Each curve type will cause the puck to behave differently when it is shot. Every player has a different idea of what the "best" results are when they take a shot; some players prefer to shoot high, some prefer to shoot low, etc. The point is you can achieve different results with each type of curve. Once you understand what to expect with each curve type you'll be able to choose the one that will give you the results you're looking for.
Here's a list of blade curve attributes, as well as the results that each one will produce:
- Open Face vs. Closed Face – Open face blades will help you lift your shots. Close face blades will help you keep the puck low when you shoot.
- Deep Curve vs. Slight Curve – Deep curves will help you lift the puck when you shoot and can also help you generate more wrist shot power. Slight curves will help you keep your wrist shots low and will also improve your wrist shot accuracy.
- Heel vs. Mid vs. Toe – Heel curves typically generate more wrist shot power because the puck must travel the full length of the blade (from heel to toe) as you shoot, picking up the maximum amount of momentum before it's released. Mid curves produce a quicker shot release than heel curves and greater wrist shot power than toe curves. Toe curves produce the quickest shot release but may not generate quite as much shot power.
It's important for you to understand that each blade type produces slightly different results for everyone because every hockey player has slightly different shooting mechanics. So use this information as a loose guide as you look for a blade pattern that may help you improve a certain aspect of your wrist shot.
