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Practice Recap & Game Plan Update – Week of April 1 ⚽️
We had a really strong practice yesterday,90 minutes of constant action. The players got a ton of touches on the ball, and we pulled in a few drills that some of the top teams in Kansas are using at this age level.
Right now we’re sitting at 2–1, which is a solid start.
Looking ahead to this Saturday, there’s a bit of a unique situation.
The Bulldogs team we played last week is a younger group (mostly 2nd grade) and they’re still finding their footing, especially with a few new players. The league director reached out and asked that we do our best to keep games more competitive when there’s a mismatch.
Because of that, we’re going to make a few adjustments.
Some of our stronger players will see reduced minutes this game ⏱️, and a few will sit out entirely. This gives us a chance to:
- Create a more balanced and competitive game ⚖️
- Give newer and younger players more meaningful minutes 🌱
- Let players grow in different roles and situations 🧠⚽️
This is actually a really good opportunity for the team. Development doesn’t just come from winning games, it comes from being in situations where players have to think, adapt, and step up.
Looking forward to seeing how the group responds this weekend 🙌⚽️.
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KC Kicks Practice Plan
- Date: Tuesday, March 10
- Time: 5:15 PM – 6:45 PM
- Location: Swarner Park Field 3
- Bring:
- Shin guards
- Water bottle
- Soccer ball size 4
We will begin introducing our pre-game warmup routine, followed by competitive small-sided games and finishing with a scrimmage. ⚽
Part 1 — Game Warm-Up Routine (30-40 Minutes)
The first 30-40 min of practice follows the same routine we’ll use before games. The goal is to build a rhythm the players recognize so when game day arrives, nothing feels new.
1. Freestyle Dribbling (5 minutes)
Players spread out with a ball.
Focus points:
- Change speed frequently
- Change direction
- Use favorite moves
- Keep the ball close when in traffic
This is a chance for players to get comfortable on the ball and wake up their feet.
2. Juggling (5 minutes)
Players juggle individually or with a partner.
Goals:
- Improve touch
- Develop coordination
- Build confidence with the ball
Players should challenge themselves but keep the ball under control.
3. Dynamic Passing (5 minutes-10 minutes)
Players form small passing groups.
Rules:
- Two or three balls moving at the same time
- Constant movement
- One or two touch when possible
The focus here is awareness and quick decisions.
4. Multidirectional Possession Battle (15 minutes)
Grid: 25×25
Teams: Two teams
Target Players: One outside player for each teamHow it works:
- Teams keep possession inside the grid
- Each team has a target player outside the grid
- Players can score a point by completing a pass to their target
- After a successful pass, the player who passed switches places with the target
Coaching focus:
- Quick support
- Playing under pressure
- Finding passing lanes
5. Final Third Attack Game (15 minutes)
Grid: 30×30
Setup: One goal on one end
Teams: 4v4 plus 4 neutralsRules:
- Teams must connect a pass to a neutral player before attacking the goal
- Only one team attacks at a time
- If a team gets scored on, they rotate and become neutrals
Coaching focus:
- Creating space
- Off-ball movement
- Quick attacking decisions
Part 2 — Competitive Game Play
We will setup a tournament with 2-4 players per team depending on numbers
3v3 Small-Goal Matches
There are 4 goals setup to make 2 fields across the width of the field.
Format
- 3v3
- No goalkeepers
Teams will rotate for better matchups
Coaching emphasis:
- Dribble into space when it opens
- Keep the head up and scan
- Make quick passes when defenders collapse
- Immediate pressure after losing the ball
Part 3 — Scrimmage (20 Minutes)
We finish with a full scrimmage. For the scrimmage we will use the entire field and either drag over a large goal or use small goal/s.
This is the time for players to apply everything from practice:
- Dribbling into open space
- Making long passes when available
- Supporting teammates off the ball
- Winning the ball back quickly
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⚽ KC Kick Warmup Plan
A 30-Minute Structure
🔵 First 15 Minutes – Technical Foundation
Three 5-minute blocks. No wasted time. No long lines.
1️⃣ Freestyle Dribbling (5 Minutes)
Setup:
20×20 grid (adjust based on numbers). Every player has a ball.Focus:
- Change speed
- Change direction
- Use favorite moves
- Explode into space after the move
Coaching reminders:
- Slow to fast
- Sell the move
- Push into space
- Head up between touches
Last 2 minutes:
- Weak foot only
- Perform a move before accelerating
- Beat someone with speed
This is about confidence and rhythm.
2️⃣ Juggling (5 Minutes)
This block sharpens touch and focus.
Structure:
- Players can start with bounce juggles
- Juggle 2 times then catch the ball
- Try for a new record each practice
Encourage:
- Clean contact
- Weak foot touches
- Calm body control
3️⃣ Dynamic Passing (2–3 Balls) – 5 Minutes
Same grid. Start with 2 balls. Add a third if it’s clean.
Rules:
- Move after every pass
- No standing next to the player you passed to
- One-touch when possible
Coaching focus:
- Scan before receiving
- Open body shape
- Firm passes
- Communication
It should feel fast, slightly chaotic, and controlled.
🔴 Final 15 Minutes – Competitive Game Play
Choose one based on the day.
Option 1: Multi-Directional Possession Battle (25×25)
Setup:
- 25×25 grid
- 2 teams inside
- Each team has 1 target player outside
Teams score by connecting a pass to their target.
After the pass, the player switches with the target.Develops:
- Angles of support
- Playing away from pressure
- Quick transitions
- Off-ball movement
This is great for building composure and awareness.
Option 2: 4v4+4 in the Final Third (30×30)
Setup:
- 30×30 grid
- Goal on one end
- 4v4 inside
- 4 neutrals around perimeter
To attack, a team must first connect with a neutral.
If your team gets scored on, you rotate out and become neutrals.
Emphasis:
- Combination play
- Quick forward progression
- Recovery runs
- Transition mentality
This one raises intensity quickly.
Thanks for being here. You’re not just a ride to practice, you’re part of your kid’s development as an athlete and as a person.
This page is here to help parents understand how we approach youth soccer: teach the game, build confidence, and focus on effort over outcome. Winning is great. But it’s not the goal. Growth is.
Below, you’ll find tools, articles, and reminders that help keep things in perspective, especially on game day.
💡 1. Coaching Philosophy
Our approach is built around positive coaching, long-term development, and keeping the game fun.
✔ Teach decision-making, not just drills
✔ Value effort more than the scoreboard
✔ We don’t yell at kids and we ask that you don’t either▶️ [Read the Philosophy]
🎧 2. Supporting Your Kid
How you talk to your child before, during, and after a game matters. This section covers simple ways to encourage, not pressure.
✔ What to say in the car ride home
✔ The “5 words” every kid wants to hear
✔ Avoiding sideline coaching
📆 3. Game Day Expectations
Game day is for the kids. Here’s what we expect from parents to help keep things positive, productive, and fun for everyone.
✔ Sideline behavior
✔ Cheering vs. coaching
✔ Handling tough losses▶️ [Game Day Guidelines]
🏡 4. Family Support at Home
Our players improve most when there’s structure and support outside of practice. This section covers how we train at home — with help from the family.
✔ Daily Skill Work: Players pick 3 moves a day and repeat each 50–100 times
✔ Bounce Juggling: 250 touches a day to build coordination and rhythm
✔ Game IQ Reports: Watch a video, write a report, and present to the family
✔ Fascia Training: A short routine to reduce injury risk and build foot strength
▶️ [View the Daily Routine & Family Support Page]
We want every kid to walk away from this season better than they started, not just as a player but as a person. That takes good coaching, great teammates, and supportive parents.
Thanks for being part of the team.