Marc K.

I have been involved with teaching sports, strength & conditioning for the past 29 years.

1985 - 1989; Started the hockey instruction and development program for the National Novice Hockey League (now known as Hockey America). Coached an adult team in the NNHL.

1987 – 1990; Head strength coach at Aspen Hill Nautilus in Silver Spring, MD. CPT and Member of National Strength and Conditioning Association.

1990 –1998; Continued part-time in the fitness industry as an ‘on-call’ instructor for baseball, hockey and lacrosse teams for local youth leagues; started one of the first private personal training businesses in the DC area to work with individuals ‘one-on-one’ in reaching their fitness, sports and weight-loss goals.

1990 – 1996; Hosted a summer ‘weekends only’ street hockey clinic at Olney ES / Rosa Parks MS that culminated with an end of summer street hockey tournament.

This event drew scores of individuals each weekend and hundreds for the tournament. I instructed with the latest techniques and drills for off-ice conditioning, shooting and stickhandling; pioneered competitive 3 on 3 mini games.

2000 – 2006; Coached baseball and football for OBGC (Olney Boys & Girls Club). Baseball: Head baseball coach at every level (won two championships) and based on performance, selected to coach the all-star team on several occasions. Won travel tourney in 2002. Football: Assistant coach defense.

2007 – 2012; provided private hockey instruction to elite level players in the Falls Church, Reston, Tyson’s, McLean and Ashburn areas of Virginia.

2012 – 2014; Created and continue to development the ‘Starter Hockey’ program at the Rockville Town Square, Outdoor Ice Rink.

My coaching philosophy: Provide a very POSITIVE atmosphere and FUN learning environment. Keep up to date on the latest training routines while focusing on injury prevention.

1969: Started playing ice hockey / baseball / flag football at age 5 in the Boston area.

1970 – 1979; played on hockey / baseball all-star and travel teams at every level.

1979 -1982; moved to Maryland and played ice hockey for the Wheaton Hockey Club (now Mont. Hockey).

Played High School hockey for *Kennedy HS while also playing for the Jr. Metros team (Jr. Metros was the Maryland HS aged all star / travel team). Played in a host of east coast and international tournaments; mostly with teams from Boston, New York, and Canada (Toronto, Scarborough and Mississauga). Voted to High School All Star Game played at the old Capital Centre.

*There was no high school hockey league when I got here in 1979. So I was part of a delegation that actually created the first high school hockey league in Maryland, the Suburban High School Hockey League.

1984 - 1989; Attended University of Maryland and played ice hockey for the Club team.

First session assess the level of the player. Always start out focusing on repetition of the basics for the first 10 minutes. Performing basic fundamentals is key to building a solid foundation; it also takes a players technical skills to a higher level, with much more depth.

Basic focuses: agility, balance, quick stick work, passing, shooting accuracy, and body positioning.

Sessions are designed to identify weaknesses and fine-tune drills to address them. All drills involve multiple steps, which helps the player pay attention to detail, and adds an element of 'thought' to the session. Paying attention to form / detail is one of the most important factors in improving athletic success.

Drills are done in speed and intensity increments. Starting out overly slow to make sure drills are performed with proper form; then gradually increase the speed and intensity of the drill until drills can be done with proper form at game speed.

I am a huge believer in relating every skill to something externally visual so that skill is not forgotten. These concepts really stick with the players.

I encourage setting small goals and self competitions throughout the session to increase fun and focus.

My sessions are extremely effective and players experience huge improvements. I like to simplify the game, break down skills into their basic parts, have players do form-perfect repetitions, and that creates high-skilled, smart, humble athletes who are able to play at higher levels.

My training sessions typically go 60 minutes. I can train players on-ice and off-ice. Sessions include overall skills development related to skating, leg power, acceleration and agility movements; shot and passing quickness, speed and accuracy; body positioning and form.

My program is enhanced by several proprietary devices I invented and patented (some pat.pending) that greatly assist with skill building by increasing sport specific muscle strength.