How to Properly Use A Hockey Shooting Pad For Training?

Best Hockey Shooting Pads to Buy in September 2025

1

ACE HOCKEY Shooting Pad 30” x 60” - Shoot Like on Real Ice - Practice Shooting, Stickhandling, Passing Skills on 12.5 sqft - Convenient Off-Ice Training - Easy to Carry - Synthetic Ice Mat

BUY & SAVE

$99.95

2

Better Hockey Portable Roll-Up Shooting Pad - Feels Like Real Ice, for Passing Stickhandling and One Timers, Large 4 Foot x 8.5 Foot Size

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$179.95

3

Better Hockey Extreme Pro Shooting Pad - Size 28 x 57 3/16 inches - Simulates The Feel of Real Ice - Easy to Carry - Great for Shooting, Passing and Stickhandling - Weather Proof Coating

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$99.95

4

ACE HOCKEY Shooting Pad 24” x 48” - Shoot Like on Real Ice - Practice Shooting, Stickhandling, Passing Skills on 8 sqft - Convenient Off-Ice Training - Easy to Carry - Synthetic Ice Mat

BUY & SAVE

$69.95

5

Snipers Edge Hockey - Hockey Shooting Pad - Small 24" by 48" - Simulates Real Ice, Heavy Duty, Weather Proof Coating, Portable and Convenient

BUY & SAVE

$79.97

6

Better Hockey Hockey Shooting Pad – 24” x 48” Synthetic Ice Board for Stickhandling, Passing & Shooting Extreme – Off-Ice Training Mat

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$69.95

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Using a hockey shooting pad is an effective way to practice and improve your shooting skills off the ice. Here's how to properly use a hockey shooting pad for training:

1. Positioning: Place the shooting pad on a flat and even surface, ensuring that it doesn't move during your practice sessions. It could be a driveway, garage floor, or any other suitable place.
2. Stickhandling: Begin by practicing your stickhandling skills on the shooting pad. Move the puck back and forth, work on your dekes and toe drags, and familiarize yourself with the feel of the pad.
3. Shooting Technique: Focus on your shooting technique while using the shooting pad. Position the puck on the pad and practice your wrist shots, snap shots, and slap shots. Pay attention to your body positioning, weight transfer, and follow-through. This is a great opportunity to work on accuracy and power.
4. Stickhandling and Shooting Combo: Combine stickhandling with shooting to simulate game-like situations. While stickhandling, quickly transition into shooting techniques, emphasizing speed and accuracy.
5. One-Timers: Practice your one-timer shots by receiving a pass from a friend or a passer device. Work on your timing, positioning, and accuracy to develop your ability to take effective one-timers.
6. Creativity and Precision: The shooting pad allows you to practice various shooting and stickhandling moves. Experiment with different angles, toe drags, between-the-legs moves, and other creative techniques to enhance your skills.
7. Durability: Take care of your shooting pad to ensure its longevity. Avoid wearing shoes while using it to minimize wear and tear. Also, clean and store it appropriately after each use.

Remember, regular and disciplined training on a hockey shooting pad can significantly improve your shooting accuracy, power, and overall skills. Make the most out of your practice sessions and enjoy the benefits it brings to your game.

What is the recommended warm-up routine before using a hockey shooting pad?

The recommended warm-up routine before using a hockey shooting pad may vary based on personal preferences, but here is a general warm-up routine that could be followed:

1. Start with light cardio: Engage in 5-10 minutes of light jogging, jumping jacks, or skipping to elevate your heart rate and warm up your muscles.
2. Dynamic stretching: Perform dynamic stretches to increase flexibility and range of motion. This can include leg swings, arm circles, walking lunges, high knees, and hip rotations.
3. Stickhandling and puck control: Spend a few minutes handling the puck on the shooting pad, practicing your stickhandling skills, and getting comfortable with the blade on the surface.
4. Shooting drills with proper technique: Begin shooting pucks on the pad, focusing on proper shooting techniques such as weight transfer, wrist snap, and follow-through. Start with wrist shots and gradually move on to snap shots, slap shots, and backhand shots.
5. Skating exercises: Incorporate skating exercises to warm up leg muscles. This can include forward and backward skating, crossovers, pivots, and quick starts and stops.
6. Stretching and cool down: After completing the shooting and skating exercises, cool down by performing static stretching for major muscle groups. This can include stretching the quads, hamstrings, groins, calves, and upper body.

Remember, it is essential to listen to your body and modify the warm-up routine according to your specific needs and conditions.

What is the benefit of using a shooting pad over other training devices?

Using a shooting pad as a training device offers several benefits over other alternatives:

1. Versatility: Shooting pads can be used for a variety of hockey skills, including shooting, stickhandling, passing, and practicing various drills. This versatility allows players to work on multiple aspects of their game using a single training tool.
2. Realistic feel: Shooting pads are designed to mimic the feel of ice, offering a smooth and slippery surface that closely resembles the real thing. This allows players to practice their shooting technique or stickhandling skills in a more realistic setting, helping to develop muscle memory.
3. Portability: Shooting pads are typically lightweight and portable, making them easy to transport and set up in different locations. This flexibility allows players to train anywhere, whether it's at home, in the backyard, or even while traveling.
4. Protects equipment: Shooting pucks or stickhandling on hard surfaces like concrete can cause damage to sticks, pucks, or even the surface itself. Using a shooting pad provides a protective layer, reducing wear and tear on equipment and extending its lifespan.
5. Reduced noise: Shooting pads tend to offer a quieter surface than hard floors or concrete, which can be beneficial for players who want to practice at home without disturbing others.
6. Cost-effective: Compared to other training devices like synthetic ice or shooting tiles, shooting pads are generally more affordable. This makes them a cost-effective option for those looking to improve their skills on a budget.

Overall, using a shooting pad provides players with a versatile, realistic, portable, and cost-effective training tool for developing their hockey skills.

How to incorporate passing drills on a hockey shooting pad?

In order to incorporate passing drills on a hockey shooting pad, you can follow these steps:

1. Set up the shooting pad: Place the shooting pad on a flat surface, such as concrete or asphalt. Ensure it is positioned securely and does not move during the drills.
2. Gather the necessary equipment: Grab a hockey stick, pucks, and if possible, a rebounder or passer device to assist with the drills. If a rebounder or passer device is not available, you can use boards or walls for passing targets.
3. Start with basic stationary passes: Begin by standing in front of the shooting pad, with another player or target positioned several feet away. Practice passing the puck back and forth using various techniques: forehand passes, backhand passes, saucer passes, etc. Focus on accuracy and firmness of the passes.
4. Improve passing on the move: Once you've mastered the stationary passes, incorporate movement into the drills. Start by passing the puck while skating slowly around the shooting pad. Gradually increase your speed as you continue passing to challenge yourself and improve your passing accuracy.
5. Utilize the rebounder or passer device: If available, practice passing with the rebounder or passer device. These devices allow the puck to bounce back to you, simulating game-like situations. Place the rebounder or passer device at different angles, distances, and heights to work on your passing accuracy and response time.
6. Incorporate game-like scenarios: As you progress, try to mimic different in-game situations. Set specific targets on the shooting pad, such as corners or labeled sections, and practice hitting these targets with your passes. This will help improve your passing accuracy during gameplay.
7. Integrate shooting into passing drills: Combine passing and shooting drills on the shooting pad. Set up targets on the pad, such as small goals or labeled sections, and practice both passing and shooting techniques. This will help develop your overall offensive skills and decision-making abilities.
8. Practice with a partner: For more advanced drills, partner up with another player to simulate game-like passing scenarios. Incorporate movements, timing, and communication to develop a strong passing connection.

Remember to focus on technique, accuracy, and speed throughout the drills. Regular practice and repetition will help you improve your passing skills and become a better all-around hockey player.

What is the correct hand and body positioning when shooting on a hockey shooting pad?

When shooting on a hockey shooting pad, it is important to maintain proper hand and body positioning to achieve accurate and powerful shots. Here are some key tips:

1. Grip: Hold the stick with your top hand approximately halfway up the shaft, slightly higher than shoulder height. Use a relaxed but firm grip. The bottom hand should be placed at the bottom of the stick, providing stability and control.
2. Body position: Stand facing the target with your feet shoulder-width apart, parallel to each other. Distribute your weight evenly on both feet, bending slightly at the knees for balance and stability.
3. Upper body: Keep your upper body upright, with your head up and eyes focused on the target. Maintain a slight lean forward from the waist, shifting your weight onto your front foot during the shot.
4. Stick positioning: Prior to shooting, bring the stick back, positioning it at the back of your puck. Keep the blade slightly closed, with the toe of the blade pointing toward the target.
5. Swing motion: Start the shooting motion by transferring your weight from the back foot to the front foot while simultaneously pulling back the stick. As you follow through, unleash the shot by simultaneously rotating your hips, torso, and shoulders towards the target. Extend your arms, releasing the puck with a quick snap of the wrists, ensuring a clean contact between the blade and the puck.

Remember to practice these techniques consistently to build muscle memory and improve your shooting accuracy and power.

What is the best type of hockey shooting pad for training?

The best type of hockey shooting pad for training is typically a synthetic ice shooting pad. Synthetic ice shooting pads are durable, weather-resistant, and have a slick surface that mimics the glide of real ice. They provide a consistent surface for shooting and stickhandling drills, allowing players to develop their skills off the ice. Additionally, synthetic ice shooting pads are portable and can be used in various locations, making them a convenient training tool for hockey players.