COACH JOEY™ BY AGE
U5-U7 • U8-U10 • U11-U14 • U15-U18 • Junior
U5-U7 + U8-U10 — Be Ready to Shoot
Face the play, show your stick, and be ready before the pass arrives.
U11-U14 — Catch and Release Quickly
Receive the pass into a shooting position instead of pulling it through extra stickhandles. Use a quick release when the lane is available.
U15-U18 + Junior — Prepare the Shot Before the Puck Arrives
Scan the net, defender, and Goalie before receiving. Adjust your feet and blade so the first touch supports the release you want.
Why Quick Releases Matter
Goalies set their position based on puck movement. Therefore, a quick shot after a pass can arrive before the Goalie fully adjusts to the new angle.
Prepare Before the Pass
Look at the net and identify pressure before receiving. Meanwhile, position your feet so you do not need a large adjustment after the puck arrives.
Do Not Rush a Bad Shot
A fast release is useful only when the lane exists. If the pass is off target or a defender has closed the lane, control the puck and make the better next play.
5 Smart Ways to Shoot Off the Pass
Shoot Off the Pass when the opportunity is already forming before the puck arrives. The Player who prepares early can receive cleanly and release before defenders and the Goalie fully recover.
1. Prepare Your Feet Before the Pass
Set your body so the puck can move directly into the shot. Avoid receiving with your feet pointed away from the net if the situation allows a better shooting position.
2. Show a Clear Stick Target
Give the passer a visible target and keep the stick ready. A clean reception makes the next action faster.
3. Receive Into the Release
Do not add extra stickhandling unless it is needed. When you Shoot Off the Pass, the reception and release should feel connected.
4. Read the Goalie Before the Puck Arrives
Scan the net before the pass reaches you. That gives the Player a better chance to choose a target without staring at the puck after receiving it.
5. Do Not Rush a Bad Shot
A quick release is useful only when the shot is worthwhile. If the lane closes, protect the puck and make the next better play.
Practice Shooting Off the Pass
Start with stationary passes and require Players to prepare their feet and stick before the puck arrives. Then add movement and pressure so the shooter must decide whether to release immediately or keep possession.
Continue with Get Open, Make a Target and Short Shifts. For more player-development resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
Coach Joey’s Takeaway
Get ready early and remove wasted motion. RECEIVE. RELEASE.™
Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™
RECEIVE. RELEASE.™
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.
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