Quick answer
Choose hockey shooting targets by how you want to train accuracy. Corner targets that hang or clip in the four corners of the net are the simplest and best all-around choice — they turn "shoot at the net" into "hit a spot," which is the fastest way to build accuracy. A shooter tutor (a full net cover with cut-out holes) both trains placement and contains on-target shots, so it doubles as a goalie stand-in. Electronic or smart targets that light up and score add reaction and a head-up element, and make practice competitive. For most players, start with corner targets; add a shooter tutor for containment or a smart target for reaction once your placement is solid. Aim at a real spot every rep — that's the whole point.
Key takeaways
- Targets turn shooting practice from "hit the net" into "hit a spot" — the key to accuracy.
- Corner targets are the simplest, best all-around start.
- A shooter tutor trains placement and contains on-target shots.
- Smart/electronic targets add reaction, scoring, and a head-up element.
- Aim at a specific target every rep, not "the net."
- Match the target to your goal: placement, containment, or reaction.
Why targets are the fastest accuracy upgrade
Most players practice shooting by aiming at the whole net — and the whole net is a huge, forgiving target that never sharpens placement. The single fastest way to improve accuracy is to aim at a specific spot on every shot and get instant feedback on whether you hit it. That's exactly what a target does. Give a player a corner to hit and their placement improves in a session, because now every rep has a clear pass/fail. Targets are cheap, and they change practice from mindless volume into deliberate, scored reps.
The types of target, compared
| Type | Trains | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Corner targets | Placement to the four corners | Everyone — the best all-around start |
| Shooter tutor | Placement + containment | Accuracy plus a goalie stand-in |
| Smart / electronic | Reaction, scoring, head-up | Advanced players, competitive reps |
| Weighted / clip-on | Quick setup on any net | Fast, portable target practice |
Browse options on the Hockey Shooting hub and the shooting collection.
Coach Toms's tip: Score your reps out of a set number — say, hits out of 20 to a called corner. That number is your accuracy baseline, and it's the one that actually shows up in games. What you measure, you improve: when you're hitting 15 of 20 to a called corner, shrink the target or add movement. The point of a target is the feedback, so always keep score.
Corner targets: the best all-around start
Corner targets hang or clip into the four corners of your net, giving you a clear spot to hit. They're the simplest, most affordable way to train placement, and they work with almost any net. Call a corner, hit it, keep score — that's the core accuracy drill, and corner targets are all you need to run it. For a sturdier set, the pro targets hold up to heavy shooting.
Shooter tutor: placement plus containment
A shooter tutor covers the net with cut-out holes in the corners and five-hole, so you aim at the openings for accuracy while the cover stops everything else. That means it trains placement and doubles as a goalie stand-in and a containment tool — fewer pucks flying past the net. If you want accuracy and a target that also keeps shots contained, this is the versatile pick.
Smart targets: reaction and competition
Electronic or smart targets light up to tell you where to shoot and score your hits, adding a reaction and head-up element on top of placement. They make practice a competitive game, which means more reps, and they train you to shoot where you're told rather than where you planned — closer to a game. This is the step up once your basic placement is already solid.
Coach Toms's tip: Accuracy beats power in a target session, every time. A player who can hit a called corner at 70% effort scores more than one who blasts it and misses. Train placement first at a controlled pace, then add speed while keeping the same accuracy standard. Speed you can't aim is just noise.
How to choose: quick path
- Just want to build accuracy? Corner targets — the simplest, best start.
- Want accuracy plus containment? A shooter tutor covers the net and stops misses.
- Placement solid, want reaction and fun? Smart/electronic targets.
- Shoot heavy? Get the pro/durable targets that take a beating.
- Tight budget? Corner targets deliver the most accuracy per dollar.
Common mistakes
- Aiming at "the net." No spot means no accuracy gain. Fix: aim at a specific target every rep.
- Not keeping score. No feedback, no improvement. Fix: count hits out of a set number.
- Power over placement. A hard miss scores nothing. Fix: train accuracy first, then add speed.
- Always the same corner. Predictable practice. Fix: call random corners.
- Flimsy targets on hard shots. They break. Fix: match target durability to your shot.
- Standing still only. Games are moving. Fix: add a step or catch-and-shoot once accurate.
FAQ
What are the best hockey shooting targets for accuracy?
Corner targets are the best all-around choice. They give you a clear spot to hit in each corner of the net, which turns shooting into a scored accuracy drill. Call a corner, hit it, keep score — that simple loop improves placement fast.
What's the difference between corner targets and a shooter tutor?
Corner targets hang in the four corners and only mark the spots. A shooter tutor covers the whole net with holes cut in the corners and five-hole, so it trains placement and also contains on-target shots and acts as a goalie stand-in.
Are electronic shooting targets worth it?
Once your placement is solid, yes. They add reaction and scoring — you shoot where the lights tell you and get an instant score — which makes practice competitive and more game-like. For a beginner, simple corner targets build the accuracy foundation first.
Do I need targets or just a net?
A net alone lets you practice hitting the net, which is a big, forgiving area. Targets sharpen your placement by giving you a specific spot and instant feedback, which is where real accuracy comes from. Targets are the cheapest, fastest accuracy upgrade.
Should I train power or accuracy with targets?
Accuracy first. A player who can hit a called corner scores more than one who shoots harder but misses. Train placement at a controlled pace, then add speed while holding the same accuracy standard so your hard shot is also on target.
Will targets work with my net?
Most corner targets hang or clip onto standard nets, and shooter tutors are sized to fit common net dimensions. Check the target's fit against your net size, but the basic corner target works with almost any net.
Summary
Targets are the fastest accuracy upgrade because they make you aim at a spot and keep score. Start with corner targets for placement, add a shooter tutor for containment, and step up to smart targets for reaction once your placement is solid. Always call a corner and score your reps. Build the method with our guides to shooting accuracy training and where to shoot to score.
