The object of this shot is for the forward shooter to pretend to be setting-up or positioning the ball to do a brush/push-kick shot, then unexpectedly sneak the shot pass the defense. Basically, the idea is to catch the goalie laxing or off-guard with their defense, then while the goalie is not expecting it, the shooter shoots a brush shot in a sneaky fashion. Thus, the name "Sneak Pop" or "Sneak kick".

Some of the skillful brush shot shooter will even go as far as to act like they are having trouble controlling the ball while setting up a push kick shot. This shot is all about acting and deception. The better the acting job, then the better the chance of scoring. Some players can do this shot while the ball is moving and/or when the ball is stationary. In my opinion, I believe the degree of deception is better while the ball is in motion. This is because, by appearance, it looks as if the shooter is not intending on shooting at this time, but rather, the shooter is merely preparing to shoot. Though, I sometimes do this shot while the ball is stationary, I mostly prefer to do this shot when the ball is moving. I just believe that the Scoring Percentage Rate (SPR) is higher when the ball is in motion.

Here is how it works
After the forward shooter gets possession of the ball, he or she should move the ball parallel along the rod's axis. Remember, not to move the ball around too much so that it looks as if you are about to do a shot. With so much movement going on before them, most goalies will most certainly be on their guard, especially the more experience goalie. Keep in mind that the whole idea behind this type of shot is deception and sneakiness.

Begin setting up a sneak-kick shot by first moving the ball between men in a subtle manner.

One of the more important thing you need to remember is to watch the defensive formation while you are preparing to do this shot. Don't just go through the motions assuming that the goalie is falling for the trick. Keep in mind that the goalie just might be baiting you, especially if it's a well-seasoned goalie. While setting up the shot, observe the goalie's body language and mannerism. You should constantly be observing the defensive formation all the while when intending on doing a sneak kick shot.

One method to help increase the scoring percentage rate is to disguise the shot to where the goalie will let his/her guard down just before the shot is executed. For example, some players will act as if they are struggling at setting up for a pull shot. The shooter in his act will pass the ball back and forth between the middle and near man on the 3-man rod. The idea behind this acting attempt is to get the goalie to become tired of waiting for the shooter to set up the shot. When the shooter sees that the goalie has let his guard down, the shooter should then execute the shot while the ball is moving from the middle man to the near man.

Move the ball from the middle man to the near man to execute the shot.

As the ball is moving from the middle man to the near man, the shooter should then position the near man to execute a push kick. Remember, subtly is essential. The shooter should quickly execute the shot while the goalie defense is most vulnerable. Usually while the shooter is moving the ball back and forth between men, the goalie so too moves their defensive formation accordingly. It is between the shifting of the zone defense or rather during the movement of the defense where the defense is most vulnerable.

When the opportunity is there, quickly execute a long or short push kick shot.

This type of shooting concept can also be incorporated to a near-man push shot. Some push shot shooters who do push shots from the near position will act as if they are struggling to set up a push shot at the near man position. Again, after a while of this, the goalie might relax his/her guard, thus creating an opportunity for the shooter to sneak in a quick push kick.

This offensive concept can also be applied to a "sneak pop" version of the pull-kick shot. Remember, that a pull-kick shot is the cousin to the push kick shot. With the pull-kick, the ball is being pulled rather than push. By applying the same acting concepts while setting up a far man and middle man pull shot, the sneak kick can also be incorporated with the same deadly affect.

Apply the same sneak pop shot concept when doing a pull kick or pull shots from the far man or middle man position.

Pros and Cons
Like with any other type of shot with this kind offensive approach, the sneak kick shot is not without its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage to this shot is that the shooter can sneak in a quick score when the goalie least expects it. But, I'm afraid that the disadvantages may out number the advantages in this case. First, in order for this shot to work flawlessly, the goalie must be totally unaware that a sneak kick is in the works. Remember, the last thing that a good shooter wants to do is turn the ball over to the other side. Second, once this shot has been successfully done against a goalie, the goalie becomes better aware and improves his defensive game as the game goes on. Some of the better goalies will even set up baiting schemes to get the shooter to shoot into their defense. Finally, doing a sneak kick shot requires timing and patience. This means that this shot should be used sparely and less frequently than most other shots. The less this shot is used, the more effective it becomes.

Probability of shot success
Against goalie beginners - fairly high probability
Against goalie novice - maybe 50-60 percent probability
Against pro level goalie - maybe 20-40 percent probability
Against master/expert goalie - maybe 5-20 percent probability

The sneak kick shot is an effective weapon to have in anyone's arsenal. It's a good way for a quick score. especially against the inexperience goalie. Unfortunately, in order for it to have a high scoring percentage rate (SPR) it must be used sparely. Against well-eperience goalies, the shot SPR drops dramatically. Some well-experience goalies will even go as far as applying baiting techniques as a means of getting the shooter to turn the ball over. But, when the sneak kick shot is used appropriately, it can be the right shot at the right time.