Get weekly hockey tips
Receive new articles straight to your inbox
When hockey fans think of goal scorers, one name now rises to the top: Alex Ovechkin. The Washington Capitals captain and future Hall-of-Famer has surpassed Wayne Gretzky as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history, with 895 goals and counting. Ovechkin’s shot isn’t just powerful—it’s precise, consistent, and downright lethal.
But Ovechkin wasn’t born with the perfect slapshot. His legendary release is the product of years of training, repetition, and obsession with the craft. Here at Snipe Lights, we love to study elite shooters to inspire the next generation and illustrate how our interactive, light-up hockey shooting target system can help players reach their full scoring potential.
Repetition, Power, and Precision
From a young age, Ovechkin displayed a raw hunger for the game. His shot was always strong, but he turned it into a lethal weapon through his relentless practice. According to former teammates and coaches, Ovechkin’s training wasn’t just about volume, it was about mastering every aspect of his shot.
“He shoots hundreds of pucks every day, even now,” said former Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette in an interview with The Athletic. “There’s a reason that shot has never dropped off. He works at it every single day.”
Ovechkin is famous for practicing his signature one-timer from the left faceoff circle—his “office”—but his training regimen goes far beyond that. He spends hours on quick releases, snap shots in tight spaces, and adjusting his body angle to make the shot deceptive and hard to read. It’s not just brute force—it’s smart, calculated technique.
Strength Built Off the Ice
Behind the scenes, Ovechkin’s off-ice training plays a critical role. His strength training is focused on explosive power, core stability, and lower body strength—exactly what’s needed to drive a puck past an NHL goalie at top speed.
“He’s one of the strongest guys I’ve ever trained,” said former Caps strength coach Mark Nemish in Men’s Journal. “His legs and core are like a tree trunk—he can generate insane power with just a slight twist of his torso.”
That strength allows Ovechkin to shoot from awkward angles, off balance, or with defenders draped on him and still put the puck exactly where he wants. His training includes heavy compound lifts, rotational medicine ball throws, resistance band shooting drills (you can use our complimentary Snipe Band!), and agility-focused conditioning. In other words, power meets precision.
Shooting with a Purpose
Unlike many players who shoot just to shoot, Ovechkin’s shooting drills are intentional. He visualizes game situations: quick pass receptions, fast transitions, and one-timers under pressure. And he’s constantly adjusting.
“Every shot he takes in practice has a purpose,” said former teammate Brooks Orpik. “He’s always trying to find new ways to beat goalies—change angles, release points, stick flex. That’s why he’s still breaking records in his late 30s.”
That adaptability is something we emphasize at Snipe Lights. Great shooters don’t just have a good shot—they can adjust it in real time. They learn to shoot through traffic, aim for small windows, and hit targets that aren’t even visible until the last second. That’s the kind of instinct that separates the greats from the rest.
Train Like Ovi!
So, what can young players learn from Ovechkin’s journey?
- Repetition is key: Ovechkin takes hundreds of shots every day. The muscle memory he’s built is elite.
- Train explosiveness: Strength training focused on legs, core, and rotational power is essential.
- Simulate game scenarios: Practice shots off passes, with quick releases, and from different angles.
Want to train like Ovi? Add some reactive shooting drills with Snipe Lights to your routine. Our light-up targets help simulate the pressure and unpredictability of real games—just like the drills Ovechkin thrives on.
Whether you’re aiming to lead your league in goals or just rip a harder shot, studying a legend like Alex Ovechkin is a great place to start. Because if there’s one thing Ovi has proven, it’s that elite shooters aren’t born—they’re built. Let Snipe Lights help you speed up that building process!
Related links:
Do Hockey Shooting Targets Actually Improve Accuracy?
The Importance of Using Interactive Targets Instead of Shooting on Empty Nets in Practice