Snake-Shot Tips
What's a Snake-Shot?
A Snake-Shot is also called a rollover, and for good reason. You accually roll over to hit the ball into the goal. Note: you don't do a full 360 degree revolution so you don't break the rules.
Like a pull-shot, the snake has 3 holes to hit. These include both corners and the middle. However unlike the pull, the snake takes the same ammount of time for all 3 shots so, in my opinion it's a more effective shot. Of course, I'm biased.
To do a Snake, you need to use your wrist just under your thumb. Rest your wrist in the groove of the rod handle. (You'll achieve a faster rotation using the narrower part of the handle) You'll need to use your fingers to stop the rotation so, I like to hold my hand like a hook. Also, almost every Snake shooter I've seen will use some kind of wrap for the handle. I like to use a rubber wrap made from a bicycle innertube (26 x 1.75 will give you about 13 wraps for $3) I find that a rubber wrap allows no slippage whatsoever and takes the slop out of my technique. It's hard on the skin but you'll get a callus to help that!
1. Hand Position
2. Front pin position (American pin)
3. Downward pressure
4. Control the roll
5. execute the roll-over
What's the advantage?
Snake Basics:
Hand Position:
Front Pin Position:
You can lose alot of points by missing your pin set-up. There are many different ways to get the ball in the front pin. Use whatever works for you.
for an effective Snake-shot, you will want to position the ball in the center of the goal. If you choose not to, you may give away your intentions.
You will want to pin the ball so that the man contacts the center of the ball. Note: the tip of the man is not where it makes contact. There is a bend just behind the tip, use this point to establish the center pin position. If you have the ball pinned too far behind you can tap the man on the ball and it will move the ball foreward. Practice doing this.
If you have the ball pinned to far behind and shoot it will cause the ball to launch at an angle. You can use that to your advantage but usually you'd want a straight shot.
After you get the ball pinned properly, you can change to your snake hand position.

Note: if you take your hand off of the rod when changing to your proper hand position, you must wait one second before shooting. FYI: I heard that the one second rule was eliminated but until I see it in the books I'll wait the one second.

American Pin position: when you have the ball front pinned with your wrist on the handle.
Euro Pin position: when you have the ball front pinned but with a normal grasp on the handle.
Downward Pressure:
It is necessary to maintain a pressure on the ball when it is pinned for a snake-shot. You want to use only enough pressure to hold the ball under the man's toe. Too much pressure and the ball will pop out and go out of your 3-rod's range. If you hold only the minimum pressure required and the ball pops off your rod, you have a better chance of maintaining ball possesion.
Control the Roll:
After you've pinned the ball you need to work on the roll. The reason you want to roll on the ball is to distract the defense. The roll is a very important part of the shot. The better the roll, the better placement of the shot. There are a few different techniques you can do. 1. A slow and steady roll, 2. A jerky roll  3. A roll "from dead man" 4. Hovering above the ball before rolling and striking it (very effective but difficult)
Of these, the roll "from dead man" is the most difficult. This means that you shoot from a still position. Though it is the most difficult, it can be the most effective. You can fake one way and quickly go the other. I do this alot.
Before Shot
After shot
Execute:
Usually when I teach people how to do the Snake, I tell them that it's a 3 part shot.
1. Pin & Roll
2. Pause
3. Shoot

Of these 3 parts, the pause is what gives people problems. You will need to pause after the roll to allow the ball to get to the corner of the goal. Don't worry about the speed of the shot. It will feel rediculously slow at first but, it is still effective. The better you get at the roll, the less you will need to pause. The fastest roll requires no pause.

Another thing, coming off the roll your man will pass the ball momentarily and you will need to return to the ball to shoot it in. This gives a whiping action to the shot. Once you do it, you'll know what I mean. It will happen naturally if you are rolling back and forth quickly.

If you're still having problems with the shot, don't give up. You can do this. I've seen guys learn it in 15 minutes and I've seen guys who've been working on it for a month and still have problems. Advise: Get help from a Pro. Email me and I'll get you in touch with a good Snake shooter in your area. (MI only)

Now get to practicing!   Print this out and take it to a table. You'll get it.
Tips:
Snake Veterans: If you see something I left out, let me know!
Practice:
When practicing the snake. it is important to set up the ball in the same place every time. Also practice an equal ammount of pushes to pulls so you don't develop a favorite side.
Very Important: Don't forget to practice a rolling middle shot.
(Rolling back and forth)
updated  3/07