Stickhandling question

So...I have a question regarding stickhandling. I only have limited roller hockey experience, so I hope you pros can help me out. :3smile:

I am right-handed and I hold the blade of the stick to my right, that means left hand on the top of the shaft, right low on the stick, blade curved to the left. I feel like I am having more control/power while I'm passing or doing slapshots when I hold the stick that way.

However, I know that in the NHL most right-handed players hold their sticks in the opposite direction, to the left. But why? Is it personal preference or do you have more power with wristshots or more control while playing the puck with only one hand?

I always thought that my way of holding the stick is "more" natural, as the "left hand on the top of the shaft, right hand below"-pattern is used on other sports equipments, such as baseball bats or golf clubs. Also, most right-handed field hockey players hold their sticks to the right (like I do) and not to the left like ice hockey players.

Now, is my stickhandling totally wrong, just weird or is it entirely personal preference? :think:

its not wrong if its whats comfortable for you.

:stop:

Wait, wait, wait... you're not holding your stick like a baseball bat, are you? Although I don't understand how that would be comfortable... it's certainly bad form. You aren't going to get as much flex on your stick shooting that way. I'd say you keep practicing holding your stick the right way.

Put it this way - if there was a better way to shoot, the pros would be doing it.

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Originally Posted by The Natural

:stop:

Wait, wait, wait... you're not holding your stick like a baseball bat, are you? Although I don't understand how that would be comfortable... it's certainly bad form. You aren't going to get as much flex on your stick shooting that way. I'd say you keep practicing holding your stick the right way.

Put it this way - if there was a better way to shoot, the pros would be doing it.

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i just think hes wondering why alot of right handed pro's shoot left.

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Originally Posted by The Natural

:stop:

Wait, wait, wait... you're not holding your stick like a baseball bat, are you? Although I don't understand how that would be comfortable... it's certainly bad form. You aren't going to get as much flex on your stick shooting that way. I'd say you keep practicing holding your stick the right way.

Put it this way - if there was a better way to shoot, the pros would be doing it.

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I think he means he holds the stick on the same side that he holds a baseball bat.

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Originally Posted by Deadmarsh28

So...I have a question regarding stickhandling. I only have limited roller hockey experience, so I hope you pros can help me out. :3smile:

I am right-handed and I hold the blade of the stick to my right, that means left hand on the top of the shaft, right low on the stick, blade curved to the left. I feel like I am having more control/power while I'm passing or doing slapshots when I hold the stick that way.

However, I know that in the NHL most right-handed players hold their sticks in the opposite direction, to the left. But why? Is it personal preference or do you have more power with wristshots or more control while playing the puck with only one hand?

I always thought that my way of holding the stick is "more" natural, as the "left hand on the top of the shaft, right hand below"-pattern is used on other sports equipments, such as baseball bats or golf clubs. Also, most right-handed field hockey players hold their sticks to the right (like I do) and not to the left like ice hockey players.

Now, is my stickhandling totally wrong, just weird or is it entirely personal preference? :think:

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I think that being a left handed shot, if you are right-handed takes practice, but I don't think that most right-handed players shoot left. There is an advantage to shooting left if you are a right wing because you can shoot from the middle of the ice, giving you a better shooting angle on goal. However, receiving passes is more difficult this way because you have to accept them on the backhand. I liked playing on my off-wing when I played (Right handed hot on the left wing).

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Originally Posted by ianmonsta

i just think hes wondering why alot of right handed pro's shoot left.

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I see. I was about to say... :30smile:

Sorry, the baseball bat-comparison was a bit weird. :3smile:

To get it straight: I'm right-handed and I shoot RIGHT, like Frolov does.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2238/...2a02c2.jpg?v=0

And, you're right, my question is: Why are most of the right-handed players shooting left? There has to be a reason/advantage/whatever, I just don't see it (yet) and most people I asked didn't have a plausible answer.

I started playing ice when I was five. I am right handed but when I picked up a stick it felt more comfortable left handed. Over the years it seemed to be an advantage for these reasons: 1-When you shoot left, your right hand is on top, i.e. your control hand, 2- I am more dominant in my right eye, and 3-If I play on the right wing I get a much better angle on a shot, learning how to accept a pass on the backhand is well worth it. It also sets you up much better for one-timers. Look at how most teams set up their D

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Originally Posted by Deadmarsh28

And, you're right, my question is: Why are most of the right-handed players shooting left? There has to be a reason/advantage/whatever, I just don't see it (yet) and most people I asked didn't have a plausible answer.

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Frolov's a good example. Usually the righties tend to go left for stickhandling purposes. Your right hand is your dominant hand and in most cases your strongest hand. So, you can be able to skate with one hand on the stick (right) and not have to backhand the puck. You can also get the shot off faster because your hands are already in position. It's actually the right way to play and makes the most sense. I still shoot right-handed. I found a blog entry that has a a lot of useful info that should help you know more.

AskMyPaul: Real Hockey Players Shoot Left (if you're right-handed)