How To Improve Your Snap Shot

Updated: January 2, 2023 by Bill Burniece

A hockey snap shot with a little mustard on it is a tough shot for any goalie to save.

That is unless your shot lands halfway up the big net that’s located over the glass.

With a little practice, any player can improve their snap shot. That includes everyone from youngins to old beer leaguers.

Having a good quality stick helps. But it’s more about technique than tech. But if you do need a better twig, check out Perani’s Hockey World deals.

Below are some cool video tutorials on how to improve your snap shot no matter what your level is. Each one offers a detailed explanation of all of the mechanics involved with this highly effective shot.

At the bottom of the page is a summary and checklist on how to improve the velocity and ferocity of your snap shots.

Learning how to improve your snap shot is sure to elevate your game and get you more goals and respect on the ice. After all, a good snapper will likely get you more goals than a good clapper.

Unless you play at a high level in the beer leagues, you probably don’t see too many quality snappers.

When executed properly, a quick hockey snap shot is tough to stop.

hockey snap shot example

Hockey Snap Shot Video Tutorials

Video 1: How To Take The Perfect Snap Shot

This first video is the best one I have found so far the covers everything you need to know about improving your hockey snap shot.

It includes the ideal hand position you need to use and the importance of having your top hand up to increase your leverage and thus the velocity of your shot.

It also explains how to position your feet and use the shooting box to improve your shot dynamics.

Next, you’ll learn why you need to bend your knee to generate power from your legs using a weight transfer.

Finally, it covers mistakes that most players make when using the snap shot.

Video 2: Austin Matthews Demonstrates His Snap Shot

This video is cool since it featured NHL All-Star Austin Matthews who demonstrates his snap shot techniques.

I would call this less of a tutorial and more of a pro-tips lesson.

Austin has one of the top quick-release snappers in the league so his advice is golden.

He explains what he is looking at when he shoots, hand position, and weight transfer tips.

Video 3: How To Take A Hockey Snapshot – On Ice Lesson

This third video covers the all-important snap shot setup including hand, feet, and body position.

I don’t know who this dude is, but he definitely knows his stuff and explains his technique very well.

He emphasizes getting your top hand out there well ahead of your body, which is the key to generating that snapping motion to generate power.

He even covers the weight transfer donkey-kick technique which not only increases the velocity of your shot but gives you some style points as well.

Video 4: Getting More Power Out Of Your Snap Shot

This video focuses on the mechanics of power generation.

You have to turn up the volume a little bit since the on-ice audio is a little hard to hear.

But the content is spot-on and uses slow-mo to emphasize the all-important snap shot elements and mechanics.

I like this guy’s technique because it really helps you understand the snapping power similar to cracking a wet towel – as he puts it.

Good stuff!

Video 5: How To Take A Hockey Snap Shot Like A Pro

This video focuses on how to deliver pro-power snap shots.

The coach breaks down how to take a pro-style snap shot and how to avoid 4 common mistakes players make with their snap shots.

Toward the end, he also provides a few drills and exercises you can use to develop a harder snap shot.

Video 6: Snap Shot Weight Transfer Technique

This short video focuses on how to properly transfer your weight when setting up your snap shots.

Transferring your weight and taking a strong stride onto the back leg adds power to this quick release shot that surprises goalies.

Video 7: Snap Shot And Shooting In Stride

This video tutorial shows you the important technique of shooting you snap shots in stride.

In this episode of Train Like A Canuck presented by Sport Chek, proper techniques for snap shots and shooting in-stride are demonstrated.

Hockey Snap Shot Summary And Checklist

The Set Up:

  • Your hand position is key. Approximately shoulder-width apart is best, top hand up
  • Pull the puck in close to your side in the shot box, which allows you to put more weight over your stick and increase your leverage
  • Your skates should be pointed forward to your target with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart
  • Your top hand should extend in front of your body to generate the snapping motion when you pull the trigger
  • Your body should be loose and your knee flexed

Shot Execution:

You can release the puck when it is located anywhere on your blade – from heel to tip. Wherever it is most comfortable to you

When you pull the trigger you should focus on using the flexibility of your stick shaft to bend and generate torque

Upon release, focus on the snapping motion – similar to cracking a wet towel

Wrapping It Up

Among the players who often score on snap shots are Joe Sakic, Teemu Selänne, Steven Stamkos, Alexander Ovechkin, Ilya Kovalchuk and Phil Kessel.

Us beer leaguers will obviously never equal their skill, but you can learn some additional tips by watching their techniques.

Related post: Hockey wrist shot