Can you help me distinguish between the different Ice Hockey shots?

In ice hockey, choosing the right shot is all about balancing power, speed of release, and deception. While the thunderous slap shot gets the highlights, many modern players prefer quicker releases to catch netminders off guard.

1. The Slap Shot ("The Clapper")

The Move: A full wind-up where the stick is raised to shoulder height or higher. The blade strikes the ice slightly before the puck, using the stick's flex like a spring to launch it at maximum velocity.
When to Use: Typically used by defensemen from the "point" (near the blue line) during a power play or when they have plenty of time and space to wind up.
Goalie Perspective: It's the fastest shot (often 90–100+ mph), but the long wind-up acts as a telegraph, giving the goalie time to set their position.

2. The Wrist Shot

The Move: The puck stays in contact with the blade throughout the motion. It uses a sweeping motion powered by the wrists and forearms rather than a big swing.
When to Use: This is the most common shot in hockey because it is highly accurate and can be released while skating in stride.
Goalie Perspective: A "low and quick" wrist shot is very effective because it's hard to read. Since there's no wind-up, the goalie has much less time to react to the release point.

3. The Snap Shot

The Move: A hybrid of the slap and wrist shots. It involves a very short, abrupt backswing (usually only to knee height) and a quick "snap" of the wrists.
When to Use: Ideal for forwards in tight spaces or off the rush when they need to get a shot away instantly before a defender can block it.
Goalie Perspective: Many consider this the most effective shot because it combines surprising speed with the quickest release in the game.

4. The Backhand

The Move: Striking the puck using the back (convex) side of the blade.
When to Use: Used when a player is forced to their "off" side, often in close range during breakaways or when digging for rebounds near the crease.
Goalie Perspective: Widely cited as the hardest shot to read. Because of the blade's curve, it's difficult for a goalie to tell where the puck is going until it’s already in the air.

Summary: What’s Hardest to Stop?

While every goalie is different, specific scenarios consistently cause the most trouble:

Quick Release over Raw Power: A 70 mph snap shot with no warning is often harder to save than a 100 mph slap shot that the goalie saw coming for two seconds.
The Unpredictable Backhand: Its deceptive trajectory makes it a "nightmare" for tracking.
Low, "Change of Direction" Shots: Pulling the puck laterally just before shooting forces the goalie to shift their weight, often opening up the "five-hole" (between the legs) or low corners.
Above the Pad, Below the Glove: Shots aimed roughly 6–12 inches off the ice are difficult because they are too high for a pad save but too low for an easy glove or blocker reaction.