Projectile Motion
Unlike the slap shot, which is built for power; the wrist shot is meant to be accurate. A reason that the wrist shot is so accurate is caused by thee gyroscopic effect that the puck has as it flies through the air.
Projectile Motion
When a puck is shot, it travels in the path of a parabola. The force of gravity works against the puck until the puck reaches its maximum height, and then begins to come down again. Hopefully into the net.
Gyroscopic Effect
The wrist shot is the most accurate shot in the game of hockey. The player can direct and aim the puck exactly where they want it to go. This is done by applying a spin to the puck as it is released to keep it stable as it is flying. The puck travels along the curve of the blade and gains angular motion until it is released. The more angular motion that the puck has, the greater the gyroscopic effect.
