One of the most important parts of hockey is shooting the puck. Without taking shots, no one would be able to score goals and defeat their opponents. Players spent countless hours perfecting their shots to make them as fast, accurate, and hard as possible.
While there are many different shots you can take, one of my favorite and among the most effective is the snapshot. This guide is going to take a closer look at this shot, and how you can learn how to take one spectacularly.
What is a Snapshot?
Before we look at how to take a snapshot, I want to make sure that everyone knows what a snapshot is. A snapshot is essentially a combination between the wrist shot and the slap shot, that is supposed to provide players with the benefits of both.
It combines the quick release and accuracy of the wrist shot, with the power and puck speed of the slap shot. It is called a snapshot because it is often shot with a quick snap of the wrist.
It is often used when players need a quick shot when the goalie is out of position and can be taken from any position on the ice. Several NHL players rely on this shot to beat goaltenders, and it has proven to be a very useful shot for players of all skill levels to learn.
How to Take a Snapshot
Now that you are more aware of what a snapshot is, let’s finally take a closer look at how you take one. Preparing for the shot often includes having your bottom hand near the middle of the shaft, with your chest facing the net, and the puck to the side of your body.
When you want to shoot the puck, you need to push your top hand and bring your bottom hand back, while also putting your weight on your strong side. Put your weight and energy onto the stick, flexing it and getting it in the right position.
Then, complete the shot by pushing your lower hand away, whilst snapping your top hand. This will quickly send the puck in your desired direction.
However, it is important to note that you won’t always have time to set up your snapshot. In this case, you can simply stickhandle the puck, and then when you are ready to shoot, simply step towards the net and perform the shot just like you would normally, without the setup steps.
If you are a visual learner, check out this video on how to take a snapshot here.
General Tips to Improve Your Snapshot
While knowing how to take a snapshot is great, that doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be good at them. This section is going to go over a few simple and general tips for how you can get more out of your snapshot, and make it more effective.
One of the first tips I have for you is to make sure you are snapping your wrist when shooting. Many players neglect this, which leaves their snapshots being less effective and not generating the sort of power that they have the potential to.
Like many other shots, a lot of the power from your snapshot comes from your legs. You need to ensure you are really using and engaging your legs when loading up for a snapshot. It will help the shot travel much faster and have a much better chance of finding the back of the net.
Be careful to avoid the puck and your stick being in the wrong position, too. If the stick is stuck too far out, or the puck is too far back, it can dramatically decrease how well your shot reaches its target.
Also, the snapshot is meant to be a quick and surprising shot, so you want to practice doing it with as little wind up and preparation as possible. Be sure to practice it from different angles and at different times so you are always ready to shoot.
I hope that this guide has been able to help you not only learn how to take a snapshot in hockey but also how to take yours to the next level. If you feel I left out any important tips or information, don’t hesitate to let me know in a comment.
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