Having a clear pre game routine helps the kids get focused, build confidence, and start the match in the right mindset. Below is a suggested structure for our Mighty Kicks teams this season. It’s short, simple, and effective. Designed to maximize touches, reps, and positive energy before kickoff.
⚙️ Pre-Game Routine (Approx. 30 Minutes)
1. Dynamic Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Short jog
A-skips
High knees
2. Ball Warm-Up (8 minutes)
Toe taps, 30 seconds
Tik Tok, 30 seconds
Partner passing: line up across from one another about 15 feet apart, count how many passes each pair can complete in 2 minutes
3. Give and Go Drill (10–15 minutes)
One coach leads the drill, while another rotates through the back of the line to highlight each player’s strengths, discuss what they can focus on during the game, and discussion position and role in current game.
🎥 Watch the video demonstration here: 👉
4. Team Huddle & Positions (5 minutes)
Review positions for the game
Keep the message short and clear (overwhelm the other team with shots on goal)
✅ Key Points for Coaches
Stay upbeat and positive — pre-game is about energy and confidence
Encourage communication: remind players to call for the ball and help teammates with their voices
Bring up successful aspects of prior practice session (great ball movement, holding their position)
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
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
We will highlight and review these two skill moves during our warm-up and drills:
Maradona
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
This week, all players should work through 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 consistency and developing a routine going into the new school year.
🥅 There will 2 practices with Coach Chase this week and one practice on Monday with Coach Mark. Here is a link to our practice plans…
One of the best things our players can do is build a consistent training routine outside of practice. This isn’t meant to be done every day. Depending on the player’s schedule and other sports, it can be anywhere from 2 to 5 days per week. The goal is to establish some consistency. Let’s start every player at Level 1 for the first week unless they are already doing a routine.
Below are three training levels based on skill. Players can move between them as they grow more confident.
For players still learning ball control and building confidence with the ball.
Recommended 2 to 5 times per week
Routine ✅ 100 toe taps (stationary) ✅ 1 skill move of the week — practice both feet ✅ 100 bounce juggles
💡 Tip: Bounce juggles are the first step toward juggling. Focus on rhythm and control, not speed.
🔵 Level 2: Intermediate Routine
For players who have control with toe taps and bounce juggles and are ready for more challenge.
Recommended 2 to 5 times per week
Routine ✅ Moving toe taps — 60 seconds nonstop ✅ 3 skill moves — at least 10 reps per foot each ✅ 250 bounce juggles
🎯 Challenge: Track your bounce juggling high score each session and try to beat i t.
🔴 Level 3: Advanced routine
For players who are confident and consistent with control and bounce juggling and are ready to master juggling and wall work.
Recommended 2 to 5 times per week
Routine ✅ Moving toe taps — 60 seconds at game speed ✅ 3 skill moves — 10 reps per foot ✅ Regular juggling — see how many you do in a row. ✅ Wall training — 10 minutes (if available) Pass and receive off a concrete wall or backboard using the inside of the foot. Work on one-touch and two-touch passes. Track your clean streaks.
💡 Pro Tip: Juggling is about patience and technique. Count your best streaks and celebrate every improvement.
🧠 Why This Matters
The point of these routines isn’t to wear kids out, it’s to help them build confidence. Even just a few sessions each week will make them feel more comfortable in games.
We had a great outdoor practice this past Thursday, and it was encouraging to see most of the team present and ready to work.
🔄 Basico Drill to Start
We opened the session with the Basico drill to get things moving. This continues to be one of our core warm-up activities, helping players sharpen their passing, first touch, and rhythm early in practice.
A big thanks to Phil and Isaias for stepping in to help with the KCL Practice. Their support allowed us to create a more individualized coaching environment and reduced the chaos that can sometimes come with a larger group.
🎯 Shooting Drills with Game Speed
The main focus of the day was shooting drills. On one end of the field, we ran a series of exercises inspired by a training video from YouTube. The players really seemed to enjoy this section, as it gave them opportunities to work at game speed and simulate real attacking scenarios.
We’ll continue to mix in these types of drills because they help the boys transition from technique to execution under pressure.
⚽ Scrimmage Takeaways
We wrapped things up with a scrimmage. Overall, the players are showing noticeable improvement:
✅ Better passing choices
✅ Increased off-ball movement
✅ Smarter positioning
One area we’ll continue to emphasize is communication. We want the kids to be comfortable calling for the ball, announcing when they’re open, or letting a teammate know when they’ve lost their defender. This is a small detail that makes a big difference on the field.
💡 Closing Note
This was a productive practice that built on the foundation we’ve been working toward. Thank you again to our helpers and to all the players for their effort. We’re moving in the right direction, and every session counts.
For players who want to take their game to the next level as a forward, Refine Soccer Training offers a dedicated finishing class. This is not affiliated with KC Legends, but in my opinion it’s the most valuable extra training they offer.
During this hour long session, players get lots of live shots on a full-size goal perfect for those who have the moves but are still working on turning chances into goals.
⚽ While we’ll be working on finishing at each of our practices, this class is a great supplement for players who want more repetitions in front of goal.
We’re excited to share that Legends players have access to specialized goalkeeper training at no cost. This is a great opportunity for any player who currently plays goalie or wants to give it a try.
📅 Start Date: August 11th
📍 Schedule (2015–2017 Players)
Wednesdays at Hocker Grove Middle School ⏰ 6:45–7:30 PM
Fridays at the Merriam Indoor Facility ⏰ 5:30–6:15 PM
We want players improving, but also staying fresh. With multiple sports going on, please allow time for recovery. Aim for 3–5 days per week on the following: These moves are demonstrated on the skills page.
Matthews – 10 reps with the right foot, 10 reps with the left
Maradona – 10 reps with the right foot, 10 reps with the left
Scissor – 10 reps with the right foot, 10 reps with the left
We’re now a few weeks into the Heartland Soccer League, and I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts and updates, especially for our parents and players who may be feeling a bit discouraged after a tough start.
📊 Where We Stand
KC Liverpool is currently placed in Division 5 of the U10 Boys Premiere League, which includes 13 total premiere teams. While the division number might seem low at first glance, it’s important to recognize that we are actually in the top third of all premiere level teams, a placement that reflects how the previous Liverpool team placed.
It’s a high level league, and we’re playing against clubs that are established and disciplined.
⚠️ Tough Games ≠ Failure
We’ve opened the season with three losses in league play and another three tough results in the Mariachi Tournament. I know that’s hard on the players and sometimes even harder on parents watching from the sidelines. But here’s the truth:
Just because we’re losing games doesn’t mean we’re not improving.
Our boys are not “losers.” In fact, they are learning how to control the ball, implement team strategies, and build good soccer habits under real pressure. They’re not just booting it down the field like it’s recess ball , they’re starting to think.
They’re working on:
Controlled goal kicks and buildup play
Defensive shape and using the outside
Recognizing space and pressure
These are the things that matter long-term not short term scores.
🔄 Upcoming Changes: Paragon League & Midwest Tournament
To help balance the level of challenge, we’ll be entering the Paragon Fall League and the Midwest Tournament, this time, we’ll be requesting a less competitive division. These games will give our players the opportunity to build confidence, work on their skills, and hopefully start to see the scoreboard reflect their effort.
🔜 What to Expect in the Next 5 Heartland Games
We expect the next five Heartland games to be just as tough or even tougher than the first three. And that’s okay. We’re not backing down. We’re preparing.
Between now and then, we’ve got plenty of indoor and outdoor practices, which is more than enough time to sharpen our skills and build trust as a team. Our hope is that the Paragon games in between will help the boys feel the momentum shifting in their favor.
🙏 A Thank You to Parents
Lastly, I want to say how grateful I am that our team was placed in this league. It’s not easy but it’s the kind of environment where real growth happens.
Thank you for supporting your kids through the hard games. Thank you for cheering for good effort, not just goals. And thank you for trusting the process.
We’re going to keep getting better. One pass, one touch, and one lesson at a time.
