This article discusses some ways that you can improve your aim and accuracy when playing hockey. In particular it talks about the psychological element of being able to run through a checklist of your technique and block out potential distractions.

Improve Your Accuracy in Hockey With These Effective Techniques

                Aiming in hockey is incredibly important whether you're passing the puck or taking a shot, but it's not as easy as it is in many other sports. Unlike golf, this is a fast paced game that requires you to move on your feet and be constantly aware of the rest of your team, while unlike football or basketball it requires you to aim using a stick that won't feel as natural as just kicking or throwing a ball. If you currently struggle with your aim then this will seriously let your game down, so what can you do to fix it? Read on for some ideas.

Checklist

                When you shoot in hockey it's incredibly important that your whole body line up and that you remember to make sure your stance is correct and that your shoulders and feet are pointing the right direction (as much as possible any way when you're in a rush). The way you bring the stick back, and the grip you have on it will all also affect its trajectory which will result in a slightly different aim. You need to make sure likewise that the hockey stick is perfectly straight, and that it hits the puck face on.

                In other words then there is a lot to remember, so it's crucial that you find a way to remember each step and don't end up forgetting what you need to do in the heat of the moment. Create a mental checklist to run through each time you're about to take a shot and run through this so that you aren't likely to rush the shot when you're in a fluster.

Calm

 

                Having a checklist is one thing, but actually going through it and not rushing when you have seconds to take a shot on slippery ice is another matter. There is a huge psychological element in how well you aim then, so make sure that you know how to calm yourself down and make a conscious effort to stop and run through the process of taking a shot before you take it. Likewise nerves and distractions can affect your aim so practice filtering it all out and concentrating simply on the puck and where you want it to go.

Practice

 

                Of course practicing hockey is a great way to improve your aim, just as practice can make perfect in any activity. The problem with practice when it comes to hockey though is that most of us don't have easy access to an ice rink whenever we need it meaning we won't have the space or the right surface to work with.

                The solution is to practice in other ways. For instance you can improve your aim by playing golf to a degree as it's a similar movement and technique. Likewise you can also practice aiming in other ways whether it's throwing stones at cans or shooting a bow and arrow - it's all about special awareness, focus and being in tune with your body so it doesn't matter if the context is different. Even playing computer games can help.

Training

 

                Muscle training can also help you to improve your aim in hockey as it will give you tighter control over your movements as well as putting you more in tune with your body. Practice lifting weights, and particularly using exercises designed to target the 'fast twitch' muscle fibres.