KC Kick

KC Soccer Blog

Category: Soccer IQ

  • Best Training Video on Youtube

    Simply put, this is the best training video I have seen. We will be dissecting this one hour video over the next several weeks.

  • Building Out of the Back from Goal Kicks in 7v7

    Starting from a goal kick or anytime your keeper has the ball in your defensive third can feel like you’re handing the initiative to your opponent. Instead, treat it like a strategic reset. This is your team’s chance to regroup, control the ball, and build an attack with purpose. The 2-3-1 formation is the perfect shape to make that happen.

    1. Shape First, Kick Second

    Before the keeper even puts the ball down, the team should already be organized:

    • Goalkeeper: the base, calm and in control.
    • Two defenders: spread wide to create passing lanes.
    • Center midfielder: drops close to offer a safe outlet.
    • Two wingers: push high and wide to stretch the field.
    • Striker: stays central and high to pin back defenders.

    This setup creates a diamond in your own half, which is the key to building safely.

    2. Options Over Distance

    From the kick:

    • Play short and safe to a defender or the center mid.
    • Switch sides if one lane is blocked.
    • Avoid rushing to boot it long—patience gives your team better control.

    The goal is to create time and space, not chaos.

    3. Midfield and Defensive Movement

    Once the ball is rolling:

    • Wingers push wide and higher to open lanes.
    • Center mid or CB drops deeper, linking defense to attack.
    • Defenders position side-on so they can pass forward or switch play.
    • Striker stays active in the middle, ready for through balls or quick link-ups.

    Everyone’s movement should connect, creating angles instead of straight lines.

    4. Adjusting to Pressure

    If the opponent presses high:

    • Use quick switches across the back or back to the keeper.
    • Reset and change direction to beat the press.
    • Mix in the occasional long ball to keep defenders honest.

    This forces the opponent to chase, while your team keeps control.

    5. Simple Coaching Points

    • “Two or three calm passes beat one panicked punt.”
    • Always look for the diamond: keeper, defenders, center mid.
    • Defenders should receive side-on so they can see the field.
    • The keeper is the director, guiding movement before the kick.

    Bottom Line

    A goal kick in 7v7 isn’t about distance, it’s about control. The 2-3-1 formation gives your team options, builds confidence, and starts your attack on the right foot. When players trust the shape and stay patient, the build-out becomes one of the most effective weapons in your game.

  • Forming a Wall

    One observation from the 2025 Mariachi soccer tournament is that KCL Liverpool needs to work on penalty kicks and how to form proper walls. Here is an overview of what we will be focusing on in an upcoming practice.

    1. Organize Quickly

    • As soon as a foul is called near your goal, defenders should run into position.
    • The closest defender can start setting the wall while the keeper directs adjustments.

    2. Keeper Controls the Wall

    • The goalkeeper should line up the wall, using their angle on the ball.
    • A good rule: the wall should block one side of the goal while the keeper covers the other.

    3. Proper Spacing

    • Players should stand shoulder to shoulder, with no gaps.
    • Each player turns slightly sideways to cover more space with their body.

    4. Correct Number of Players

    • Usually 2–5 players depending on distance and angle.
    • More players if it’s central and close to goal, fewer if the angle is wide.

    5. Player Roles

    • End player: Brave, quick to jump or block a low shot.
    • Middle players: Strong, willing to take the ball directly.
    • End nearest the goal: Can peel off to close down a short pass if needed.

    6. Body Position

    • Stand on the balls of the feet, slightly bent knees.
    • Protect yourself (hands in front of the body, elbows tucked).
    • Stay balanced so you can jump or block quickly.

    7. Jumping vs. Staying Grounded

    • Decide before the kick who will jump.
    • Sometimes one player stays grounded to prevent a low “under the wall” shot.
    • The wall must stay disciplined—don’t flinch or turn away.

    8. Don’t Break Early

    • Stay in place until the ball is struck.
    • Rushing too soon can open dangerous gaps.

    9. Be Ready for Deflections

    • After blocking, defenders should immediately track the rebound or runner.

  • 📅 Monday, August 11

    This weekend threw us a bit of a curveball with rain on Sunday. Short-handed on Saturday, we need to give a big shout-out 👏 to the players who showed up, dug in, and gave their best in a tough 1–3 loss ⚽.

    Many of our athletes will be starting school 📚 this week, and some will be adding extra activities or sports 🏃‍♂️🏀 to their schedules. To help balance it all, we are personally scaling back our at-home routine and adding more recovery days 🛌💧.

    I came across a great video on 7 lessons footballers learn too late 🎥, and I think it’s worth sharing. Here’s a quick overview with the video below:

    1. Confidence is a skill 💪 – You’re not born with it. Confidence must be developed, just like mental toughness and ball mastery.
    2. Consistency over motivation 🔄 – Don’t rely on feeling motivated. Build systems and routines you follow every day.
    3. Basics before flash 🎯 – Passing and mastering your first touch might not be as exciting as flashy tricks, but they win games.
    4. Recovery is training 🛌💧 – Rest days matter. Drink plenty of water throughout the week, especially before games or practice.
    5. Fascia training 🦵 – This helps improve explosiveness, balance, and reduces the risk of injury. (We’ve got a section on this in our training resources.)
    6. Talent is built 🛠️ – Skill comes from hard work and development, not just natural ability.
    7. Promote yourself the right way 🤝 – Be the kind of player everyone wants to play with. Be a good teammate, respect your coaches, and lead by example.

    Let’s keep learning, improving, and supporting each other—on and off the field. 🌟

  • ⚽ Building Mental Toughness for Young Soccer Players

    Mental Toughness & Flow

    As part of developing smart, confident players, we’re sharing this excellent 8 minute YouTube video that unpacks ways soccer players can develop mental strength on and off the field.

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    🧠 What It’s About

    The video explores key mental strategies—such as staying present, calming nerves, and using focus drills—to help players enter a “flow” mindset, where performance and confidence meet.

    ✏️ How We’d Like You to Use It

    1. Watch together with your child and encourage note-taking:

    • Ask: What stood out?
    • What mental tip could help during a tough drill or game?

    2. Encourage a short write‑up or report from the child:

    • Intro: What was the video about?
    • Key Ideas: Summarize key mental tips.
    • Reflection: How might they apply this in their upcoming practices or matches?
    • Conclusion: Why does mental toughness matter in soccer?

    3. For bonus points:
    Let your player present their notes to a family member—this builds confidence and reinforces the ideas outside of practice.

    Thank you for your participation.

    -Coach Chase