Tag: puck control

Do Stick Curves Affect Backhand Shots?

IHM Knowledge Center

Do Stick Curves Affect Backhand Shots?

Do hockey stick curves affect backhand shots, and why do deeper curves often reduce control on the backhand side of the blade?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: December 18, 2025

Short Answer

Yes, curves influence backhand performance. Deep curves make backhand shots harder to control, while flatter curves improve blade stability and accuracy.

Full Explanation

The deeper the curve, the more the blade cup rotates the puck toward the forehand side. This increases loft and improves forehand scoring elevation.

On the backhand, that same curvature reduces flat blade contact. The puck slides unevenly across the blade surface, making backhand shots unpredictable.

Flatter curves provide balanced puck control on both sides. They help with backhand passing, low shots and neutral puck movement.

Players who rely on frequent backhand touches, such as playmakers and puck carriers, usually avoid aggressive curves.

Why Blade Shape Matters

Blade predictability determines scoring confidence. Curve selection should support both forehand scoring and backhand mechanics.

Key Takeaways

  • Deep curves reduce backhand control.
  • Flatter curves improve accuracy.
  • Backhand skill depends on blade contact.
  • Curve should match puck habits and style.

How Do You Choose the Right Stick Lie?

IHM Knowledge Center

How Do You Choose the Right Stick Lie?

How do you choose the correct hockey stick lie, and what posture or puck control issues signal that the lie is wrong?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: December 18, 2025

Short Answer

The right stick lie keeps the blade flat on the ice in a natural skating stance, preventing the heel or toe from lifting during puck handling.

Full Explanation

Lie selection depends on posture and reach. Skaters who skate upright often need a higher lie because the blade contacts the heel more.

Players who skate with proper knee bend and forward posture may need a lower lie to prevent the toe from lifting and forcing the puck ahead of the body.

If the heel constantly hits the ice first, the lie is too high. If only the toe contacts, the lie is too low. Both force technical adjustments that slow skill development.

A correct lie encourages balance, predictable puck contact and efficient stickhandling in motion.

Why Lie Fit Matters

When the blade sits flat, the player trusts puck response. This simplifies shooting mechanics and reduces wasted motion.

Key Takeaways

  • Correct lie keeps the blade flat.
  • Heel contact signals high lie.
  • Toe contact signals low lie.
  • Lie must support skating posture.

What Is a Stick Curve in Hockey?

IHM Knowledge Center

What Is a Stick Curve in Hockey?

What is a stick curve in hockey, and how does blade curvature influence shooting accuracy, puck lift and passing control?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: December 18, 2025

Short Answer

A stick curve is the shape of the blade that controls how the puck sits on the stick, affecting lift, accuracy and puck handling.

Full Explanation

Blade curves change how the puck interacts with the blade surface. A deeper curve helps lift the puck more easily, improving wrist shots and top corner accuracy.

Moderate or shallow curves support passing and forehand control by keeping the puck flatter and reducing unintended loft.

Curve location also matters. Toe curves help quick-release shooters lift pucks from tight space, while mid curves offer balanced handling for all situations.

Choosing the right curve depends on shooting style, position and how often a player handles the puck in traffic.

Why Curves Influence Skill

Curve design supports specific mechanics. Matching curve to style improves accuracy, release timing and stickhandling confidence.

Key Takeaways

  • Curves affect puck lift and control.
  • Deep curves help scoring shots.
  • Shallow curves help passing accuracy.
  • Curve choice depends on player style.

How Long Should a Hockey Stick Be?

IHM Knowledge Center

How Long Should a Hockey Stick Be?

How long should a hockey stick be for proper shooting mechanics, balance and puck control, and what happens if the stick is too long or too short?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: December 18, 2025

Short Answer

A hockey stick should generally reach between the chin and nose on skates, providing balanced puck control without limiting mobility or shooting leverage.

Full Explanation

Stick length influences body posture, reach and puck handling. A stick that is too long forces an upright stance, reducing knee bend and weakening control through turns and transitions.

Short sticks allow better puck control in tight space but reduce shooting leverage. Players may struggle to generate power or maintain reach on defense.

Defensemen often prefer slightly longer sticks for poke checks and lane coverage, while forwards who handle the puck closely may choose shorter setups for stickhandling speed.

The optimal length supports balance, proper knee bend and efficient shooting mechanics without forcing compensation in body posture.

Why Length Matters

Stick length directly affects skating posture and puck control. Players who find the right length improve balance, coordination and shooting consistency.

Key Takeaways

  • Correct length promotes proper knee bend.
  • Long sticks reduce puck control.
  • Short sticks reduce leverage and reach.
  • Length choice depends on role and style.