Päällyslaukaus

Päällyslaukaus is a Finnish term that translates to "over-the-top shot" or "lob shot" in English. It refers to a specific type of shot in various sports, most commonly ice hockey, that involves lifting the puck or ball over an opponent's stick or body. The primary purpose of a päällyslaukaus is to bypass a defender who is positioned low to the ice or blocking the path of a conventional shot.

In ice hockey, a päällyslaukaus is typically executed by quickly flicking the stick upwards, causing the puck to rise into the air and arc over the defender's stick or skates. This can be a challenging shot for goaltenders to track and save due to its unpredictable trajectory and the fact that it bypasses their usual lower-body blocking. Players often use this shot when they are close to the net and face a defender with their stick on the ice.

While most associated with ice hockey, the concept of an over-the-top shot can also be seen in other sports like floorball, tennis, and even basketball, where players might loft the ball over a defender's outstretched arms or defensive position. The effectiveness of a päällyslaukaus relies on deception, quick execution, and the ability to control the elevation of the shot to ensure it lands in a scoring position.