Executing the One-Timer

By Greg Siller

The one-timer, or one-time shot, is one of the most exciting and difficult offensive plays in hockey. It is
actually a play because it combines two players executing a pass and a shot. The one-timer combines three main elements: quickness, accuracy, and, of course, timing. The quickness and accuracy come from the passer; as this player must setup the shooter with a crisp and accurate pass, moving the puck toward the shooter’s front skate. Generally, a pass across the slot or from deep in the offensive zone to the point works best because as the goaltender attempts to follow the puck, it is moved from the initial location toward the net before the goaltender has a chance to prepare himself for the shot. As the goaltender quickly moves to get into position, the shot has already been taken.

Timing for the one-timer must be accurately gauged by the shooter, because there is only a fraction of a
second opportunity for the shooter’s stick to contact the puck and put it into the net. Practice is the only way
for your timing to improve. The shot of choice for the one-timer is usually the slap shot, however players
should begin practicing this play using the snapshot. The snap shot will allow the shooter a little more
margin for error due to the shortened backswing (as compared to the slap shot).

Practice makes perfect

To work on this play during practice, divide your team into two lines and place them near the
boards at each end of the center red line. Start the drill by having the first players in
each line skate toward the net, passing the puck as they go. As they get within 20 feet of the net, the puck
carrier passes the puck to the shooter, who executes the one-timer. It is best if right-handed shooters skate
down the left side of the rink and left-handed shooters skate down the right side so that the shooter will
always have the puck in front of him as he prepares. The shooter prepares by drawing his stick back and
times the travel of the pass so that his follow-through with the blade of the stick coincides exactly with the
arrival of the puck. Alternate this drill so that both sides have a chance to perform the one-timer.

The second drill has all players except the passer and the goaltender lined up near the center red line. The passer should be positioned about five feet from the net and behind the goal line. Start this drill by having the first player from skate toward the net. As the skater enters the slot area, he is given a pass for the one-time shot. The passer needs to be aware whether the shooter is a right-handed or left-handed shooter so that the pass will be toward the correct side of the shooters body.

Practicing and perfecting these one-time drills will add an elite talent to your offensive arsenal and you will see the results from the surprised goaltenders who rarely have time to move across the crease to stop your quick shot.