KC Kick

KC Soccer Blog

Author: Chase

  • KC Kicks Practice Plan – Tuesday March 31

    Swarner Park

    5:15 PM – 6:45 PM

    We’ll keep building on the same foundation passing, awareness, and confidence in attacking situations. This week we’re adding a new piece: checking your shoulder and using a quick turn to create a scoring chance.

    Arrival Activity – Partner Passing

    As players arrive, they’ll jump into partner passing.

    • Two-touch
    • One-touch

    Focus on clean passes, good first touch, and staying active.

    Foot Skills Warm-Up (5 minutes)

    Quick work in a grid:

    • Toe taps
    • In & out
    • Fake pass to 180 turn (we’ll demonstrate)
    • Change of speed

    Keep it short and sharp.

    Multi-Directional Possession

    Split the group:

    Group 1 (max 10 players):
    Multi-Directional Possession

    • Movement, spacing, quick decisions

    Group 2:
    Rondo – Rotate stronger players into separate Rondo.

    • Quick passing
    • Supporting angles
    • Staying active

    Basico Passing with Dummies

    8 players needed

    Players pass using dummies as defenders.

    • Scan before receiving
    • Scan again after receiving
    • Play quickly
    • Move immediately to next spot

    Focus: look, receive, play, move

    1v1 Fields (10–12 minutes)

    Two fields with small goals, grouped by skill level.

    Focus on:

    Defending

    • Close space quickly
    • Stay balanced

    Attacking

    • Be patient
    • Small touches
    • Head up
    • Explode when defender commits

    2v1 Gauntlet (10–12 minutes)

    Same setup as last week.

    • Attackers go 2v1
    • Defender can step up but cannot cross a set line

    Focus on:

    • Passing to beat pressure
    • Timing runs
    • Decision-making

    Shoulder Check + Turn to Finish (10 minutes) 🔄

    Setup:

    • Small gate with cones
    • Coach plays ball to attacker
    • Attacker checks to the ball and receives through the gate
    • Defender starts behind and chases

    As the ball comes in:

    • Attacker checks their shoulder
    • Defender applies pressure
    • Attacker can use 180 turn to create space
    • Finish on goal

    Coaching points:

    • Check shoulder early
    • Use your arm to feel and protect space
    • Go the opposite way of the defender
    • Be quick once you turn

    Final Scrimmage (20 minutes) ⚽

    Let them play.

    Encourage:

    • Spacing
    • Movement
    • Confidence
    • Trying the turn or moves we worked on

    Focus for the Day

    • Check your shoulder before receiving
    • Play quickly after the first touch
    • Use turns to escape pressure
    • Be patient, then explode

  • KC Kicks Practice Plan – Tuesday March 24th

    Swarner Park – Shawnee, KS
    5:15 PM – 6:45 PM

    We’ll keep this one moving with a good mix of passing, decision-making, and attacking. A lot of the focus will be on playing quicker, working together, and making smart choices under pressure.

    Arrival Activity – Partner Passing (Start as players arrive)

    As players show up, they’ll jump right into partner passing.

    Players will get in groups of two and work on:

    • Two-touch passing
    • One-touch passing (as they get comfortable)

    This is a good way to get everyone involved right away while we wait for the full group to arrive.

    Focus on:

    • Clean passes
    • Good first touch
    • Staying ready for the next ball

    Ball Control Warm-Up (5 minutes)

    Players will move into a small grid with a ball.

    We’ll work through:

    • Toe taps
    • Tik toks
    • Inside/outside touches
    • Change of speed
    • Change of direction

    This is quick, high-touch work to get comfortable on the ball.

    Through the Gate Passing (10 minutes)

    Set up multiple cone gates around the grid.

    Players stay with their partner and must:

    • Pass the ball through a gate
    • Move to a new gate
    • Keep the ball under control

    Players will compete to see which pair can complete the most passes through gates.

    Coaching points:

    • Pass with purpose
    • Communicate
    • Move after the pass
    • Find open space

    Water Break

    This weeks focus will be to Always Do Your Best. It’s okay to have a bad game or to not be where other players are skill level. The most important thing is that we always give our best effort and work to improve with every practice and game.

    Multi-Directional Possession Battle (15 minutes)

    We’ll set up the same game from last week.

    Two teams inside a grid with target players on the outside.

    Focus on:

    • Quick passing
    • Movement off the ball
    • Finding space
    • Playing with awareness

    This continues to be one of the best activities for getting everyone involved.

    1v1 Battles (10–12 minutes)

    Set up two small fields using the mini goals.

    Players will rotate through quick 1v1 matchups.

    Focus on:

    • Attacking with confidence
    • Using moves
    • Defending with effort

    2v1 Gauntlet (10–12 minutes)

    Using the same setup, we’ll transition into a 2v1 gauntlet.

    Setup:

    • Two defenders positioned in a line about 10 yards apart
    • Attackers go 2v1 against the first defender, then immediately 2v1 against the second

    Once they beat both defenders, they finish by dribbling the ball in.

    Focus on:

    • Passing to beat defenders
    • Using a fake pass to open space
    • Knowing when to pass vs dribble

    This is a great way to build teamwork and decision-making.

    Water Break

    Talk about Staying on your line and when a player can break off their line. Also focus on recognizing quickly when we go from attacking to defense and vise versa.

    Final Scrimmage – 4 Goal Game (20 minutes)

    We’ll set up a scrimmage with two goals on each end line.

    Before we start, we’ll talk briefly about:

    • Staying in your position
    • Spacing out
    • Not crowding the ball

    Let them play with minimal interruptions.

  • KC Kick Practice Plan – Thursday March 19th

    Our first practice last week got cut short by rain, but in some ways that turned out to be helpful. It gave us a chance to watch the group and get a better feel for where everyone is at right now.

    Tuesday’s normal practice has been cancelled due to the temperature. Thursday will be much nicer so we are holding a makeup practice at Quivira Glen Park.

    • 13388 W 51st St, Shawnee, KS 66216
    • 5:30-6:30

    For this week’s session, we’ll focus on passing, attacking defenders, and playing with awareness. We’ll also bring back one of the drills from last practice that worked really well.

    Practice will run about 60 minutes.

    Please RSVP on the app so we know who will be there.

    Passing Challenge

    Next we’ll work on passing. Players can partner up and compete for how many times they can pass the ball back in forth.

    We’ll run a few different rounds:

    • Two-touch passing
    • One-touch passing
    • Pass and move

    Warm Up – Freestyle Dribbling

    We’ll start with a ball at each player’s feet and let them move freely in the grid.

    The focus here is simple:

    • Change speed
    • Change direction
    • Use your favorite move
    • Dribble into open space

    Players will get a lot of touches on the ball and work on staying comfortable while moving around other players.

    1v1 Battles

    After that we’ll move into 1v1 battles.

    Players will compete in small fields with a goal on each end. One player attacks while the other defends. If the defender wins the ball, they immediately try to score on the opposite goal.

    This is one of the best ways for players to develop confidence on the ball.

    Players will be encouraged to:

    • Attack quickly
    • Use moves
    • Protect the ball
    • Chase down attackers when defending

    Multi-Directional Possession Battle

    We’ll bring back the Multi-Directional Possession Battle, which worked really well for the first practice.

    Two teams will play inside a grid while using outside target players. Teams try to keep possession and connect passes with the target players around the field.

    This game encourages:

    • Moving without the ball
    • Quick passing decisions
    • Finding open space

    Everyone stays active and involved, which makes it a great learning game.

    Final Scrimmage – Four Goal Game

    To finish practice we’ll run a scrimmage using four small goals.

    There will be two goals on each end of the field, which means teams can attack either side. This setup encourages players to look up, switch the field, and find open space.

    We’ll try to keep coaching interruptions minimal here so the players can just play and make decisions.

    Focus for the Week

    The main things we want players thinking about this week are:

    • Dribble into open space
    • Keep your head up to see the field
    • Make quick passes when pressure comes
    • Be confident attacking defenders

    Looking forward to a great practice.

    Please remember to RSVP in the app so we can plan teams and drills accordingly. ⚽

  • ⚽ 3-8-26 Weekly Routine

    The season is starting, and this is a great week to begin building a simple daily routine with the ball.

    For players who are new to soccer, I highly recommend spending at least five minutes a day working on basic touches. These small daily habits help kids feel much more comfortable when they show up to practice with other players.

    Kids need touches on the ball.

    ⚽ Daily Ball Work

    Try completing the following each day:

    These exercises help build rhythm, coordination, and confidence with the ball.

    ⏱ 60-Second Challenge

    Pick your favorite move and set a timer.

    How many times can you perform your favorite move in 60 seconds?

    Some ideas:

    • Stepover
    • Body Feint
    • Cruyff Turn
    • L Drag
    • Pull Back

    Keep track of your score and try to beat it during the week.

    🥅 Equipment

    Players should be practicing with a Size 4 soccer ball, and the ball should be properly inflated.

    Kids can do these moves:

    • Barefoot
    • In regular shoes
    • Or outside with their cleats

    The important thing is simply getting touches on the ball every day.

    💪 Simple Goal

    Just 5 minutes a day with the ball can make a huge difference.

    When players show up to practice already comfortable touching the ball, they are able to focus on the game instead of worrying about the basics.

    Now is the time to put in the work. ⚽🔥

  • KC Kicks Practice Plan

    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 team

    How 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 neutrals

    Rules:

    • 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

  • ⚽ 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.

  • KC Kick Season Update:

    KC Kick Season Update:

    Everything is officially in place. The roster is finalized. The field is secured. The division is set.

    Now we have dates.

    📅 Key Dates

    Practices begin: Tuesday, March 10
    Games begin: Saturday, March 21

    That gives us a short runway to prepare. We’ll use every session wisely.

    Practice Location & Time

    We’ll train Tuesdays at Field 3 at Swarner Park (Swarner Park).

    Field 3 is the one closest to the restrooms. In previous seasons we practiced on the northeast field, so be sure to head to the correct location.

    Time:
    5:00–6:30 PM (or until dark)
    It will likely get dark between 6:15–6:30, and we’ll adjust as needed.

    If we can get enough interest for an earlier session, we may explore that option as well.

    3rd Grade Blue Division

    This year’s division includes:

    This is the upper division for 3rd grade.

    We also have three new players joining the team, giving us more depth than last year. That depth matters over the course of a season.

    What Happens Between Now and March 21

    Game day performance will reflect what happens at home.

    Five to ten minutes every night:

    • Toe Taps
    • Tik Toks
    • Bounce Juggles (driveway or hard surface)

    We’re not looking for perfection. We’re building comfort and confidence on the ball.

    March 10, we begin training.
    March 21, we compete.

    Let’s show up ready. ⚽

  • KC Kick Season Update: Built the Team

    KC Kick Season Update: Built the Team

    We’re officially set. The roster is locked in, and I’m excited about this team. There’s a great mix of players, some of the kids have been playing together for several years now. It’s fun to watch these kids grow. Thank you to all the parents for the opportunity.

    The Secret Isn’t Complicated — It’s Touches

    To start off the season I’m encouraging everyone to get in touches at home at least 3 days per week, starting now.

    Five to ten minutes. That’s it. (Aiden does 25 min 3 times per week.)

    What we’re really trying to build is comfort. When the ball feels natural at your feet, the game slows down. Confidence grows. Decisions get cleaner.

    Here’s what I want every player doing each night. I have also linked to the skills page for further detail.

    1. Toe Taps

    Simple. Steady rhythm. Soft touches. Stay light on your feet. 100 toe taps are a good start. For advanced players work on rolling toe taps.

    2. Tik Toks

    Inside touches back and forth. Quick feet. Keep the ball under control. Aim to do 100 per session. For advanced players try to keep you head up.

    3. Bounce Juggles

    Use a driveway or hard surface. Let it bounce between touches and try to keep the ball from going off to the side.

    Track your numbers. Try to beat your personal best. The idea is for each player to be able to complete 30 bounce juggles, once they have achieved this, they are ready for the next step. Juggling 2 or 3 times, then catching the ball.

    Practice Update

    We’re planning to hold Tuesday practices at Swarner Park. We are expecting practice to open up around the first of March. I’lll update when everything is final.

    *Field availability should be confirmed in the next few days.

    The current plan is to get a 90 min practice 1 day per week.

    • 5:00–6:30 PM
    • Or until dark (sunset will likely fall between 6:15–6:30)

    If there’s enough interest we may try to sneak in a practice or two at Quivira Glen park during the end of February.

  • Two Minutes That Matter: A Coach’s Guide for Ages 9–10

    Most coaches don’t fully realize how influential they are, especially at this age.

    From birth to around age 7, parents are the strongest influence in a child’s life.
    But from roughly ages 7 to 12, something shifts.

    During this window, coaches can have as much and sometimes even more impact than parents.

    That’s not pressure.
    That’s opportunity.

    I believe one of the most valuable things a coach can do is take just two minutes out of every practice to help kids learn how to:

    • Manage emotions
    • Do difficult things
    • Respond to mistakes
    • Support teammates
    • Keep going when things feel uncomfortable

    This isn’t about speeches or lectures.
    It’s about short, intentional moments that quietly shape how kids see themselves.

    Why two minutes actually works

    Two minutes might not sound like much, but it’s powerful.

    • Kids this age are listening (even when they don’t look like it)
    • Short messages land better than long talks
    • Repetition builds habits and culture
    • It connects life skills directly to the game they love

    We recently shared a 12-week lesson plan based on The Four Agreements, showing how its ideas can be applied to youth sports. The response from coaches and parents confirmed something we already suspected:

    Coaches want to help kids grow, not just as players, but as people.

    You don’t need to start from scratch

    One of the biggest barriers for coaches is time.

    That’s where AI can help, not by replacing your voice, but by helping you organize ideas faster.

    A simple approach:

    1. Choose a book or philosophy you respect
    2. Ask AI to turn it into short, age-appropriate lessons
    3. Deliver it in your own words, your own style

    Think of AI as an assistant, not a scriptwriter.

    Example prompt coaches can use:

    Create a 10–12 week lesson plan for 9–10 year old athletes. Each week should include a 2-minute coach talk focused on emotional control, resilience, effort, teamwork, and doing hard things. Keep the language simple, practical, and connected to sports.

    From there, tweak it so it sounds like you.

    Books that translate really well to coaching

    You don’t need to teach an entire book.
    One idea per week is more than enough.

    Here are a few great starting points:

    • The Four Agreements – responsibility, effort, mindset
    • Mindset – growth mindset in kid-friendly terms
    • Atomic Habits – consistency, small improvements, showing up
    • The Boys in the Boat – perseverance and team-first thinking
    • Grit – sticking with hard things

    Each of these can be broken down into simple, practical ideas kids can understand and apply on the field.

    A great free resource for coaches

    Another excellent resource is the YouTube channel Parenting with Sean.

    It’s full of grounded, real-world advice on:

    • Emotional regulation
    • Discipline without shame
    • Building connection and trust

    Many of those lessons translate directly to coaching youth athletes.

    Why this matters more than wins

    Wins fade.
    Records get forgotten.
    Trophies collect dust.

    But the way a coach helped a kid handle frustration, fear, or failure.

    If you’re coaching 9–10 year olds, you’re coaching during a critical window of development.
    Two intentional minutes per practice can change how a child approaches challenges for years to come.

    That’s a responsibility worth embracing and a legacy worth building.

  • 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.