Skill: FOCUS
Drill: Pop Kicks
Equipment needed: 2 Clapper pads per line
Instructors needed: 1 per line
Description: In this drill we will help students develop a solid chamber for their front kicks by holding one pad that their knee must touch and another that they will kick after touching the first with their knee.
Teaching SKILLZ: Up the Rep
Each round challenges students to improve the sound, speed, and sharpness of their knee-to-kick combo, motivating them to increase intensity and precision with every rep.
Brain SKILLZ: Speed of Processing
Students must coordinate a quick sequence—three knee strikes, followed by a timed kick—enhancing their ability to process instructions and respond with accurate, rapid motor output.
Step 1
Divide your students into lines
Step 2 – Setup the drill
  • Have each instructor stand in front, but off to the side of each student.
  • Hold both pads at waist level, with one at a knee’s distance and the other at kicking distance.
Step 3 – Explain the Rules:
  • The student will knee the first pad 3 times saying “pop” at the same time.
  • Try to make the pad make a popping sound.
  • Then touch the first pad with the knee again, but kick as well AFTER touching the first pad.
  • Continue for a total of 3 kicks.
  • On round 2, use the other leg.
Step 4 – Takeaways
  • Try to make the pad pop with your knee each time.
  • Don’t knee completely through the pad.
  • Snap your kick and yell!
Step 5
  • Continue until everyone has 2-4 turns.
How To Video