11 Shooting Zones: How the Shooter Tutor Helps Sharpen Accuracy

Introduction to Off-Ice Shooting Practice

If you want to get good at playing hockey, you need to practice, but that can be a challenge, since most people don’t have easy access to a rink. But dryland hockey training lets you train off the ice, so you still work on your skills and confidence between practices.

Give-N-Go Hockey has plenty of off-ice hockey training aids, like the Shooter Tutor, which is a tool that breaks the net down into 11 specific target zones and helps you learn to aim your puck right where you want it to go.

What Is the Shooter Tutor?

It’s a full-size shooting target you put over a regulation net, and it shows you exactly where to aim, so instead of just firing pucks towards the net, you actually train your eyes and hands to make the puck hit the exact spots that are hardest for goalies to protect.

The build is sturdy, so it can take plenty of hits; plus, you can use it inside or outside.

The 11 Key Zones: Explained

These are the spots where goalies are most vulnerable, and where shooters score the most goals.

• Top Corners (Zones 1 and 2): These are the hardest spots for goalies to cover. High-glove and high-blocker are classic goal-scoring areas.
• Mid Corners (Zones 3 and 4): This is just below the top shelf; it’s still tough for goalies, but more forgiving for shooters who are learning to shoot.
• Low Corners (Zones 5 and 6): This is the five-hole area and low-glove/blocker side where quick releases can sneak through, even when goalies use the butterfly stance.
• Mid-Net Targets (Zones 7, 8, 9): Practicing these zones teaches you to shoot through traffic or beat a goalie who's cheating to one side.
• Five Hole (Zone 10): This is a classic target, the space between a goalie's pads, especially when they’re moving.
• Center High (Zone 11): This target is small, dead center, right under the crossbar, and being able to score here is the sign of an elite player.

It takes a different technique to hit each zone, and over time, it helps you see the net differently during games.

How It Helps Train Accuracy

Give-N-Go Hockey's Shooter Tutor forces you to slow down and focus; you pick a zone, aim, and shoot. It’s more a question of control than it is of power.

Right away, you can see whether or not you hit your target, and the instant feedback you get is huge because it tells you exactly what you’ve got to work on.

It’s best to start with the bigger zones, and once you’ve got those down, move on to the corners and smaller targets. This is exactly what the USA Hockey skill development guidelines tell you to do: Combining repetition with targeted practice.

This kind of dryland hockey training doesn't just help your shot; it builds muscle memory. After enough reps, when you're on the ice, and you’ve got the puck on your stick, it’s like your body goes on autopilot.

Dryland Training Tips Using the Tutor

To train off the ice, you just need a Shooter Tutor, a shooting pad or a smooth surface, and some pucks.

Tip 1: Set a Daily Goal

Choose one zone to work on each day; track how many hits you can make out of 20.

Tip 2: Mix Up Your Shots

Try wrist shots, snap shots, backhands, and one-timers.

Tip 3: Add Movement

Shoot from different angles, but don’t just stand still while you aim. Shoot moving from side to side, since hockey training experts point out that that’s how it is in a real game.

Tip 4: Film Yourself

Use your phone to record yourself and compare your moves to how pros do it. That way, you can make small adjustments that’ll improve your game big time.

Tip 5: Combine with Other Off-Ice Hockey Training Aids

Use a stickhandling ball before shooting, or add a passer to simulate receiving a pass. We’ve got dryland kits to help you make your training complete.

At Give-N-Go Hockey, we want to help you get better without spending a fortune. What’s more, you get the peace of mind of knowing that every purchase you make helps fund gear donations to kids who need it most.

Take Your Accuracy to the Next Level

Think of the Shooter Tutor's 11 zones as a roadmap to becoming a better shooter. They help you learn patience, precision, and confidence, and because it's built for dryland hockey training, you can practice wherever and whenever you want. And it improves your game whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player.

Shop certified pre-owned hockey gear from Give-N-Go Hockey that supports your progress and helps the next generation of players get on the ice. Contact us to start training smarter today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 11 zones of a shooter tutor?

Top corners, mid corners, low corners, mid-net targets, five-hole, and center-high. Each zone represents a specific area where goalies are vulnerable, so you learn to shoot to score.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Beginners can start with the larger zones to build confidence and accuracy, and as their skills improve, focus on the smaller, more challenging targets, like top corners.

Can I use it on synthetic ice?

The Shooter Tutor works on any flat surface: Synthetic ice, shooting pads, driveways, gym floors, garage floors, etc.

How portable is the shooter tutor?

It's lightweight and easy to transport because you can roll it up, store it, and set it up in minutes.

Does it work for slapshots?

The Shooter Tutor works for all shot types, including slapshots, wrist shots, snap shots, and backhands.

How do I combine this with other dryland gear?

Use it with a shooting pad for smooth puck movement, a passer for receiving drills, or stickhandling tools for complete skill development.