Hockey players love the wrist shot for its quickness and the slap shot for its power, but it's the snap shot that often beats the goalie and buries a rebound or loose puck in front of the net. Knowing how to get the shot off quickly is key. Often, the snap shot puts the puck in the net while the goalie is out of position from a previous shot or a great pass from a teammate. However you get the puck on your stick, you can learn to snap it through an opening before the goalie closes it. The snap shot can have good speed on it, but by its nature and the lack of a windup, it's generally the slowest of the shots. Its value is in deception and quickness. With a slap shot, the goalie sees you raise your stick into position. The wrist shot starts with a reach back and weight shift. But the snap shot can go from stick handling to shot without any change in motion.

How to Prepare and Take the Hockey Snap Shot

1. The Preparation

The snap shot often happens on the move without preparation but there are ways to be prepared when the opportunity arises.

• The snap shot can be taken from almost any position, but when possible turn your body toward the goal.
• Hands should be shoulder width apart or wider on the stick.
• The puck should be a couple of feet to the side of your shooting side.

2. How to Shoot a Snap Shot

• Push your top hand forward and pull your lower hand toward the body.
• Push off with your off-side skate putting the weight on your strong side.
• As you transfer your weight to the leg nearest the puck on your strong, or shooting, side, put weight on the stick, bending it to load energy into it.
• Snap your top hand toward you, and push the lower hand away. The “snap” action will quickly shoot the puck toward the target.

The Surprise of the Snap Shot

Being able to get off a snap shot quickly is key. There shouldn't be any windup, preparation, or positioning to slow the shot. Work on the shot until it's a natural reaction. The puck appears on your stick, the goalie is down revealing the net, and your stick buries the puck. If you're thinking about taking a shot, you might miss your opportunity. You should see the net and hit it. That quick. Practice all around the goal snapping pucks into the net from different angles, elevating the puck, or slipping it inside a post before the goalie slides across the crease to shut the door.