USA Hockey Magazine

AUGUST 2021 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 29 T he backhand shot is one of the most seldom used but most effective shots in a sniper's arsenal, especially when taken in close. This shot uses the same technique as a wrist shot, only done on the backhand. Start with the puck on the heel of the blade, and as you transfer your weight forward roll your wrists over and release the puck while pointing at the target on your follow through. The key to a backhand shot is the element of surprise. Since the shot is seldom used, many goalies aren't as familiar with it. They're not used to how the puck is going to come off the stick, whether it's going to go low or high, left or right. When you don't have to waste time moving the puck to your forehand, you don't allow the goaltender time to set up. One of the reasons the backhand shot is not used as much anymore is because so many players today have such big hooks in their blade that it's tough to take an effective and accurate backhand shot. You can practice your backhander just like a wrist shot. Line up near the boards with some pucks and practice hitting your target. Remember to concentrate on your weight transfer and follow through. It's also good to set up cones near the bottom of the faceoff circle and cut around the cones, working on both your forehand and backhand shot as you shoot on net. F Hall of Famer Brian Gionta played 16 NHL seasons and was a two-time U.S. Olympian. T H E E L E M E N T O F S U R P R I S E 3 When I was a kid you could always find my friends and I playing hockey. And it wasn't just at the rink. Games of street hock- ey were as much a part of my neighborhood as the street signs and lamp posts. It's where we learned the game, practiced our skills, built up our stamina and had fun. T h e r e a r e a l o t o f t h i n g s t o b e l e a r n e d p l a y i n g s t r e e t h o c k e y. Players work on their stickhandling, passing and shooting skills, as well as team play. It's also a great way to work on your stamina. When I was a kid we played 'til we dropped—and we loved it. O n e o f t h e m a ny t h i n g s a c h i l d can learn playing street hockey or sa n d l ot b a l l g a m e s i s l e a d e r s h i p. It's amazing how quickly a child's lead- ership traits will come out when there's no adult around to tell him or her what to do. Kids will choose up teams, create the rules, resolve conflicts and have fun when they 're left to their own devices. Let's face it, things are different today than when your mom and dad were kids. There was a lot more open space, more freedom to use ball fields, empty tennis courts, parking lots and even streets to play in. Parents are now more sensitive to knowing where our kids are at all times. But that doesn't mean you can't play street hockey in front of your house, in a friend's driveway or in a nearby cul-de-sac. All it takes is a little creativity to create your own Boston Garden. Great players are not made by sitting on the couch or in front of the television. It takes years to create and refine the skills needed to play hockey at the highest level. Use every oppor- tunity you have to practice, play and just have fun. That's what summertime is all about. F Hall of Famer Tony Amonte was a 17-year NHL player and two- t i m e U . S . O l y m p i a n . H e a l s o scored the winning goal in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. A BETTER BACKHAND SHOT By Bria n Gionta Taking It To The Streets PLAY MORE PICK-UP GAMES By Tony Amonte

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