Question about off ice shooting

[Dont Hinder Jinder]

Just a question about what surfaces are okay to practice shooting/stickhandling on that will not destroy the blade of my stick.

There is obviously the legit shooting surfaces, but those are a bit pricey for me. So next option.

Pledge/Furniture polish on a piece of hardwood. I read a thread on HF recently that detailed how to make you're own shooting surface with these materials. How is this going to effect my stick?

Finally, my real question. My garage has a smooth concrete floor. Is it a good idea to just shoot on that, or will that ruin my stick? Should I throw down some pledge or wax to make the surface more slippery? Personally I wouldn't mind using the concrete but I'm not sure how it will effect my stick/blade life.

Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks

 

[esidebill]

Just a question about what surfaces are okay to practice shooting/stickhandling on that will not destroy the blade of my stick.

There is obviously the legit shooting surfaces, but those are a bit pricey for me. So next option.

Pledge/Furniture polish on a piece of hardwood. I read a thread on HF recently that detailed how to make you're own shooting surface with these materials. How is this going to effect my stick?

Finally, my real question. My garage has a smooth concrete floor. Is it a good idea to just shoot on that, or will that ruin my stick? Should I throw down some pledge or wax to make the surface more slippery? Personally I wouldn't mind using the concrete but I'm not sure how it will effect my stick/blade life.

Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks

There are a few guides on a do it yourself type of shooting board for far less. You can get everything from Home Depot or Lowe's.

 

[Dont Hinder Jinder]

There are a few guides on a do it yourself type of shooting board for far less. You can get everything from Home Depot or Lowe's.

I know, it seems quite easy to make one. However, I was wondering what the effects of shooting on a homemade board compared to concrete is.

 

[McDugan]

the boards have a smooth surface (especially if lubricated with pledge or silicone spray) that is much closer to shooting on ice (even on the smoothest concrete surface, a rubber puck just won't be able to slide properly), and also protects against stick wear (again, even smooth concrete will ruin a stick quickly).

 

[Jarick]

+1 to McDugan.

Pretty much anything that's not ice will cause some wear on your stick, but the shooting pads that are well slicked won't wear as much.

I have smooth concrete in my basement and it rips sticks up pretty quick. Even a scuffed up shooting pad will wear down a stick.

Better to use an old stick or backup for shooting practice and keep the pristine one for games