The Ultimate Guide to Hockey Goal Targets

Hockey games are won and lost by scoring goals, and while mastering the art of scoring is no simple feat, you can step up your training by investing in hockey goal targets to practice your sniping. These essential tools are designed not just for practice but to fine-tune your skills, ensuring fun and effective training sessions that set you on the path to becoming a true champion on the ice.

Whether you’re just starting or aiming to refine your sniper abilities, embracing the right training equipment can significantly boost your performance and make you an unstoppable force during game time. While hockey legends like Sidney Crosby, who famously honed his shooting accuracy with a washing machine, had their own methods, pairing high-quality hockey shooting targets with modern technology offers you a smarter and more effective way to sharpen your shooting skills – without damaging any appliances!

Hockey Goal Target Types: Understanding the Basics

Goal scoring in ice hockey isn’t just about power; it requires precision, speed, and the ability to control your shots under any circumstances. Therefore, using specific targets to shoot at offers a structured approach to significantly improve shooting accuracy. 

Single Targets: Flexibility and Portability for Focused Training

Single targets represent a versatile and straightforward method to refine your shooting accuracy. Easily carried and attachable to hockey goals, these targets offer the ability to focus on specific areas within the goal, allowing players to practice hitting precise spots. 

Hockey Goal Covers (Shooter Tutors): Simulating Goalies

Hockey goal covers, often referred to as shooter tutors, are made from durable fabric and are designed to hang in front of a hockey goal. Featuring strategically placed holes, they challenge players to aim for the most challenging parts of the net, mimicking the real-game scenario of a goalie blocking the goal. 

Hockey Shooting Tarps: Protecting Your Space

Hockey shooting tarps offer a dual benefit. For one thing, they protect your surrounding area, while also providing a realistic and challenging training environment. Made from heavy-duty fabric, these tarps can hang from the ceiling and do not require a net, as the target zones are depicted directly on the tarp itself.

Picking your Hockey Targets: What to Look For

Selecting the right hockey goal target is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of your training sessions and improving your shooting skills. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to consider various factors:

• Types of Targets: Start by familiarizing yourself with the advantages and limitations of single targets, goal covers, and shooting tarps. Each type offers a unique approach to practice, catering to different aspects of shooting accuracy and scenario training.
• Durability/Resistance: The repetitive impact of puck shots demands that your chosen target withstands extensive use. Durability is key to ensuring that your investment lasts long and remains a reliable part of your training arsenal.
• Attachment Mechanism: Investigate how each target attaches to and detaches from your setup. A convenient and secure attachment mechanism allows for swift transitions between different exercises, making your practice sessions more efficient and varied.
• Design: Decide whether you prefer a simple design or one with added features like goalie representations for a more engaging practice. An engaging design can mimic real-game scenarios more closely, providing a comprehensive training experience that sharpens your shooting skills in a fun and interactive way.
• Gamification: By transforming drills into games, you set challenges, track progress, and compete against personal bests. This not only adds an element of fun but also significantly enhances your motivation, focus, and determination to achieve precision and speed.

• Interactivity: Opt for hockey targets that offer an interactive component, introducing dynamic challenges and realistic scenarios into your routine. The interactivity of using various targets infuses your practice with excitement and a clear purpose, making skill improvement an engaging journey.
• Price: While quality and durability often come at a higher price, investing in a top-notch hockey goal target is an investment in your development as a player. Consider your budget, but also recognize the long-term benefits of choosing a durable, high-quality target that will serve you well over time.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select a hockey goal target that not only fits your immediate practice needs but also supports your long-term development and enjoyment.

Single Hockey Targets

Snipe Lights

Snipe Lights Specifications

• Overview:
  • Snipe Lights offers a variety of exciting game modes where each target comes to life thanks to lights and sensors that sync with the app, enhancing your shooting practice and making training engaging and productive.
• Durability/Resistance:
  • A 6mm pure polycarbonate panel padded with multi-layer foam panels makes Snipe Lights extremely durable. It endures thousands of pro level shots without damage, without sacrificing on portability! .
• Design:
  • Snipe Lights are designed to bring the thrill and competitiveness of a real hockey game into your garage, driveway, outdoor rink, or any shooting space. The targets illuminate, creating an immersive shooting experience.
• Gamification:
  • Snipe Lights gamifies hockey shooting practice. Shoot at the targets as they light up, and the app records your accuracy, reaction time, and high scores. It transforms training into an engaging and exciting game, making every session fun and productive.
• Interactivity:
  • Lights on the target turn on that advise the shooter where to shoot. When the target is successfully hit the light turns off. Also, lights are used in multi-player games to indicate who won, meaning Snipe Lights is supremely interactive.
• Price:
  • $299.00 USD

Snipe Lights Review:

Snipe Lights introduces an innovative approach to shooting practice with its two specialized models: the Pro and the Prospect. Also, it caters to different levels of expertise, and each model offers a unique challenge that can serve any shooter’s needs, whether you’re honing your skills for competition or just looking to enjoy a practice session.

Both models from Snipe Lights boast quality construction and thoughtful design, ensuring durability and reliability during practice sessions. Therefore, regardless of which model you choose, Snipe Lights offers an engaging and effective way to practice shooting.

Whether you’re a competitive player seeking to enhance your precision or someone aiming for a fun and rewarding practice experience, Snipe Lights has crafted the perfect solution to meet your needs.

Winnwell Metal Bell

Winnwell Metal Bell Specifications

• Overview:
  • The Winnwell Metal Bell is a professional-grade hockey shooting target designed to enhance your accuracy.
• Durability/Resistance:
  • Made from steel that is 3.3mm thick, the metal bells/targets are designed to endure the force of puck impacts. This package comes with two targets inside a box and additional metal wires fitted with S-hooks to facilitate a fast installation.
• Design:
  • The design is simple, consisting of two metal bells that can be attached to the goal net. Assembly is swift and effortless—just loop the metal wires with S-hooks around the crossbar for a speedy setup. The primary goal is to enhance precision and boost shot accuracy.
• Gamification:
  • Although not formally structured as a game, striking the metal bells offers immediate feedback and introduces a challenging aspect. Players have the opportunity to engage in self-competition or challenge others to see who can hit the bells with consistency.
• Interactivity:
  • While the Winnwell Metal Bell draws in players by motivating them to target precise areas, it is not otherwise interactive outside of the sound it makes.
• Price:
  • $44.99 USD.

Winnwell Metal Bell Review

In the crowded field of hockey net shooting targets, the Winnwell Metal Bell stands out for its durability. In fact, its robust 3.3mm steel bells are crafted to resist the most powerful shots, while the virtually unbreakable high-strength metal wires offer dependable performance. Our recommendation for the top hockey shooting targets is based on their unmatched robustness and longevity, positioning the Winnwell Metal Bell as the prime selection for improving your shooting abilities.

Goal Covers and Shooter Tutors

KnockoutNET

KnockoutNET Specifications:

• Overview:
  • KnockoutNet Pro delivers a vibrant training journey with smaller targets designed for all ages and strength levels. These compact targets increase the precision and challenge of each shot. The system comes equipped with seven integrated games that aim to improve your shot awareness, speed, and precision.
• Durability/Resistance:
  • KnockoutNet Pro is built for durability and toughness, using materials comparable to those found in arena boards and glass. It is engineered to absorb the impact of pucks and player shots, making it ideal for use in training facilities, ice rinks, garages, driveways, and basements.
• Design:
  • It includes a conveyor system that automatically retrieves pucks following each shot, highlighting the emphasis on precision, consistency, and performance feedback within its design.
• Gamification:
  • KnockoutNet Pro seamlessly blends electronic gaming with physical training by offering a variety of built-in games. These games are designed to enhance shooting skills through fun and challenging exercises. “Blackout” challenges players to test their speed and precision by hitting all panels as quickly as possible. In “Run ‘Em Up,” participants aim to score as many points as possible within a fast-paced 30-second game. Additionally, the system includes games like “HORSE,” “Knockout,” “Sniper,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and “Time’s Up,” which are available on both the Classic and PRO models. Each game is crafted to focus on different aspects of shooting skills, from accuracy and speed to strategic play, providing a comprehensive and engaging training experience.
    
• Interactivity:
  • The system captivates players using real pucks and incorporates interactive training focused on pass reception. An online app complements this setup by enabling users to monitor their performance and track their progress over time.
    
• Price:
  • $3,700.00 USD

KnockoutNET Product Review:

The KnockoutNet Pro transforms hockey training by merging the thrill of gaming with the seriousness of skill enhancement. Its robust build renders it perfect for diverse environments, including ice rinks and home garages. Featuring seven integrated games, it injects enjoyment into practice sessions while pushing players to refine their shot precision, quickness, and accuracy. Catering to both novices seeking to develop their abilities and experienced players aiming to advance their performance, the ProShot system offers unparalleled flexibility and efficacy. Its straightforward, engaging games and sturdy construction have made it a favorite among training facilities and event planners.

Bauer Pro Sharpshooter

Bauer Pro Sharpshooter Specifications:

• Overview:
  • The Bauer Pro Sharpshooter is designed to enhance your hockey skills by providing a goalie-like target.
    
• Durability/Resistance:
  • The system features a tarp equipped with 5 holes, designed for durability and suited for both indoor and outdoor practice, ensuring it’s always ready for action.
    
• Design:
  • The design is uncomplicated, comprising a tarp with 5 holes that secures to the goal net. Assembly is swift and straightforward—just loop the metal wires with S-hooks around the crossbar for a speedy installation.
    
• Gamification:
  • The gamification aspect of the Bauer Pro Sharpshooter simulates a goalie with strategically placed holes on a tarp. This setup encourages players to aim and shoot with precision.
    
• Interactivity:
  • The interactivity exclusively comes from its design, which simulates a stationary goalie-like target with holes positioned to encourage players to engage actively with the product by aiming for these specific areas.
    
• Price:
  • $64.99 USD

Bauer Pro Sharpshooter Product Review:

The Bauer Pro Sharpshooter distinguishes itself through its outstanding performance and considerate design. Featuring a weighted bottom steel bar along with multiple attachment points, it guarantees a firm and steady setup, capable of withstanding the force of actual pucks. This product surpasses anticipated standards of quality and resilience. For anyone in search of a premium shooter tutor designed to endure the demands of rigorous training, the Bauer Pro Sharpshooter represents an elite option.

RapidShot

RapidShot Specifications:

• Overview:
  • Providing a lively training setting with 8 pass speeds and intervals, RapidShot caters to players of all skill levels. It allows for the practice of a wide array of shots, such as snap shots, wrist shots, backhands, and one-timers. The system is designed to enhance accuracy, increase shot speed, and reduce reaction time.
    
• Durability/Resistance:
  • Although detailed durability specifications are not explicitly provided, RapidShot systems are constructed to endure the demanding conditions of hockey training facilities. The equipment is crafted to absorb the force of pucks and shots from players.
    
• Design:
  • RapidShot can be likened to a high-tech batting cage but for hockey, blending advanced technology with practical training exercises. The system is equipped with a conveyor mechanism that automatically retrieves pucks following each shot. Its design places a strong emphasis on precision, consistency, and delivering feedback on performance.
    
• Gamification:
  • While the system may not be explicitly gamified, the inherent competitive spirit of hockey training serves as a significant source of motivation. Players are driven to enhance their abilities, surpass their personal bests, and attain superior shot metrics. The instant feedback provided encourages players to continually challenge themselves and strive for improvement.
    
• Interactivity:
  • RapidShot provides interactive training for pass reception, requiring players to respond to incoming passes and execute shots swiftly. This setup immerses players in concentrated and vigorous practice sessions. Additionally, an online app enables players to monitor their performance and track their progress over time, enhancing the training experience with a layer of engagement and self-improvement.
    
• Price:
  • $25,000 USD+ 

Rapidshot Product Review:

The RapidShot Hockey Training System transforms hockey practice through its cutting-edge design and sophisticated functionalities. Featuring a patented conveyor system for puck return and exclusive technology for tracking shots, this system propels training sessions to unprecedented levels. Tailored for players at all stages, from novices sharpening their techniques to NHL professionals perfecting their play, RapidShot delivers adaptability and efficiency. It offers enhancements such as synthetic ice and a range of customizable options, ensuring it meets the specific needs and preferences of each user. Built to last, its sturdy construction offers enduring reliability, presenting a wise choice for both players and coaches focused on elevating shot strength, precision, reaction speed, and stickhandling skills. For those committed to advancing their hockey abilities, RapidShot stands as the premier training tool.

USA Hockey Shooter Tutor

USA Hockey Shooter Tutor Specifications:

• Overview:
  • The USA Hockey Shooter Tutor is a high-quality shooting target crafted to improve your hockey skills. It boasts 11 numbered targets, which are divided into 6 high-scoring and 5 average-scoring zones. This setup enables players to refine their accuracy and shot placement skills effectively. Designed to accommodate regulation NHL hockey nets, this system ensures a realistic practice environment for players aiming to elevate their game.
    
• Durability/Resistance:
  • The USA Hockey Shooter Tutor stands out as the inaugural heavy-duty professional-grade shooter tutor available. Constructed from a single solid piece of super-strength high-density polyethylene, it boasts exceptional durability, capable of enduring the most powerful shots from NHL players consistently year after year. Equipped with custom machine-bent steel hooks fastened securely using industrial-size fasteners, the unit remains steadfastly in place during use. With no assembly necessary, and proudly manufactured and assembled in Michigan, USA, it offers convenience and reliability for hockey players seeking top-notch training equipment.
    
• Design:
  • The shooter tutor bears resemblance to a sophisticated batting cage tailored for hockey practice. Crafted from a single solid piece of super-strength high-density 5/8″ black polyethylene, its construction guarantees long-lasting durability. Emphasizing player safety, the design effectively prevents damage to walls or windows. Retrieving pucks becomes effortless, as there are no pockets to collect them from after hitting targets.
    
• Gamification:
  • Although not inherently gamified, the competitive essence of hockey training serves as a significant source of motivation. Players are inherently driven to enhance their abilities, surpass their personal bests, and achieve superior shot metrics. The instant feedback provided by hitting targets in real-time further encourages players to continually challenge themselves and strive for improvement.
    
• Interactivity:
  • Like most other goal covers, the USA Hockey Shooter Tutor is not inherently interactive, so shooters will need to come up with their own ways to compete and have fun.
    
• Price:
  • $69.98 USD

USA Hockey Shooter Tutor Product Review:

The USA Hockey Classic Hockey Shooter Tutor stands out for its exceptional durability, featuring five distinct hockey shooting targets aimed at improving shot accuracy. Designed to cater to players of all skill levels, this tutor is a top choice for affordable and efficient hockey shooting training. With a PVC-reinforced polyester target, worries about puck penetration are minimized, enabling you to focus on refining shot accuracy and strength. This high-quality product guarantees longevity, whether used on the ice or at home for honing hockey shot skills year after year.

OZO Shooting & Stickhandling 

OZO Shooting & Stickhandling Specifications:

• Overview:
  • The OZO Shooting system represents a fully automated setup meticulously crafted to elevate shooting, stickhandling, and cognitive abilities. Offering dynamic training experiences with smaller targets, it accommodates individuals across all age groups and strength levels. With two shooting zones incorporated into the design, players can engage in precise and focused practice sessions.
    
• Durability/Resistance:
  • If you’re lookign for a system that prioritizes durability above all else, the OZO Shooting & Stickhandling system could be a good option. It uses materials akin to those found in arena boards and glass. Engineered to endure the force of pucks and player shots, it guarantees reliability under intense training conditions. Whether you’re practicing at an ice rink, garage, driveway, or basement, this system is well-equipped to meet the demands of your training regimen.
    
• Design:
  • Precision, consistency, and performance feedback are fundamental elements integrated into its design.
    
• Gamification:
  • Although not explicitly gamified, the inherent competitive spirit of hockey training serves as a significant source of motivation. Additionally, the system’s professional software offers customizable parameters such as player handedness (left or right), number of pucks per session (5, 10, or 20), and shooting speed (10-70 km/h), allowing for personalized training sessions tailored to individual needs and preferences.
    
• Interactivity:
  • The Ozo Shooting & Stickhandling system immerses players in training with real pucks and interactive pass reception exercises. Furthermore, its software delivers real-time feedback, enabling players to monitor and track their progress effectively.
    
• Price:
  • $25,000 USD+

OZO Shooting & Stickhandling Review:

The OZO Shooting system establishes a new benchmark in hockey training gear by integrating state-of-the-art technology with unmatched flexibility. Featuring advanced sensors and comprehensive tracking abilities, this system transforms skill improvement for players. Whether you’re starting out and working on stickhandling or a seasoned professional perfecting shot accuracy, the Hockey Pro Trainer adjusts seamlessly to your requirements with accuracy and simplicity. The incorporation of cognitive games injects a fun element, ensuring training sessions are engaging for players of all ages. For hockey training centers aiming to enhance their programs and enable athletes to achieve their utmost potential, the Hockey Pro Trainer stands as an indispensable asset.

Shooting Tarps

Sniper’s Edge Shooting Tarp

Sniper’s Edge Shooting Tarp Specifications:

• Overview:
  • The Sniper’s Edge Hockey Shooting Tarp offers durability and convenience for hockey enthusiasts looking to improve their shooting accuracy and strength at home.
    
• Durability/Resistance:
  • The Sniper’s Edge Hockey Shooting Tarp, made from heavy-duty, UV-coated vinyl, offers exceptional durability and protection for indoor or outdoor hockey practice, while safeguarding walls, windows, and garage doors from stray shots.
    
• Design:
  • The Sniper’s Edge Hockey Shooting Tarp facilitates easy puck retrieval post-target hits and comes in two size options (8’ H x 16’ W or 7’ H x 16’ W) to suit various ceiling heights, ensuring versatile use for hockey enthusiasts.
    
• Gamification:
  • Players can compete against themselves or others to consistently hit the targets.
    
• Interactivity:
  • The Sniper’s Edge Shooting Tarp motivates players to target specific areas, making it a valuable training aid for honing accuracy and enjoying recreational play alike.
    
• Price:
  • $259.97 USD

Sniper’s Edge Shooting Tarp Product Review:

The Sniper’s Edge Shooting Tarp has established itself as a premier product, perfect for mounting on garage doors or dry walls. Featuring a goalie representation and multiple shooting zones, it offers an exceptional platform for refining shooting skills amidst simulated goaltending scenarios. Renowned for its reliability and versatility, it’s a must-have addition to any hockey player’s training gear.

HockeyShot Extreme Shooting Tarp

HockeyShot Extreme Shooting Tarp Specifications:

• Overview:
  • The HockeyShot Extreme Shooting Tarp 2.0 offers versatility in honing hockey skills, featuring smaller targets adaptable for various ages and strengths. With a focus on precision and shot placement, it provides a dynamic training environment, available in sizes of 7’ x 10’ or 7’ x 16’ to suit individual preferences.
    
• Durability/Resistance:
  • The HockeyShot Extreme Shooting Tarp 2.0, crafted from durable nylon, is engineered to endure powerful shots and is adaptable for indoor or outdoor use in any weather. Its sleek design makes it perfect for compact areas, allowing for versatile practice in garages, driveways, or basements.
    
• Design:
  • The design prioritizes player safety by preventing damage to walls or windows.
    
• Gamification:
  • The real-time feedback provided by hitting targets on the HockeyShot Extreme Shooting Tarp 2.0 motivates players to push their limits, beat personal records, and enhance shot metrics as they strive to improve their skills.
    
• Interactivity:
  • Like most tarp products, the interactivity with the target is really limited to the shooter’s imagination.
    
• Price:
  • $199.99 USD.

HockeyShot Extreme Shooting Tarp Product Review:

The HockeyShot Extreme Shooting Tarp is a robust option for garage door hockey training. Indeed, it closely resembles the Sniper’s Edge tarp but without pockets. Its ample dimensions and varied shooting targets accommodate diverse skill-building exercises. While lacking puck retrieval pockets, this can be advantageous for some, eliminating the need to retrieve pucks indoors. Reinforced by strong grommets and featuring an added strap for the reactive sniper tool, this tarp’s durability makes it a reliable and effective tool for sharpening shooting skills.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best hockey goal target for you is the one that best fits with your budget, training style, and objectives, as well your setup or space constraints. For example, if you’re looking to open up a coaching and shooting clinic you might opt for a bigger investment into a fully-automated system with passing, though this will require more time and money up-front and limits your flexibility. Indeed, even for coaches it makes sense to have some interactive single targets that offer portability and cost-effectiveness. 

For many hockey parents, price is a major factor, to say nothing of finding the space for practicing. This is the beauty of single shooting targets for hockey – all you need is a net, which any hockey family likely has already! And, while a player’s imagination is their biggest asset when practicing shooting, the last thing parents want to see is their child neglecting their sniping skills in favour of video games, with the targets doing nothing but gathering dust. 

This is exactly why we created Snipe Lights! We know hockey should be fun because we’re players too, and we dedicate ourselves to making practice as engaging as possible.

With Snipe Lights, your single targets become interactive games that let kids compete in a range of different shooting challenges and competitions that improve their accuracy and keep them engaged. Strap them onto your net, fire up the app, and snipe away! Take a look here for more information. 

FAQ

What age or skill level are hockey goal targets and shooting tarps designed for?

Hockey goal targets and shooting tarps are versatile training tools designed for all ages and skill levels. Beginners can use them to practice basic shooting techniques, while advanced players can challenge their precision and power. The key is to choose a product that matches your current skill level and goals.

How do I set up my hockey shooting tarp or target?

Setting up your hockey shooting tarp or target can vary by product. Generally, you should anchor the tarp or target in a secure space.

For tarps, you’ll typically hang them from a sturdy beam or frame in front of a suitable backdrop to catch pucks. Targets may attach directly to the goal frame. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective setup.

Can I use hockey shooting targets and tarps for off-ice training?

Absolutely! Hockey shooting tarps are especially beneficial for off-ice training, allowing you to practice your shot without needing access to an ice rink.

They can withstand shots from rubber pucks and even lighter training balls, making them perfect for garage or basement setups.

What’s the difference between using single targets and a shooter tutor?

Single targets are great for focusing on specific areas of the net, improving your accuracy in hitting precise spots. Shooter tutors, on the other hand, cover a larger portion of the goal and feature cutouts. These simulate a goaltender’s vulnerable spots. As a result, this offers a more realistic shooting experience by forcing you to aim for smaller openings.

How often should I practice with hockey shooting targets to see improvement?

Consistency is key. Practicing several times a week can lead to noticeable improvements in your shooting skills. The exact frequency should align with your overall training schedule and goals. Still, even short, focused sessions can be highly beneficial.