February 2025 - MartyStrength

Mastering the Angle Change: A Shooter’s Secret Weapon

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Changing the shooting angle is a crucial skill for any hockey player looking to take their game to the next level. 

If you just take a static shot right at the goalie they don’t have to do anything, and it’s easily saved.

By manipulating the puck and forcing the goalie to move, you create openings and increase your scoring chances. 

Let’s break down why angle changes matter, the different options available, and how to practice them effectively.

Good goalies are reactive

If you shoot from a straight line, they’ll square up and make the save. Angle changes force them to adjust, creating a window of opportunity. Even a slight shift in the puck’s trajectory can throw off the goalie’s positioning. 

The key is to get ahead of their reactions, making them play catch-up. If the goalie doesn’t react to your initial angle change, you have an immediate opening. 

If they do react, that sets up the next layer: using their movement against them.

Different Angle Change Options

In the video we run through two primary angle change techniques: the “pull in” and the “pull in, push out.” 

Before any movement, remember the importance of spotting the net. Head up, intent focused, and eyes on your target. Practice hitting the same spot repeatedly to build consistency, then move to different areas of the net.

  1. Pull In:

This technique capitalizes on the goalie’s potential lack of movement. If you’re a right-handed shot on the left side of the ice (or vice-versa), pull the puck towards your body. This changes the angle inwards, ideally opening up the short-side of the net. The goalie, still anticipating the initial trajectory, will be out of position. Practice this by setting up, spotting the net, pulling in, and then shooting.

  1. Pull In, Push Out:

This option is effective when the goalie reacts to your initial pull-in. Pull the puck in as before, drawing the goalie’s attention. Then, instead of continuing the inward motion, push the puck back outward, away from your body. This exploits the goalie’s momentum, potentially leaving them over-committed or dropped. The key is a compact release. Don’t overextend the push-out. The goal is a quick, deceptive movement that changes the puck’s direction just enough to create an opening.

Consistent Practice

Consistent practice is essential for mastering angle changes. Focus on spotting the net before each movement. The video provides visual demonstrations of both techniques, highlighting the subtle hand movements and puck control required. 

Remember, the aim is to deceive the goalie, using their reactions to your advantage. Start slow, focusing on accuracy, and gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable.

Get to work! 

Angle changes are a game-changer for any offensive player. 

They transform predictable shots into scoring opportunities by manipulating the goalie’s positioning. By understanding the different techniques and practicing them diligently, you can add a new dimension to your game and become a more potent offensive threat. 

The Secret to Losing Weight and Feeling Full

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Many of us struggle with weight gain, bloating, and sluggishness after meals. We often feel like we’re overeating or not digesting food properly, leading to discomfort and frustration. We may try various diets or restrict certain foods, but the problem often persists.

It’s not what but how

The root cause often lies not just in what we eat, but how we eat. Modern life often encourages rushed meals, eaten quickly and without attention. We’re distracted by phones, work, or other activities, barely noticing what we’re consuming. This fast-paced eating prevents our bodies from properly registering fullness and can lead to digestive issues.

The simple fix 

The simple yet powerful solution is to eat slower. By consciously slowing down our eating pace, we allow our bodies to catch up with our brains, leading to better digestion, improved satiety, and a healthier relationship with food.

Why it’s so important  

Eating slowly offers a multitude of benefits:

  • Weight Management: It helps us eat less without feeling deprived, as our brains have time to recognize when we’re full.
  • Improved Digestion: Thorough chewing and slower consumption allow our bodies to break down food more effectively, reducing bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux.
  • Enhanced Enjoyment of Food: Slowing down allows us to savor the flavors and textures of our meals, making eating a more pleasurable and mindful experience.
  • Increased Energy Levels: By improving digestion and nutrient absorption, eating slowly can contribute to increased energy and reduced lethargy after meals.

Here’s what to focus on

 Implementing slow eating is simple but requires conscious effort. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

  1. Awareness: Become aware of your current eating speed. Time yourself during a meal. Most people finish in under 10 minutes; aim for 20-30.

  2. Utensil Placement: Put your fork or spoon down between each bite. This small action forces you to slow down and gives you time to chew.

  3. Chewing: Chew your food more thoroughly. Aim for 20-30 chews per bite. This helps break down food and aids digestion.

  4. Hydration: Sip water between bites. This not only slows you down but also keeps you hydrated.

  5. Distraction Elimination: Turn off the TV, put your phone away, and focus on your meal. Mindful eating helps you enjoy the process and recognize fullness cues.

  6. Portion Control: Serve yourself smaller portions to avoid the temptation to overeat. You can always have more if you’re still hungry.

Start by eating slow at one meal a day and gradually incorporate it into other meals. Be patient with yourself; it takes time to change habits. With consistent practice, slow eating will become second nature, leading to lasting improvements in your health and well-being.

How To Beat Defenders 1 on 1 With This Slip Move

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Want to leave defenders in the dust? 

Lets break down the elusive “slip move” for both forehand and backhand, giving you the edge in your next game!

The Deceptive Dance

The slip move is all about fooling the defender. By faking one way and then quickly shifting to the other, you create space to slip the puck past them. It’s a quick, deceptive maneuver that requires practice and precision.

Forehand Slip:

  1. Fake Backhand: Approach the defender and pretend to go to your backhand.
  2. Explode to Forehand: Quickly shift to your forehand, forcing the defender to reach.
  3. Slip and Slide: As they reach, slip the puck under their stick and skate into the open space.

Backhand Slip:

  1. Fake Forehand: Mirror the forehand move by faking to your forehand.
  2. Explode to Backhand: Quickly shift to your backhand, again drawing the defender’s reach.
  3. Slip and Slide: Slip the puck under their stick and exploit the open ice.

Practice Makes Perfect

The video provides simple drills using sticks to simulate defenders. This helps you practice and refine the skill needed for game situations. Remember to start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sell the fake: Make your initial move believable to draw the defender in.
  • Explode with speed: The quicker your shift, the more effective the move.
  • Use the space: Slip the puck into open ice and skate into it for maximum advantage.

By mastering the slip move, you’ll add a powerful weapon to your offensive arsenal. 

So grab your stick, hit the ice, and start practicing this game-changing technique! 

 

PRACTICE. TRACK. REPEAT

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"I would highly recommend training with Marty both on and off the ice if you are seriously considering playing at a high level of hockey, for a long time."

Tyler Graovac

"Marty has been a big influence on my overall development as a hockey player. His on-ice skill sessions helped to improve my speed and power. Marty’s office sessions were extremely detailed and hockey specific. Marty also assisted in recommending an effective diet program for me. His personable nature made working hard enjoyable."

Scott Wilson

"Andrew Martin is both a role model and a friend. I began training with him when I was 16, and his attention to the individual athlete’s needs was evident right from the start. Working with him on a day-to-day basis has allowed me to both develop personal goals and push my limits. My workouts, in combination with the emphasis he places on healthy living and proper nutrition, have been exponential in terms of yielding the results I wish to see."

Scott Wedgewood

ABOUT ANDREW (MARTY)

Marty is a former professional and collegiate hockey player turned performance enhancement coach that currently runs Marty Strength Inc. and is the Strength and Conditioning Director at Everest Academy. During the off-season, he trains amateur and professional hockey players

CONTACT MARTY

email me at: [email protected]


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