This section documents some helpful notes, which will allow you to get the most out of your stickhandling system. Monitoring the player will ensure that the proper motion is being used. Match the motion you see on the video with the players motion to be sure you achieve the desired results.

The preferred surface is ½ inch foam rubber mats. We use the interlocking foam rubber mats. They are cheap and provide the proper resistance. We use 2 mats to form a 2’x4’ surface. This is plenty of area. While these balls can also be used on concrete or asphalt, the surface does not provide enough resistance. All passing we do is done on a concrete surface at a 2-20 foot distance. We primarily use Level 1 and 2, which produces a very good result. These levels are especially useful on the ice for passing, and warm-ups prior to shooting.

Level notes:
First and foremost: Never shoot or throw a KwiK-Hands stickhandling ball, never use a ball that is too heavy and always begin at the level appropriate for the player’s strength.

If the player can use the proper motion on the level 1 ball for all 30 reps, then this is the appropriate level to begin at.

Pre-Use notes:
Prior to using the system – Stick handle a golf ball and note the proficiency level according to the points below.
Note the lower hand usage. Should be loose, and only supporting the stick

Note the upper wrist movement. Is it rolling? If so, the tip of the stick can be clearly seen to flip left and right. A butt end that is too large will inhibit the development of a proper motion. The end of the stick should should be placed in the middle of the palm.

Have the player use an opposite curve and repeat #1 and note. You should find the same thing I have found. First their response is, huh? Then they will say, but it’s the wrong stick how can I stick handle? Since stick handling is done at the heel of the stick, it is possible to stick handle with either stick. Most cannot do this prior to using the system. Using a stick with a heel curve will make stickhandling more difficult.

Note the eye position of the player. Is he looking down?

Note the proficiency of the player stick handling on his forehand side of the body.

Have the player stick handle using opposite hands. Have a leftie stick handle as a righty. Most can’t do this at all. This should be possible after proficiency is reached. It won’t be perfect but you’ll see a huge difference here.

• Level 1 - The heaviest workout ball at 64 ounces is where you will see the older kids have a real problem. Only the proper wrist motion will move the ball.
• Level 2 - This workout ball is 38 ounces.
• Level 3 - The Pro Stickhandling Ball is 19 ounces – After the player becomes proficient with the system he should be able to really move the level 3 ball. Speed and distance are important when the player becomes proficient. A full 4 foot movement at top speed on both the forehand and backhand side is important here.
• Level 4 – The Stick Handling Ball. When the player can handle this ball like a golf ball, its at this point the player is considered proficient. The speed will not be as fast as a golf ball. But the difference between the start of the program and this point will be self-evident. The player should also be expected to stick handle this ball on the forehand side of his body.

During system use:
When monitoring the players be sure of the following points.

Tip of the stick – When starting a rep, be sure the ball is cupped and the tip of the stick crosses in front of the ball. After a proper wrist roll the tip should be all the way to the opposite side and this should also be the next side starting position.

Make sure the player is always watching the motion and positioning of his stick while using the KwiK–Hands™ system. This is essential to mastering the system quickly. When using the golf ball at the start and end he should have his eyes up and using his split vision.

Ball movement – The two foot rule. For the Level 1 ball they try to cheat because the ball is heavy. If they cant move a particular level ball the 2 feet, then go to the next level and come back after the proper motion is attained. After the proper motion is attained, ball movement and speed will increase. We have seen players that have not been aggressive enough when using the system. They have taken too long at the 2 foot length. They need to make steady progress to move to a 4 foot ball movement with increasing speed.

What to expect:
After 1 week – A noticeable change may be seen when using a golf ball.

After 3 weeks – The change you should see on dry land will be clear. You will begin to see a change on the ice also. It maybe occasional, but it will be very well defined. A player who would not normally take a chance, in a corner, in the back of the net or at the blue line will show a flash of creativity. The player will also start reporting a change in his game and his abilities.

After 60 days – If done properly. Proficiency may be reached. Approximately 21,600 reps will have been done. Opposite stick handling will be vastly improved. They won’t be thinking about stick handling any more. It will be automatic. A new and more confident player will be developing. It is at this point, where a player will get the most out of stick handling and fake drills on the ice. I have tried many drills on the ice to develop players that can actually drop their shoulder and fake. They are limited by the player’s ability or lack thereof to stick handle. The youth hockey player is overwhelmed by everything he has to remember and do on the ice. Stick handling is so simple and so easy to learn with this system that it will take away one more thing for them to think about.