KC Kick

KC Soccer Blog

Author: Chase

  • 🗓️ 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

  • ⚽ Weekly Training Plan – Sept 1, 2025

    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…

    If you would like a recap on past practices you can view those here.

    🟢 Level 1 Routine

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

    📌 Skill Move of the Week: Maradona Turn

    • 10 reps to the left
    • 10 reps to the right
    • Follow Coach Mark’s video for correct technique

    🎯 Notes for Players

    • Do the routine 2 to 5 times this week, but not on practice or game days.
    • If you are playing other sports, aim for the lower end of the range.
    • Track your bounce juggling total each session and try to beat your score.
    • Start each skill move slow and controlled, then add speed as you improve.

  • ⚽ Player Development

    Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Routines

    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.

    🟢 Level 1: Foundation Routine

    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.

  • Outdoor Thursday Practice 8-28-25

    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.

  • Extra Training Opportunity – Finishing Class

    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.

    📍 Location
    Refine Soccer Training
    9900 Pflumm Rd #44
    Lenexa, KS 66215
    📞 (913) 214-2860

    💰 Pricing Options

    • $35 for one class
    • $154 for 5 classes
    • $297 for 10 classes

    ⚽ 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.

    🔗 Details & registration: Refine Soccer Training – Finishing Class

  • Goalkeeper Training – Free for Legends Players

    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

    👨‍🏫 Coaches: Ryan Garland & Juan Arias

    🔗 Learn more here: Legends Goalkeeper Training

  • KCL Liverpool -At home practice

    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.

    1. Matthews – 10 reps with the right foot, 10 reps with the left
    2. Maradona – 10 reps with the right foot, 10 reps with the left
    3. Scissor – 10 reps with the right foot, 10 reps with the left

    ➡️ Also, work on bounce juggling — 100 touches.

  • 🏆 Parent Update: Competing in the Heartland U10 Premiere League

    🏆 Parent Update: Competing in the Heartland U10 Premiere League

    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.

    See you on the field.
    — Coach Chase

  • ⚽ KCL Liverpool – Thursday Training Outline (Aug 28th 6:30–7:30)

    This week’s practice will be similar to last week, with a few adjustments. Outdoor Training Drills.

    1. Overlapping Passes with Finish

    • Focus on tighter formation and encouraging more passes.
    • Players should look up before receiving the ball.

    2. Basico Drill

    • Emphasize receiving across the body.
    • Passing drill to help improve hitting moving target
    • Keep the tempo at game-like speed.

    3. Scrimmage with Whistle

    • Play will be frozen when players start bunching.
    • We’ll use these stoppages to teach spacing and create more game-like scenarios.
    • Extra attention on goal kicks and kickoffs so each player knows their role.

    4. Finishing Drills

    • Incorporate one of the weekly focus moves into finishing practice.

  • 🗓️ KCL Liverpool – Wednesday Training Outline (Aug 27th 5:00-6:00)

    There will be two practices with Chase for the week of August 25th. 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.

    ⚙️ 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. Stepover + Touch Into Space
    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. Matthews Move – Fake inside, push outside
    2. Ball Shift + Feint – Shift ball laterally and fake with body

    Each player should try to use at least one of these during the 1v1 game.

    ⚔️ 1v1 With Finishing Drill

    • Players must perform a Focus move of the day to get past defender and let off a shot.
    • Coach can be defender, or offensive player can rotate to defense.
    • Offensive player moves to defense; defender moves to the back of the line.

    ⏱️ 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 30 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