1. Basico Drill – 15 min
2. Split Groups – 15 min
3. Shoot, touch post, then go to defense.
4. Play Through Thirds game scrimmage
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.
This week we’ll highlight and review two key skills during warm-up and drills:
Our finishing work will be inspired by a training video, emphasizing game-like actions:
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
Box 2 – Two Players Per Box
Over the next couple of years, youth soccer will see an important shift: teams will begin organizing by grade level instead of birth year. While this change may look small on paper, it’s going to affect how teams are built and how families think about tryouts.
For some kids, this will mean staying on their current team. For others, it could mean joining a newly formed roster or finding a better fit within their grade level. Either way, families can expect more movement than usual at the next round of tryouts.
At KC Kick, we’ll continue sharing updates and resources as this transition gets closer. Tryouts in Summer of 2026 will look different, but with preparation, families can turn this change into a positive step forward for their players.
There was a scrimmage on Wednesday, Liverpool had a double digit victory at Soccer Nation. Today dropped a tough one today 2-3 loss, one of the closer matches we’ve had. The kids played hard, and there were plenty of chances to take control.
There was an early penalty kick that felt a bit harsh in the moment, but after reviewing the video, it was actually the right call. The foul wasn’t on #14 it was the initial contact by another player that triggered the call. The whole game was uploaded to our private Facebook group for anyone who wants to take a closer look.
At halftime, I made it a point to keep things focused. We weren’t behind because of the ref, we were behind because of missed opportunities. And we had plenty. The size of the field is still something we’re adjusting to. With only six players on the field, covering that much space requires stamina, awareness, and smart positioning.
I’m working on individual feedback reports for one or two players each game that I can. These will include what your kid did well, and a few areas we might want to focus on. It won’t be a list of negatives. There will be a short highlight of the players performance. I will also provide a separate report for the parent on things to focus on.
Next outdoor practice, we’re going to introduce a new drill focused on 1v1 breakaway situations. We are 90% there but just not getting enough good shots.
We ran a 2-3-1 formation in this game:
That means our outside midfielders need to cover the entire length of the field. If we find that’s asking too much, we’re open to adjusting back to a 2-2-2 or even experimenting with a 2-1-3. The formation should fit the players not the other way around.
We got off to a rocky start down 0-2 just a few minutes into the first game. But the response from the kids was exactly what you’d want to see. They regrouped, found their rhythm, and poured in six unanswered goals. Final score: 7-3.
One of the main things we talked about during the game was staying on your line. That means playing your side of the field and not drifting too far out of position. In our 2-3-1 formation (2 defenders, 3 midfielders, 1 forward), spacing matters. If one player gets pulled out, it throws off the balance for everyone.
When we got the lead, we shifted into a 3-2-1 to strengthen the back line. That adjustment helped settle things and gave us more control late in the game. The center mid moves to center back.
We’ll be working on a few things this week:
Stick with the weekly routine at home touches, turns, and scanning. We’re making steady progress, and it shows on the field.
See you Thursday!
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.
1. Dynamic Warm-Up (5 minutes)
2. Ball Warm-Up (8 minutes)
3. Give and Go Drill (10–15 minutes)
🎥 Watch the video demonstration here:
👉
4. Team Huddle & Positions (5 minutes)
1. Basico Drill – 15 min
2. Split Groups – 15 min
3. Pelota Academy Drill – 15 min
4. Scrimmage – 15 min
💧 Water breaks should stay short, under 5 minutes total.
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.
We will highlight and review these two skill moves during our warm-up and drills:
Focus on finishing drills inspired from this training video.
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.
If you would like a recap on past practices you can view those here.
✅ 100 toe taps (stationary)
✅ Skill move of the week — Maradona (10 left, 10 right)
✅ 100 bounce juggles (ball can bounce once between touches)
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.
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.
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.
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.