Give It a Shot

Goal-scoring chances in ice hockey open in the blink of an eye and close just as quickly. Being able to hit a slap shot from a pass without stopping it first—a one-timer—is a must for any player. Nittany Lion forward Mya Vaslet, who had 24 career goals heading into her senior season, shares tips for ripping powerful and accurate one-timers on command.

Get Ready

Vaslet likes to open her hips and her feet slightly toward the target even before the pass arrives. “I’m kind of skating into it.”

Look It In

Your head should already be facing the target, not the puck, at point of contact. Then, says Vaslet, follow through with your body toward the net.

Strike Matters

The part of the stick that contacts the puck can make all the difference in the shot. Too much toward the toe and the puck will wobble. “From the middle of the stick to the heel is where you want it.”

Grip It to Rip It

Your bottom hand will stay near the top hand for stick handling or wrist shots, but move it farther down the stick—Vaslet goes just below the halfway point—for better leverage and power on slap shots.

Beginner tip: "Everything is repetition. You don't have to start out with one-timers. To practice, just put five pucks down and take slap shots in a standing position."