Put
Some "Zing" in Your Game-Passing and Shooting
Everyone always preaches-practice
practice practice. That's good, but practice what? and how?
Well
let's start with passing and shooting. They're kind of important.
To
become a proficient laxer you must be able to release the ball from the stick
with a wrist "snap." Many beginning players pass and shoot using
only arm motion, or "push" the ball, which causes the ball to leave
the stick on a low trajectory resulting in a low pass or shot with no "Zing".
This is B-A-D bad. Get yourself some Zing! An excellent way to develop the
wrist snap (or Zing) is against a wall. Go to a brick wall and stand about
3 to 5 yards away (I have no idea what that is in meters). Any wall will do,
but my wife says "no windows".
30
reps is enough for a beginner. Increase the reps as your wrists become stronger,
catching and releasing faster and faster as you go. Remember, your goal is
to strengthen the wrists, to become proficient in releasing the ball with
the snap of the wrist, to gain hand speed, and to develop a quick release.
Start
using only ONE hand. It sounds weird, but it is a great way to improve your
technique. This is not only for beginners either. University coaches use this
drill to get rid of bad habits in players. Hold the stick in one hand at its
balance point.
Place
the head of the stick in the "box" area next to the ear.
Opposite foot forward (most people forget this!!)
Then with one hand, "snap" the wrist which will cause the ball to
come out of the stick in a straight line and bounce off the wall straight
back into the stick.
This will be difficult at first but don't give up and keep the head of the
stick up and in the box. No side arms.
Now try 2 hands. Have the top hand approximately half way down the shaft and
your opposite hand should cover the end cap. The trick to this drill is that
you do not cradle - just in the stick and out of the stick. Remember against
a good team you will only have a split second to shoot and score.
The
always list:
- Always
remember to "snap".
-
Always wear your gloves! Hockey players don't practice slap shots without
gloves and lax is no different? (except we're cooler.)
-
Always aim for a spot on the wall.
-
Always date a cheerleader if you get the chance.
-
There you have it kids. Keep practicing.
Zing!
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