Why Can't I Lift the Puck With My Hockey Stick?

Published by Stick Fit Hockey

Struggling to lift the puck is common for new and recreational players. It does not automatically mean you need a more expensive stick or a huge blade curve.

Your Stick May Be Too Stiff

A stick that is too stiff is hard to load during a wrist or snap shot. Instead of bending and releasing energy into the puck, the shaft stays rigid and forces you to generate the shot mostly with your arms. That can lead to weak shots that stay flat along the ice.

A 140-pound player may struggle with a 70-flex stick but find it much easier to load a 55- or 60-flex stick.

Check Your Puck Position

If the puck is too far in front of your body, you may lose leverage before the blade can release it. If it is too far behind you, the blade may close over the puck and keep the shot low. For a basic wrist shot, start with the puck slightly behind or beside your back foot, pull it toward your body, transfer your weight forward, and release closer to your front foot.

Keep the Blade on the Puck

Lifting the puck does not require scooping underneath it. Keep the puck in contact with the blade as you move through the shot. Begin near the heel or middle of the blade and let the puck roll toward the toe as you release it.

Use Your Weight and Follow Through

A shot powered only by the arms is usually weaker and harder to control. Start with more weight on your back leg, shift toward your front leg, rotate your hips and shoulders, and use your lower hand to help load the shaft. A higher follow-through can help raise the puck, but the motion should stay controlled.

Practice This First

• Keep the puck against the blade.
• Move it from the heel or middle toward the toe.
• Shift your weight forward.
• Load the shaft with your lower hand.
• Follow through toward the target.

Use the weak-shot checklist for broader technique checks and compare blade curves before changing patterns.