Over the three days from July 23 (Thu) to July 25 (Sat), we held the "Futsal Skill Up Summer Clinic (for 1st and 2nd Grade Elementary Students)" at Kodaira City General Gymnasium!

With the theme of "experiencing futsal-specific training and aiming to become versatile players who can excel in soccer as well," 18 players participated with great enthusiasm!

 

Opening & Meeting

First, we reviewed the three-day schedule and the facility rules. The coaches then explained the goal of this clinic: to become versatile players who gain experience in futsal-specific training and can also excel in soccer.

The players listened intently to the coaches while checking off items in their program booklet, then headed to the pitch after reviewing the key points.

 

Training Highlights

Day 1: Ball-Winning Skills

On the first day, training focused on “winning the ball.” At first, the players seemed a little nervous in the unfamiliar group and environment. However, by the end of the warm-up, they had completely relaxed and were full of smiles and energy!

In the meeting, once they clarified when, where, who, and how to win the ball, changes could be seen in the children’s play.

Their eagerness to win the ball back was particularly impressive in the final game. Although they struggled with futsal-specific rules (the four-second rule and the back-pass rule), they enjoyed chasing the ball throughout.

After training, the players returned to the locker room and wrote reflections in their booklets. Many found it difficult to put their thoughts into specific words, but they worked hard with support from the coaches.

Day 2: Techniques for Moving the Ball Forward

On the second day, training focused on the skills needed to move the ball forward. We began by reviewing footage from the previous day, allowing the players to objectively assess their own performance. Using video seemed to give them many new insights.

The main theme this time was “late dribbling.” Some players were initially puzzled by the unfamiliar term, but by using video footage and their handouts, they gained a solid understanding of when and where to use this technique.

Being the second day, more participants spoke up during the meeting, making it a very lively session.

Their proactive attitude was also evident on the pitch, where they repeatedly took on challenges without fear of failure. In particular, they focused on dribbling while keeping a close eye on their opponents.

In the final match, there were also goals scored following the dribbling they had practiced.

In the post-training reflection as well, we could see significant growth since Day 1. In particular, more second graders were able to write specific reflections without help from the coaches, and one impressive player even said, “I studied up at home yesterday!”

Day 3: Skills for Scoring Goals

As on Day 2, the meeting began by reviewing video footage from the previous day. Some players were looking forward to seeing what kind of plays they had made. On the final day, under the theme of “techniques for scoring goals,” they took on the instep kick, toe kick, and runs to the second post!

The toe kick and movement to the second post are techniques and tactics unique to futsal. To show the players that these are skills that can be useful not only in futsal but also in soccer, the coaches showed them footage of FC Tokyo player Motoki Nagakura in action, drawing surprised and impressed reactions from the players.

After moving onto the pitch, the players first practiced shooting at the second post. Although they were initially unsure about this futsal-specific tactic, made possible by the absence of offside, they quickly adapted! Several excellent goals from the second post followed in the matches. Beyond their shooting technique, they also intuitively understood where to position themselves to score.

We explained that instep kicks and toe kicks should be used depending on the available time and space, and then conducted training. Some players were trying toe kicks for the first time, but they quickly mastered them.

In the final match, which served as the culmination of the three days, the players fully demonstrated everything they had learned. They adapted wonderfully to the rules and environment of futsal, and there were many instances of them excelling both offensively and defensively.

Closing

After returning to the locker room for a final review, we held a closing meeting.

Each participant was presented with a diploma (certificate of completion), and the event concluded with everyone watching a recap video filled with memories and growth from the three days.

In Closing

Through this clinic, we hope the participants not only experienced the joy of futsal, but also gained a firsthand understanding of how futsal can benefit soccer. Even after returning to their regular school programs and teams, we hope they will remember what they learned here and continue to grow as hybrid soccer-futsal players!

The coaches will continue to support everyone's growth!