1/16 Training
On the 16th, the 5th day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp. From this day, training in a match format also began, and the blueprint of the football that Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI aims for started to take shape on the pitch with build-up play and defensive checks.
During the build-up practice, the coach said, "Not only pass the ball, but also give time." The awareness to repeatedly redo the build-up at the final line was instilled in order to deliver passes to players in a better forward position.
While precision and training must be improved, the phrase "the purpose of moving the ball is to move the opponent" should be engraved in the players' minds. Coach Matsuhashi's voice echoed on the Kunigami pitch, saying, "Everyone can do it. You can go further."
FOCUS ON
Official photographer's selected camp photo project 'FOCUS ON'. On the 5th day of camp, we selected Yuto NAGATOMO, the oldest member of the team aiming for his 5th World Cup, running on the sandy beach. The menu devised by Guilherme, the conditioning director from Rio de Janeiro who is well-versed in beach training, is extremely tough. Nevertheless, the iron man NAGATOMO overcame it with powerful strides, letting out a roar into the tropical sky and sea.
CAMP VOICE vol.5 Tohru Tokiwagi Player
Kota Tokiwa, who joined from Meiji University, is spending a fulfilling camp aiming for a spot in the opening starting lineup. He is digesting the words of the coach and the training menu in his own way, and has organized what he needs to do. The university rookie observes the plays of the surrounding players during practice and says, "I will steal everything I can." On the fifth day of camp, we spoke with Tokiwa, who is experiencing exciting days.
Q: The practical training sessions have started, how has the camp been so far?
A, it is fulfilling. Each training menu may seem complex at first glance, but I think it is about seeking the essence. There are many menus that allow you to make the most of what is being said without overthinking it, which makes it interesting.
Q: There was also encouragement from Coach Matsuhashi to have initiative and ideas.
I will work on what the coach has told me, but the coach also says that it is not enough. I think it's about how to combine my own ideas and strengths within that framework. The broad outline is presented, but I believe I can play freely as long as I don't stray too far from it. I am consciously playing to ensure that I never lose my strengths.
Q: You participated in the camp as a trainee last season as well. Is there any difference compared to that time?
A, last season I was a trainee, so of course I was conscious of making an impression, but I think I was seen as just a spectator. This season, I have officially joined the team and set the goal of being in the starting lineup for the opening match, so I absolutely cannot have the mindset of a spectator. I am approaching this with the intention of leading this team. Even in game-like drills, I am vocal to unify the entire team and am tackling it with a strong determination to be at the center.
Q: The training matches will also begin. I believe that if you show your presence there, the surroundings will change more and more.
I have started to feel a sense of achievement as I have gradually been recognized in practice. People around me have begun to say, 'You are playing well even in the top team.' However, I must not be satisfied with just being able to do it; I need to push beyond that. In training matches, I need to aim not just to 'be effective' in stealing the ball, which is one of my strengths, but to be 'the best' and 'the most competitive.' I want to aim for the top as a weapon to compete as a professional.
Q: I think there are many hunters here, including Kento HASHIMOTO, who can serve as references.
A, (Hashimoto) has a way of extending his legs like foreign players, which is interesting to watch and serves as a reference. I stick to the basic principles of defense, so I find it interesting when I can take the ball away in situations where I think, 'That's where you extend your leg.' Kei KOIZUMI also has a different style of taking the ball, so I want to learn more from him.
Q: If you can steal such plays, further growth can be expected.
A, everyone is really at a high level, so I am watching with the intention of stealing everything I can, making every day exciting.
Q: It seems that Coach Matsuhashi is observing all the players equally and thoroughly.
I believe the coach sees everyone equally. However, being observed means that the coach is also watching the areas where we might be slacking off or not performing well. We cannot let our guard down, and we appreciate being watched. Ultimately, I think that putting in our best effort for the team will lead to recognition, and rather than just worrying about the coach's gaze, I believe we should express ourselves to the fullest.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
