In the grand scheme of things, shooting is a low-frequency skill in hockey. While an individual skater may take hundreds of strides and complete upwards of 30 passes per game, even the most prolific shooters will be hard-pressed to get 5 shots on goal each night. As an example, Alex Ovechkin, probably the greatest pure scorer of all time, has only averaged 4.76 SOGs per game since entering the NHL.
Still, the ability to shoot with power, accuracy and deception is one of the most sought-after traits by higher-level teams. An NHL forward with a true conversion rate of 12% commands millions of dollars more on the open market than a similar player who shoots at 6%. Ovechkin, for his part, has scored on 12.9% of his career shots on net.
Building an effective and versatile shot takes time and effort, but also the right information.
The right information, as it turns out, can come from outside hockey.
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