep your hands close to your body rather than extending them away from the defender.

  3. Choose your finish.
    You can shoot the ball high or low depending on where you want to place it.

  4. Push through the shot.
    Think about almost shoving the ball toward the net as you finish.

Creating Space Around the Crease

The shoulder shot can also help when you're trying to get around a defender.

You can step around the defender, bring the stick back into position, and then finish high. Keeping your hands close gives you better control throughout the movement.

The Key Coaching Point

Keep your hands close and stay in control.

Around the crease, you may not have much time or space to get a shot off. The closer your hands stay to your body, the easier it is to protect your stick and quickly release the ball.

You can finish high or low depending on the situation. The important thing is being able to control the stick and shoot where you want the ball to go.

Quick hands. Short space. Controlled finish.