In the fast-paced world of hockey, the point between winning and losing is just a precise shot. Mastering the hockey game is achieved through a lot of training to consistently place the puck in the few square inches of the open net.
Proper practice can help, but practice demands an appropriate place and tools to polish your hockey skills. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, having the right hockey training equipment can enhance your performance. In this article, we will discuss how hockey shooting tarps can improve performance.
Why Hockey Shooting Tarp Matters
A hockey shooting tarp is a sheet made of vinyl that is installed in a space like a garage or basement to protect the walls from pucks. The hockey tarps help to improve the shooting accuracy of the players. The hockey tarps are used to practice shots with a hockey stick, either indoors or outdoors. It has target zones and also has pockets for easy puck retrieval. Having a shooting tarp can be a game-changer due to the following reasons:
Safety: The hockey tarps are perfect to protect the surroundings by preventing puck damage to walls and rebounding puck injuries.
Convenience: These tarps can be installed anywhere, making it easy for players to have training anywhere.
Skill Development: The tarps have marked target areas to help players achieve accuracy in shots.
Puck Retrieval: Tarps have pockets to catch pucks, making retrieval easier and quicker.
Choosing the Right Shooting Tarp
Not all hockey shooting tarps are the same. There are a lot of options you can select from according to your style and budget. Before installing the shooting tarp, it is crucial to consider the following factors:
1. Size and Space
The important thing before installing a tarp is to ensure that you have space because some tarps demand less area for training. Also, check the distance suitable for training and puck shots.
2. Material Choice
The tarp has to stop the pucks, so it should be made of a durable material, such as vinyl, to withstand repeated practices without tearing. If you are installing the tarp outside, opt for material that is weather-resistant.
3. Features
Look for a tarp with target holes, or if you want enhanced goalie graphics. Choose the one that is easy to install and remove.
4. Budget
Based on the type of material and features, the shooting tarps are available at a range of prices. Expensive tarps made of the best material have proven cost-effective in the long run as they don’t demand replacements and repairs.
Installing Shooting Tarp
The following are the steps for installing the shooting tarp:
- Decide if you want to install the shooting tarp on the wall or the ceiling
- Clear the area and locate wall studs or ceiling joists.
- Mark points to attach brackets on the wall or eye hooks on the ceiling.
- Secure the brackets or eyehooks into the studs or joists.
- Hang the tarp from the brackets or eyehooks.
- Add a wooden rod to the sleeve at the bottom to avoid sliding under the impact of a puck.