This is one of those discussions that is ultimately going to lead nowhere,
but is interesting nonetheless.  Yesterday's post by Dave Hendrickson posited
the theory that the lower hand contributes *a more refined motion (wrist
snap) that might be better oriented for a dominant hand*.  This is exactly
backwards, mechanically.  The lower hand, while providing some impetus to a
wrist shot, is in reality the fulcrum of the lever.  The object to be moved
is the puck, and the motive force is primarily applied by the top hand,
representing, if I remember my physics correctly (fat chance!) a class two
lever where the force is applied to the short arm (multiplier less than one).
 A classic wrist shot starts with the top hand away from the body and the
lower hand at or near the hip; initial motion is provided by bottom hand
pushing away/ahead of body until both hands are in front, then the top hand
is pulled in toward body (applying leverage) and ends with a snap of the TOP
wrist, all the while leaning body weight on the stick blade against the ice.
 Added force is provided by the spring-release effect of the stick shaft
itself -- you've noticed, I'm sure, in slo-mo pictures of a *good* wrist
shot, that the stick is bent by the effort.  The whole complicated motion is
accomplished in a split second, which is why a *good* wrist shot so often
handcuffs a goalie -- it just comes at him too quick for him to react.  Proof
of this theory is easily demonstrated by using the top hand only, resting the
stick against the knee or thigh, blade and puck slightly behind body, and
pulling/snapping the top hand in to body, using leg as the fulcrum.
 Conversely, it CAN'T BE DONE with the lower hand alone.
 
It's a difficult technique to master, compared especially to a slap shot (may
Boom Boom Geoffrion roast!) which is why they're all too rare.  Kids LIKE to
practice slappers for the noise effect if nothing else; practicing wrist
shots takes time and concentration, commodities in short supply among most
youth players (and lots of older ones, too).  The *snap shot* is a hybrid
combination of wrist/slap, somewhat easier to learn than a true wristie.  And
while we're at it, let's not forget the golden oldie, the *sweep shot*, aptly
named as it mimics using a broom and provides little power OR stealth, but is
the basis for the wrist shot.
 
Last but not least, Dave also mentioned youth righties shooting left trying
to do more with backhands.  I've never noticed this phenomenon, but he may
well be right...er, correct.  The backhander is, generally speaking, the most
under-used shot in modern hockey, and its demise can be directly related to
the advent and popularity of the banana-curve stick.  Likewise for backhand
passes and receiving the puck on the backhand.  The curve *cups* the puck
nicely for shooting and receiving on the forehand, but tends to be a
detriment to backhanded handling.  It's really too bad, because a good
backhander has that *stealthy* characteristic that can catch a keeper
napping, and with practice can be delivered fairly strongly, using what might
best be described as a kind of *shoveling* motion
 
Wow!  More than you ever wanted to know about delivering the puck!
 
Dave Erickson
The Intercollegiate Hockey Newsletter
"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that zing!"
 
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