THINK FAST (AND LESS)
Practice has helped body fakes become more natural for O’Neill — a necessity in the fast-paced sport. “A lot of it is thinking less and just doing it,” he said.
It helps that a head fake doesn’t require fancy stickwork.
“When you use your head to deceive a goalie, your stick doesn’t need to do anything,” O’Neill said. “Tilt your head one way and just keep the stick in the same place it already is. Then, you want to snap it from there, as low cradle as possible. The point is to limit the stick fakes and just snap it off with your wrists.”
DON’T GET COMPLACENT
O’Neill modeled his interior shooting technique after that of pro lacrosse legend John Grant Jr. “He was very good at dipping his head and putting it high,” he said.
But as one of the most scouted players in the game, O’Neill knows he can’t settle for just one move. He’s had to evolve the skill over the years, drawing inspiration from watching penalty shots in hockey.
“After a while, goalies will catch on, so you have to use your shoulders and feet,” O’Neill said.
FULL BODY STRETCH
In addition to deceptive body language, O’Neill is a powerful stretch shooter, a reputation powered by his work in the weight room while no one is watching. During the offseason, he lifts four to five times per week. He's 6-foot-2, 225 pounds of sheer muscle mass.
“Shooting is full body,” O’Neill said. “You want a good plant, so you need strong legs. But you use your arms a lot, so biceps, triceps, chest and legs are important to work.”
There’s more to stretch shooting than just power and velocity, however.
“Not everyone can shoot very hard,” O’Neill said. “If you are shooting from a good distance, a lot of it is the spot you put it in. Goalies are great now, so it’s a lot less speed and more deception and placement.”
TRUST YOUR STICK
Even if some of O’Neill’s moves don’t require a ton of stickwork, he often trusts his stick over his own eyes when he’s looking to finish at a low or unfavorable angle at at goal line extended.
“Your stick has eyes,” O’Neill said. “Maybe your eyes can’t see any angle, but your stick can get to a better angle than where your eyes are at. A lot of it is putting my stick out in front of the cage — even if my body is at goal line — and wrist strength. Then, I snap my wrists down.”