The Different Shots in Hockey

Hockey is a game of speed and action. It is quite possibly the fastest game there is in terms of how fast the players move. Those of you familiar with the game should understand the different shots available in a player's arsenal in his attempt to get the hockey puck into the net. The different names of these shots include the wrist shot, the snap shot, and the slap shot. All of these shots have are completely different and are used at specific time for specific reasons.

Let's start with the wrist shot. The wrist shot is all about accuracy and not necessarily speed or quickness. That doesn't mean that the shot is slow, it just means that it is not as fast as a slap shot, or taken as quickly as a snap shot. When one is taking this type of shot the puck never loses contact with the stick, as the wrists and legs cause the puck to saucer. With a little practice this shot can normally have pinpoint accuracy. The time to use this shot is when the goalie is screened, or cannot see the puck. This way you have a better chance of being more accurate, and hitting the open part of the net.

The second shot I will cover is called the snap shot. This is the personal favorite of many players, both professional, and amateurs alike. This shot is designed for quickness so that the goalie has little time to act. This shot is not as accurate as the wrist shot, but is not lacking in accuracy by any means. When taking this shot the player quickly loses contact with the puck and then makes a very fast snapping motion into the puck, once again causing a saucer flight. This shot is used when the goalie can see the puck, and a quick shot is required to be able to beat him. This shot can be very hard to master, but is a necessity for any hockey player because it is quite possibly the most lethal.

The final shot is the slap shot. This shot is designed for blinding speed, and not necessarily quickness or accuracy. In fact this shot is the most recognizable and the least accurate. But for what it lacks in those categories it makes up for with how fast it moves. This shot is designed to either give the goalie very little time to react because the puck gets to him so fast, or to give teammates a chance to tip and deflect the puck into the net. This is the hardest shot to perform because you actually have to make contact with the ice before you make contact with the puck. This action causes the stick to flex and almost fling the puck towards the net.

Hockey is a very complicated game, but a player that has the ability to effectively use the three shots I have talked about will have an easier time. Don't get me wrong there are still defenses out there that will shut you down, and not give you the chance to even get those shots off. But any player with the knowledge and ability to perform those shots will be a better player all around.