KC Kick

Welcome to KC Kick

⚽️Kansas City Youth Soccer

KC Kick is a place where players, parents, and coaches can all stay connected to the game. The site is built around our 2016 age group.

For Players

  • Learn new skill moves step by step.
  • Follow along with exercises and drills you can practice at home.
  • Build mental strength through the game iq section.

For Parents

  • Keep up with practice and game recaps.
  • See what your player is learning each week.
  • Understand how we’re teaching the game so you can support them from the sidelines and at home.

For Coaches

  • Share routines and practice plans.
  • Track progress across the season.
  • Connect with other coaches working with this age group.

Looking Ahead

Our current team is built around the 2016 birth year, but next year, soccer shifts to grade level. If you are interested in Youth Soccer in the Kansas City area please register through KC Legends.

🥅 Practice Outline for 2025 Season

  • KCL Practice Plan 1-28-26

    5:00–5:05 | Bounce Juggling

    We’ll start with bounce juggling to get focused and sharp.

    • Work toward 30 bounce juggles
    • Once you can do 30 juggles, next juggle twice and catch
    • Reset and repeat

    Focus: soft touches, balance, concentration

    5:05–5:15 | Shooting Drill (10 min)

    • Clean striking technique
    • Accuracy before power
    • Quick setup and finish

    The goal is to be composed and confident when shooting.

    5:15–5:25 | Passing & Skill Constraint Game (10 min)

    Same drill as last week:

    • Players must complete 10 passes or skills before scoring
    • Encourage movement, communication, and patience

    Focus: decision-making and supporting teammates

    5:25–5:40 | Scrimmage (15 min)

    • Free play with light coaching
    • Encourage creativity and application of skills

    5:40–5:45 | Team Discussion – The Four Agreements (Week 2)

    Be Impeccable With Your Word

    The Lesson: Words stick.

    We don’t label teammates as “slow” or “bad.” What we say matters, especially to kids. This starts with parents and coaches setting the example.

    If you tell a kid they are slow, they may believe it. If you build them up, they grow.

    Soccer Focus:

    • Saying “good effort” builds confidence
    • Encouragement helps teammates play better
    • We make soccer more fun by supporting each other

    5:45–6:00 | Box Time (15 min)

    Small-sided box play:

    • Lots of touches
    • Quick decisions
    • Game-like pressure

    This time allows players to apply what we worked on in a competitive setting.

    Theme of the Day:
    Your words matter. Build your teammates up.

  • KCL Practice Plan for 1-21-26

    This Wednesday’s session is designed to improve how we get open for teammates, and continue building the mindset we want going into the spring.

    Our normal practice time is 5:00–6:00 PM, with an optional extended session from 6:00–6:20 PM for players who would like to stay a little longer.

    Schedule & field setup

    • 5:00–5:40 → Red fields
    • 5:40–5:50 → Team break + discussion
    • 5:50–6:00 → Transition to large boxes
    • 6:00–6:20 → Large boxes (optional)

    The final 20 minutes are completely optional. If you need to leave at 6:00, no problem at all.

    Ball Mastery & Fake Shot Focus (5:00–5:15)

    We’ll open the session with our usual ball mastery work, but with a special emphasis on the fake shot.

    The fake shot is one of the most effective tools in soccer when it’s done correctly. We’ll focus on:

    • Selling the shot with body language
    • Getting the defender to commit
    • Changing direction and accelerating into space

    The goal here is technique over speed. Players will start slow, perform the move cleanly, and then explode rather than rushing through it.

    Freestyle Skills (5:15–5:20)

    For five minutes, players will work through freestyle touches.

    Each player will cycle through at least five different skills, repeating them and finding rhythm. This is about creativity, confidence, and becoming comfortable on the ball without pressure.

    Passing, Movement & Getting Open (5:20 –5:40 )

    For the extended portion, we’ll move into the larger boxes and work on getting open for passes and understanding where to go on the field.

    Players will work in 2v1 situations, with three groups of three running at the same time. The rule is simple:

    • Complete 10 passes or skills before you’re allowed to shoot

    Skip to 1:43

    Team Break & Discussion (5:40–5:50)

    We’ll take a short break to recap and introduce the first part of a mindset series based on The Four Agreements. I made a post about this a few weeks back.

    We’ll start with Controlling the Controllables.

    We can’t control:

    • Referees
    • Opponents
    • A bad play by a teammate

    What we can control:

    • Effort
    • Attitude
    • Decisions
    • How we respond to challenges

    The focus is simple: How do we still find ways to win and improve, even when things don’t go our way?


    Quote of the week:

    “It’s about always thinking. Always moving. If you stand still you can’t help your teammates or the team.”

    -Johan Cruyff

    Looking Ahead to Spring 2026

    We’re gearing up for the Spring 2026 Heartland season, and the seedings have been released. This year, we’ve been placed in Division 6.

    Here is a link to the seedings…

    As we prepare, our focus will stay on:

    • Off ball movement to get open for the pass
    • Better decisions and better shot selection
    • Blocking the shot when on defense
    • How to mark up the defender

    Every training session is a step toward that.

    We will also be selecting 2 captains for the year. Captains will be responsible for leading the team in warmups. They should also display leadership qualities like controlling the controllables.

  • KCL Practice Plan for 12-10-25 ⚽🔥

    As usual, tomorrow’s session is split between our time on the red field and finishing inside the boxes. We’ll use the field for our technical work and small competitions, then wrap up with a fun challenge.

    Field Session – 40 Minutes 🟥

    Warm-Up 🔄

    We’ll start with a quick ball-mastery warm-up to get everyone loose. Light dribbling, inside/outside touches, toe taps, and a few feints on command.

    Featured Move: Feint → La Croqueta Into a Shot 🎯

    Our main focus is combining a strong feint with a clean La Croqueta, followed by an explosive touch into a shot. The idea is to learn how to shake a defender, slide into space, and finish quickly.

    Progression:

    • No-pressure repetitions
    • Cone defenders
    • Light defensive pressure
    • Finish with a quick shot after the escape touch

    This move is great for breaking out of tight situations.

    Chip Shot / Lob Technique 🟢

    Please review the Chip Shot post. We’ll spend a few minutes teaching the kids how to lift the ball with control instead of power, short swing, locked ankle, and getting under the ball. This leads to cleaner chip passes and better touch in the final third.

    Through Ball Drill With Chip and Finish 🚀

    Next, we’ll run a timing drill where one player chips a through ball into space and another player runs onto it. The runner finishes immediately. This helps with game awareness, timing runs, and finding open space.

    Competitive Play 🥅

    We’ll end the field portion with either:

    • Fast 1v1 battles with 2 lanes
      or
    • A quick 3–4 player mini tournament

    It depends on the numbers and the energy, but either option keeps it intense and fun.

    Box Session – 20 Minutes 📦⚽

    Back Wall Challenge 🔥

    Inside the boxes, we’ll run a scoring competition. Players take turns striking the ball off the front wall, and if the rebound reaches the back wall, they earn a point.

    Structure:

    • Two rounds, seven minutes each
    • Track points
    • Top players move into a short bracket tournament

    One of the best ways to get touches and quick striking opportunities.

  • 📝 KCL Liverpool Game Recap 11-8-25

    We earned our first regular season win in several months, and it felt great not just because we won, but because of how we played. The team looked different today. Players were looking to pass before taking on defenders, and that made all the difference.

    When we play on a bigger field, we need to always be aware of where our teammates are, scanning the field and planning the next pass before we even receive the ball. There’s a time and place for skill moves, but right now, our goal is to pass first, skill second. Think of the skills as a secret weapon for when you get in trouble or crowded.

    We’ll continue to build on this with 2v2 and 2v1 possession drills to help players make quicker passing decisions and move off the ball. We will try to incorporate large rondos to also help with possession and scanning.

    ⚽ Team Highlights

    The best part of today’s victory was that everyone contributed. We had multiple goal scorers, great passing, and a higher overall team level. It wasn’t one standout player it was a team performance.

    We’re also working toward certifying players as “Maestros” by mastering the Basic Legends Skill Moves and demonstrating them in games. There is also the Ace Top Gun shooting program where we will be using different parts of the foot for both passing and shooting inside, middle, outside, and toe pokes when needed.

    🟢 Weekly Training Routine

    Here’s what players should work on at home this week:

    1. ✅ 250 Bounce Juggles (ball can bounce once between touches)
    2. ✅ Master the Body Feint –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr6SZMDbzEA
    3. ✅ Work on Puskas, Scissor, and Matthews. Time to see how many you can do in 60 seconds.

    📅 Upcoming Wednesday Practice

    Focus:

    • 2v1 Possession Time – learning to move off the ball and create passing angles
    • 20 Minutes of Box Time – working in larger boxes again, emphasizing control using different parts of the foot:
      • Inside, middle, and outside
      • Occasional toe poke, banana shot to the inside, outside curve, and volleys

    We’re building confidence and control with every session let’s keep the momentum going!

  • ⚽ Weekly Training Plan –Sept 30, 2025

    Five years from now, these kids will be trying out for their high school soccer teams. Our goal is to help them get there prepared and ready to compete for a varsity spot. That won’t be determined by how many wins or goals they had at age nine, but by the muscle memory and habits built from doing skills over and over since they were little.

    This winter, Legends has an outline that will bring in more passing and shooting. For now, we’re heavily focused on ball mastery. That doesn’t mean we want players doing a Maradona in our own goal box. Instead, we stick to Skill – Scan – Send. The skills allow us to scan, create space, and move the ball past the defender with control.

    To help track progress, we’ve put together an Excel spreadsheet for skills and stats. We’ll also be choosing two captains each week, based on standout performances at Wednesday practice or exceptional play during a game.

    Wednesday (Indoor) – Ball Mastery Session 5:00-6:00

    ⚙️ Ball Mastery (30–60 Seconds Each)

    • Moving Toe Taps
    • Inside Ball Taps (TikTok, Stationary)
    • Ball Shift – 3 Taps Left / 3 Taps Right
    • Rolls – Left to Right (Stationary)
    • Rolls – 2 Left / 2 Right (Moving)
    • Ball Shift (Stationary + Feint) – R & L
    • 2 Outside Touches / 2 Inside Touches – R & L
    • V Cut – Outside (R & L)
    • V Cut – Inside (Puskus, R & L)
    • L Drag Behind – Alternate Feet
    • 180 Turn Into Space (Cruyff)
    • Scissor (R & L)
    • Double Scissor
    • Matthews (R & L)
    • Ball Shift + Touch to Space (La Croqueta)
    • Stepover + Touch to Space (Opposite of Scissor)
    • Shield + Turn Into Space
    • Weak Foot Only

    🔄 Skills on Command (Group Work)

    Players move around the field and perform skills on command. They must keep doing the move until everyone has completed it.

    • Scissor
    • Maradona
    • Puskus
    • Wide V
    • Double Scissor
    • Roll
    • La Croqueta
    • L Turn
    • Matthews

    If time remains, quick 2v2 keep-away (no shooting).

    🎯 Focus is on clean technique, balance, and rhythm. Don’t rush control is more important than speed.

    ⏱ Box Training

    Box 1 (Solo Work) – Partner up and compete for high score

    • Wide V Cuts → Bounce off wall (alternate feet)
    • Puskus
    • Scissor

    Box 2 (Partner Work)

    • Point Battle: Shooter scores 1 point if the ball gets past defender and hits back wall (must hit plywood, not wire).

    🏠 Weekly Routine – Moves of the Week

    ⚙️ Home Assignments: 2-5 Times per week

    • 100 Wide V Turns – Alternate sides (50 left / 50 right)
    • 50 Scissors – Alternate left and right
    • 100 Bounce Juggles – Inside of foot only

  • ⚽ Weekly Training Plan – Sept 15, 2025

    This week, all players will continue with the Level 1 routine at home 2 to 5 times, depending on their schedule and other sports. Players do not need to complete the routine on days they have a team practice or a game. The goal is to build consistency and keep developing good training habits through the fall season.

    🥅 Practices This Week

    There will be two practices with Coach Chase this week and one practice on Monday with Coach Mark.

    Here are links to the practice plans:

    • Wednesday, Sept 17
    • Thursday, Sept 18

    If you would like to review earlier sessions, you can find them here:
    👉 Practice Recaps

    🟢 Level 1 Routine

    ✅ 100 toe taps (stationary)
    ✅ Skill move of the week — Cryuff Turn (10 left, 10 right)
    ✅ 100 bounce juggles (ball can bounce once between touches)

    📌 Skill Move of the Week: Cryuff Turn

  • 🗓️ KCL Liverpool Practice Plan – Thursday, Sept 11

    1. Basico Drill – 15 min

    • Passing rhythm, spacing, and ball control. Increase distance

    2. Split Groups – 15 min

    • Group 1: Finishing Drills
      • Quick release shots, use both feet, focus on accuracy and pace.
    • Group 2: Overlapping Passes with Finish
      • Work on timing overlaps, passing into space, and finishing runs.
    • Rotate groups halfway.

    3. Shoot, touch post, then go to defense.

    Drill #1

    4. Play Through Thirds game scrimmage

    Drill #5

  • 🗓️ KCL Liverpool Practice Plan – Wednesday, Sept 10th

    We’ve got two practices with Chase this week. Our normal Wednesday practice will be held indoors at 5:00 PM, focusing on ball mastery and finishing. On Thursday, we’ll have an outdoor practice at 6:30 PM.

    We may only have 40 minutes on the field, so we’ll move with purpose. Please arrive early so we can maximize our time together.

    ⚙️ Ball Mastery – 30–60 Seconds Each

    • Inside Ball Taps (TikTok)
    • Ball Shift – 3 Taps Left / 3 Taps Right
    • Rolls – Left to Right (Stationary)
    • Moving Rolls – 2 Left / 2 Right
    • Ball Shift (Stationary + Feint)
    • 2 Outside Touches / 2 Inside Touches – Right
    • 2 Outside Touches / 2 Inside Touches – Left
    • V Cut – Right, then Left
    • Wide V Cuts – Inside of foot, pivot to open
    • Short V → Touch Into Space
    • L Drag Behind – Alternate feet
    • 180 Turn Into Space
    • Scissor + Touch Into Space
    • Ball Shift + Feint (La Croqueta)
    • Stepover (Opposite of Scissor)
    • Shield + Turn Into Space
    • Weak Foot Only
    • Free Combo – Player’s Choice

    🎯 Focus Moves of the Day

    This week we’ll highlight and review two key skills during warm-up and drills:

    • Cryuff Turn
    • Finishing Drills

    Our finishing work will be inspired by a training video, emphasizing game-like actions:

    • Cryuff turn into a finish
    • Two rolls left or right into a finish
    • Two inside touches and two outside touches leading into a finish

    ⏱️ Scrimmage or Box Drills

    If the field is available, we’ll close practice with a scrimmage. If not, we’ll move into box drills:

    Box 1 – One Player Per Box

    • Wide V Cuts then bounce off wall, alternating feet
    • Wall Juggling: Inside of foot only, catching the ball every other bounce

    Box 2 – Two Players Per Box

    • Wall Passing Challenge: See how many clean passes pairs can make in 60 seconds
    • Point Battle: Compete to bounce the ball off the wall and past the defender. If the ball hits the back wall after passing the defender, it’s 1 point for the shooter.

  • 🗓️ KCL Liverpool Practice Plan – Thursday, Sept 4

    1. Basico Drill – 15 min

    • Passing rhythm, spacing, and ball control.

    2. Split Groups – 15 min

    • Group 1: Finishing Drills
      • Quick release shots, use both feet, focus on accuracy and pace.
    • Group 2: Overlapping Passes with Finish
      • Work on timing overlaps, passing into space, and finishing runs.
    • Rotate groups halfway.

    3. Pelota Academy Drill – 15 min

    • Keep-away style possession drill emphasizing quick touches, decision-making, and pressure handling.

    4. Scrimmage – 15 min

    • Free play to apply the week’s focus.
    • Encourage communication and combining overlaps into game play.

    💧 Water breaks should stay short, under 5 minutes total.

  • 🗓️ KCL Liverpool Practice Plan – Wednesday, Sept 3

    Update: Instead of practice we are doing a Scrimmage Sept 3rd.
    Location: Soccer Nation
    Time: 6:00

    We will focus on this practice plan next week, 9-10-25.

    There will be two practices with Chase for the week of September 1st. We will hold the normal Wednesday 5:00 practice focusing on ball mastery and finishing. We will also be holding an outdoor practice on Thursday at 6:30.

    We may only have 40 minutes on the field, so we’ll move with purpose. Plan to arrive ready to go. We will follow the same exact ball mastery routine this week.

    ⚙️ Ball Mastery – 30-60 Seconds Each

    1. Inside Ball Taps (TikTok)
    2. Ball Shift – 3 Taps Left / 3 Taps Right
    3. Rolls – Left to Right (Stationary)
    4. Moving Rolls – 2 Left / 2 Right
    5. Ball Shift (Stationary + Feint)
    6. 2 Outside Touches / 2 Inside Touches – Right
    7. 2 Outside Touches / 2 Inside Touches – Left
    8. V Cut – Right, then Left
    9. Wide V Cuts – Inside of foot, pivot to open
    10. Short V → Touch Into Space
    11. L Drag Behind – Alternate feet
    12. 180 Turn Into Space
    13. Scissor + Touch Into Space
    14. Ball shift + Feint (La Croqueta)
    15. Stepover (Opposite of Scissor)
    16. Shield + Turn Into Space
    17. Weak Foot Only
    18. Free Combo – Player’s Choice

    🎯 Focus Moves of the Day

    We will highlight and review these two skill moves during our warm-up and drills:

    1. Maradona 
    2. Ball Shift + Feint – Shift ball laterally and fake with body

    Finishing drills

    Focus on finishing drills inspired from this training video.

    • Ball shift to finish
    • 2x roll to left or right plus finish
    • 2x inside, 2x outside from left to right 2x to finish

    ⏱️ If the field is available we will scrimmage. If not, we will move to box drills.

    Box 1 – One Player Per Box:

    • Wide V Cuts then bounce off wall, using alternating feet
    • Wall Juggling: Inside of foot only, catching the ball every other bounce

    Box 2 – Two Players Per Box:

    • Wall Passing Challenge: See how many clean passes pairs can make in 60 seconds
    • Point Battle: Compete to bounce the ball off the wall and past the defender
      • If the ball hits the back wall after passing the defender, it’s 1 point for the shooter