How does the blade curve affect the play? A common misconception is that curved blades became popular because they allow faster shots. The truth is, the curve is mostly about puck control, not puckspeed. A curved blade makes the following three actions easier to achieve: 1. Consistency: the curve effectively forms a pocket at the bottom of whichthe puck will tend to go. If the puck always leaves the stick at the sameplace, the player passes and shoots more consistently. 2. Control: it’s easier to scoop the puck and take it quickly around anopponent with a curved blade. Other tricks are also made easier, likegrabbing the puck at the tip of the blade and shooting it upward. 3. Puck spin: it can hardly be seen by eye, but a curve permits more puck spin(see Figure 5 bellow). Spinning the puck makes it stable and moreaccurate, like a football or a Frisbee. In a saucer pass, spin is especiallyimportant because the puck must land flat on the ice. Although it istechnically possible spin the puck with a straight blade, it can be donebetter and more consistently with a curved blade. Applying cloth tape tothe blade also adds adhesion and helps the puck spin.