Slip Shot
A another component to the pull shot

The slip shot is probably one of an important, yet seldom used aspect or rather component used in the dynamics of things when shooting a pull shot. When wisely used with a pull shot, the slip shot can bring lots of frustration to the defender. I called it the slip shot because the nature of the shot is to get the defense to move out of the way and then the shot slips in behind the defense. The concept is to use a pull shot on a regular basis during the course of the game. This is to get the defender used to seeing and thinking pull shot. After a while, the defender will usually begin to lead or race to block the pull shot thus leaving the straight-in wide open. Also, the defender might attempt to use baiting or flexing tactics to cover the middle or long pull. In either case, this is a prefect time to incorporate a slip shot.

slip shot

When doing a slip shot, the ball should be set up in a pull shot position. Ideally, you want the ball to be directly under the rod. Like I said previously, as you progress and develop you own pull, one that is more suitable to you, you may or may not agree with my ball positioning. When you are ready to do the shot, you should make like you are doing a regular pull shot. You move everything except the ball as if you are doing a pull shot. Then with the third man or the man on the far side, you hit the unmoved ball straight in.

The idea behind the slip shot is to get the goalie to think that you are doing a regular pull shot, thus the defense will move from the straight-in defense and follow your man in motion. The idea is to do this shot in one quick single motion as if it is a regular pull shot. Usually, when this shot is done correctly, the defender doesn't even know what hit him.

Ideally, you want to be hitting your pull shots consistently during the game. Then when or if the defender starts to shut down your pull shot, then that is when you should do a slip shot. Once you start making a few slip shot, then the defender now realizes that there is another element of your shooting game to contend with. The defender will not be so quick to leave the straight in open. As a result, you can go back to hitting your long pulls. Be sure to mix up your pull shot. Only use the slip shot to keep the defender in check. Never start out doing a slip shot before making a pull shot.

Usually when you start hitting long, then the other holes like middle or the slip shot begin to open up because the defender is attempting to put forth a better effort at covering long. This same principal goes with the straight in or middle pull shot. Always, look and take what the defense gives you. This will most certainly frustrate any defense.

The slip shot is a very easy shot to master, and yet I have only seen a few use it. It is a major part of my pull shot shooting game. The ideal slip shot is disguised very well and is hard to see coming. It should be done in one quick motion. Use it wisely with the pull shot, and it will increase your pull shot scoring percentage immensely.