The Most Difficult Shot in Hockey, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the shot you think is the most difficult!

Updated on May 4, 2024 06:25

In the fast-paced world of hockey, players are constantly perfecting a plethora of shots, each with its own level of difficulty and style. Fans and players often debate which shot is the hardest to master and execute during high-pressure game moments. This discussion not only heightens appreciation for the skill involved but also deepens understanding of the game's intricacies. By participating in the ranking of the most difficult shots, enthusiasts contribute to a dynamic, crowd-sourced evaluation, reflecting a wide array of perspectives. Voting not only allows fans to support their favorites but also offers a unique way to engage with the sport, enhancing the communal experience of hockey lovers. This dynamic ranking evolves with each new vote, reflecting current opinions and trends in the sport.

What Is the Most Difficult Shot in Hockey?

1

69
votes
The slapshot

Bernie 'Boom Boom' Geoffrion

The slapshot is considered one of the most challenging shots in hockey due to its speed and accuracy. To execute a slapshot, the player must wind up and strike the puck with maximum force. This shot requires excellent timing, balance, strength, and technique.
The slapshot is a high-energy and powerful shot in ice hockey. It involves the player winding up their stick and forcefully striking the puck with the full force of the swing. It is considered one of the most difficult and fastest shots in the game.

Velocity: 90-100+ mph

Wind-up: A full backswing of the stick

Stick Blade Flex: Stiff-flex stick for maximum power transfer

Body Position: Weight transferred to the back leg, hips rotated for torque

Follow-through: Full extension and swing through the puck
2

45
votes
The backhand

The backhand shot is challenging because it requires players to shoot the puck in the opposite direction of their natural hand. This shot requires a lot of skill and practice to pull off effectively.
The backhand is a challenging shot in hockey that involves shooting or passing the puck while the player's stick is on the non-dominant side of their body. It requires the player to use the backside or heel of the blade to propel the puck in a desired direction.

Difficulty: Considered one of the most difficult shots in hockey due to the limited control and power compared to a forehand shot.

Accuracy: Backhand shots are generally less accurate than forehand shots due to the decreased control and difficulty in attaining a consistent release point.

Power: Backhand shots typically have less power than forehand shots, but skilled players can still generate significant velocity.

Angle versatility: The backhand shot allows players to shoot from various angles that might be difficult to achieve with a forehand shot.

Deception: The backhand shot can deceive goaltenders, as they may be expecting a forehand shot and are less prepared for the alternate release.
3

16
votes
The one-timer

Bobby Hull

The one-timer is a difficult shot because it requires players to shoot the puck as it comes towards them in mid-air. This shot requires perfect timing, coordination, and technique.
The one-timer is a type of shot in hockey where a player shoots the puck directly upon receiving a pass, without stopping or settling the puck first. It requires excellent hand-eye coordination, timing, and shot accuracy.

Difficulty: High

Speed: Powerful

Technique: Quick release

Precision: Critical

Timing: Crucial
4

24
votes
The wrist shot

The wrist shot is challenging because it requires players to shoot the puck with a flick of their wrist, which requires a lot of precision and timing.
The wrist shot is a fundamental and commonly used shot in ice hockey. It is executed by flexing the shaft of the stick and using predominantly the wrist and forearm muscles to propel the puck towards the net. The wrist shot offers accuracy, quick release, and versatility in various game situations.

Difficulty: Moderate to advanced

Technique: Flexing the stick, using wrist and forearm muscles

Speed: Typically ranges from 50-80 mph

Accuracy: Precise aim required

Release: Quick
5

18
votes
NASA · Public domain

The deke

The deke is a difficult move that involves faking out the goalie or other players by quickly changing direction or position with the puck. This move requires excellent stickhandling skills and quick reflexes.
The deke is a deceptive move used in ice hockey to outmaneuver opponents and create scoring opportunities. It involves quickly changing the direction or speed of the puck, often accompanied by rapid footwork and body movements, to trick the defending players and bypass them.

Timing: The deke requires precise timing to ensure the right moment to execute the move and catch the defending players off guard.

Puck control: Maintaining excellent control of the puck during the deke is crucial to deceive opponents effectively.

Stickhandling skills: The deke necessitates exceptional stickhandling abilities to perform intricate puck manipulations.

Agility: Quick footwork and agility are essential to execute the deke swiftly and elude defenders.

Creativity: The deke allows for creativity, as players can incorporate their individual style and improvisation into the move.
6

12
votes
The tip-in

The tip-in is a challenging shot because it requires players to redirect a shot or pass from another player into the net using the tip of their stick. This shot requires excellent hand-eye coordination and timing.
The tip-in is a challenging shot in hockey, where a player skillfully redirects a moving puck into the net using the blade of their stick.

Level of Difficulty: High

Execution: Requires precise timing and hand-eye coordination

Speed: Can be executed with both fast and slow-moving pucks

Angle: Can be performed from various angles, including deflections near the crease or from behind the net

Positioning: Often done close to the net, positioning oneself near the goalie's line of sight
7

3
votes
The breakaway

The breakaway is a difficult shot because it involves a player skating towards the opposing team's goal without any defenders in close proximity. This shot requires quick thinking, speed, and accuracy.
The breakaway in hockey refers to a strategic play where a player on the offensive team gains control of the puck and is able to skate freely towards the opponent's goal, with no defenders between them and the goaltender. It often occurs when the player successfully gets behind the opposing team's defense, creating an ideal scoring opportunity.

Level of Difficulty: High

Speed: Fast

Timing: Critical

Hand-Eye Coordination: Essential

Deception: Useful
8

5
votes
The wraparound

The wraparound is a challenging move that involves a player skating around the opposing team's goal and attempting to score by wrapping the puck around the net. This move requires excellent stickhandling skills and timing.
The wraparound is a challenging shot in ice hockey where the player quickly carries the puck behind the net and attempts to wrap it around the opposite side of the goal, hoping to catch the goaltender off guard.

Difficulty: High

Speed: Fast

Precision: Critical

Angle: Sharp

Relevance to game: Significant
9

6
votes
The saucer pass

The saucer pass is a difficult pass that involves lifting the puck just above the ice and over the stick of an opposing player to reach a teammate. This pass requires excellent precision and timing.
The saucer pass is a difficult shot in hockey that involves lifting the puck off the ice and passing it through the air in a floating manner. The pass is executed by sliding the stick blade underneath the puck at a specific angle and applying an upwards force. This causes the puck to rise off the ice and travel in a parabolic trajectory, avoid opposition players and making it more difficult to intercept.

Difficulty: High

Accuracy: Requires precision

Height: Passes at various heights, based on intended target

Speed: Can be executed with varying speeds

Distance: Can travel long distances
10

5
votes
The drop pass

The drop pass is a difficult pass that involves dropping the puck back to a teammate who is following behind. This pass requires excellent communication, timing, and accuracy.
The drop pass is a challenging move in hockey where a player skates with the puck and then abruptly drops it behind for a trailing teammate to pick up. It is commonly used as a way to create offensive opportunities and confuse the opposing defenders.

Difficulty level: High

Timing: Crucial timing is required as it must catch the opposing defenders off-guard

Communication: The players involved must have good communication to execute the drop pass effectively

Speed and precision: The passer needs to have good speed and make an accurate drop pass to the trailing teammate

Trailing player's positioning: The trailing player must be in a suitable position to receive the dropped puck

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Discussion

Ranking factors for difficult shot

Angle and distance from the net

The angle and distance from which a shot is taken significantly affects its difficulty. Sharp angles and greater distances make it more challenging for the shooter to hit the target and get the shot past the goalie.
Speed of the shot

Faster shots are generally harder for goaltenders to react to and save, making them more difficult.
Puck control and handling

A player's ability to control and handle the puck leading up to the shot influences the difficulty of the shot. A well-handled puck can lead to a more accurate and powerful shot, while poor puck control can result in a weak or off-target attempt.
Body positioning

Proper body positioning and balance are crucial for generating power and accuracy in a shot. Shooting with an awkward or off-balance body position adds difficulty and decreases the chances of a successful shot.
Type of shot

Different shots, such as wrist shots, slap shots, backhands, and snap shots, have varying degrees of difficulty. The level of difficulty often depends on the shooter's skill and comfort level with each type of shot.
Defensive pressure

The presence and effectiveness of opposing players attempting to block or disrupt a shot add to its difficulty. A shooter has to be aware of defenders, maintain control of the puck, and find an open lane for the shot.
Game situation and pressure

High-pressure situations, such as late-game scenarios or crucial moments in a game, can affect a player's ability to execute a difficult shot. The stress of the situation can influence their concentration, decision-making, and execution.
Player skill and experience

A player's individual skill, talent, and experience also factor into the difficulty of a shot. A more skilled and experienced player may be able to successfully execute a challenging shot, while a less experienced player may struggle.
Ice conditions

The quality of the ice surface can also impact the difficulty of a shot. Poor ice conditions can make it harder for the shooter to maintain control of the puck and execute the shot with precision.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult shot in hockey. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or shot is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1753 views
200 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each shot once every 24 hours. The rank of each shot is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most difficult shot in hockey

Hockey is a fast-paced and physically demanding sport that requires a combination of skill, precision, and strategy. One of the most challenging aspects of playing hockey is taking shots on goal. While there are many different types of shots that players can use, some are more difficult than others. In this article, we will explore what is considered to be the most difficult shot in hockey and why it poses such a challenge for players. Whether you're a seasoned player or a fan of the sport, understanding the intricacies of hockey shots can help you appreciate the game on a deeper level.