What is the difference between a snap shot and a slap shot in hockey?


A snap shot is an abbreviated wrist shot in ice hockey. The purpose of the snap shot is to combine the main advantages of the wrist shot (shot accuracy and quick delivery) and slap shot (puck speed).

The snap shot is accomplished with a quick snap of the wrists while the puck rests in place.  The slap shot, on the other hand, is accomplished with a wind-up involving lifting the hockey stick to shoulder height or higher and then slapping the ice slightly behind the puck, using the weight to bend the stick, storing energy in it like a spring. The player then rolls their wrists and shifts their weight so that the energy stored in the stick is released through the puck.