KwiK-Hands System Feedback

Is it ok to post these observations ? Yes.
Name: Alec Porter
Age: 6
Players Level: Mite B (2nd year of full-gear hockey)
Did your package arrive in good condition? Yes.
Did you understand the Directions? Yes.
Did you understand the Use Notes? Yes.
Did you understand the Proficiency Chart? Yes.

Week #1:
Five days, 30 reps, 3 sets (golf, level three, level four, golf); Alec was reporting soreness in his top hand bicep; struggled early week on proper wrist roll, on keeping the bottom hand loose, and on keeping the golf ball on the mat (at the conclusion of a set); Alec thinks it is very funny how the golf ball blasts off his stick; on-ice, in his mite 3-on-3 league for kids under 10, he attempts to stickhandle through the pack (results are mixed), but his prior behavior was to shoot the puck down ice and chase it.

Week #2:
Six days, 35 reps, three sets (golf, level three, level four, golf); about mid week I removed the level three ball (he can effectively move it from foot to foot, but I wanted to see if it was the source of his pain); Alec still had some pain but he said it was from his arm tiring; very good wrist movement, no instruction to loosen the bottom hand, and he is better at keeping the golf ball on the mat; his speed and technique with the golf ball, to me, are remarkable; in his on-ice stick handling drills, Alec is clearly at ease with the puck (it is evident, he is not thinking about the process of stick handling).

Week #3:
Six days, 40 reps, three sets (golf, level four, golf); I removed the level three ball; Alec still has pain, but he said it was from his hand getting tired; no comment to him about hand movement or hand position; at times, I still remind him to work it at the heal and to watch his shoulder position (too much forward lean); most times Alec has wonderful technique, but will lapse into pushing the balls when he gets creative and tries to really push his speed (like the guys on the video, as he says); Alec takes great pride in that he can do his sets with his head up (I encourage him to watch); he oozes smug with the golf ball (the ball with which he truly is having fun); walking to the rink, he make believes he is stick handling.

Other observations:
Shortly after we got the system, I went to Turcotte's site with Alec; yesterday, as we were walking from the arena, Alec asked me when he was going to stick handling school.

Earlier this week, Alec said to me (away from any hockey related activity), "Dad, I really like hockey".

Hum?

Week four is progressing well. Alec wanted to start the week by including the level three and level two balls to his workout; so, I let him (I did not want to get in the way of his enthusiasm). His arm is not tiring and there is no pain. He did all seven days this week. I let him add the level one ball for 10 reps on Friday and Saturday. I am amazed that he can move it foot to foot. I am so bummed that I did not take video of him the night your system arrived; it didn't look good.

We are so impressed with your system, that we purchased Alec a PowerSkater. You're a trend setter, Ron. Thanks, again.

Best Regards,

Bruce and Heather Porter.

12/05/03 - Update
Alec Porter Week #5

Morning Ron,

Alec is hanging in there, his only day off was Thursday.  He stick handled all balls for 30 reps (the level one ball 15 reps) and began and ended each set with the golf ball.  He stick handled the golf ball with surprising speed; and twice controlled it for the 30 reps.  His technique and speed with the level four ball was very good, however most notable the past week was the ease with which he moved the level three and level two balls.

Is the level one ball critical to Alec's development?  I was considering removing it from the rotation so that I could increase his reps to 35 this week, 40 in week seven, 45 in week eight.  Then in January, I would reduce the number of days to three each week at 50 reps per ball/set.

The plan is to continue his daily training through December and then modify his schedule beginning in January.  He's going to begin continuing swimming lessons in January.  Also, he likes to do karate two-three days each week and of course there are the hockey practices two-three days each week.  I want to ensure that it does not become a daily chore for him and that it remains fun and something he wants to do.  Do you have any thoughts on what we should do beginning this week and then once he nears proficiency?

It sounds like hes nearing the proficiency level already...just remember that proficiency is defined as the point when the player consistently uses the proper motion on the ice in critical situations, like a 1 on 1, 1 on 0, and tight space drills. This is where his stick handling skills will really show. Give him the option of how many times and reps per week he would like to do. Since you know what point he is at and what his schedule is like you can be flexible. Keep me posted with any issues and especially his on ice performance. I'm getting lots of comments from parents telling me that the coaches are asking their kids what they are doing to improve their hands. Good luck....Ron

Jan 9,2004 update
We gave Alec a two week break from the system for the Christmas break. He started up again this week and is doing the same routine as before, yet just three days a week. Like you mentioned, Alec has time on his side. On the ice, we definitely see more snap in his wrist shot and much more stick handling of the puck (as opposed to the shoot and chase). He did have one of those moments that caused me to do a double take; he did a little Gretzky move on one of the coaches during a one-on-one drill. The time away was beneficial because he came back very fresh; he moves that golf ball better than the guys in your video.

Great! Keep up the good work.