1/16 Training
On the 16th, the fifth 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 buildup practice, the coach said, "Not only pass the ball, but also give time." The awareness to repeatedly redo the buildup at the final line was instilled in order to deliver passes to players in a better forward position.
While precision and skill 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
The official photographer's selected camp photo project 'FOCUS ON'. On the fifth day of camp, we selected Yuto NAGATOMO, the oldest member of the team aiming for his fifth 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 powered through with strong strides, letting out a roar into the tropical sky and sea.
CAMP VOICE vol.5 Player Kenta Tokiwa
Kota Tokiwa, who joined from Meiji University, is having a fulfilling camp aiming for a starting position in the opening match. 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 college 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 menu has started, how has the camp been so far?
A, it is fulfilling. Each training menu may seem complicated at first glance, but I think it is about seeking the essence. There are many menus that are interesting because you don't have to overthink them and can make the most of what is being instructed.
Q: There was also encouragement from Coach Matsuhashi to have initiative and ideas.
A, I work on what the coach tells me, but the coach also says that alone is not enough. I think it’s about how to combine my own ideas and strengths within that. The general framework is presented, but as long as I don’t stray too far from it, I believe I am free to play. I consciously play so as not to lose my own strengths.
Q: You participated in the camp as a trainee last season. Is there any difference compared to then?
A, last season I was a trainee, so of course I was conscious of making an impression, but I think I was inevitably seen as just a spectator. This season, I have officially joined the team and set the goal of starting in the opening lineup, so I absolutely cannot have the mindset of a spectator. I intend to lead this team. Even during game-style training sessions, I raise my voice to unify the entire team and approach it assertively with the 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.
A, I have gradually started to gain recognition even 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 break through from there. In training matches, the part where I take the ball away, which is my strength, should aim not just to be 'effective' but to be 'the best' and 'the most competitive.' I want to aim for the top as a weapon to compete professionally.
Q: I think there are many hunters here, including Kento HASHIMOTO, who can serve as references.
A, (Hashimoto player) has a way of stepping that looks like an overseas player, so it's interesting to watch and informative. I play defense faithfully based on fundamental defensive principles, so it's interesting because I completely take the ball away in situations where I think, 'That's where you step.' Kei KOIZUMI also has a different style of taking the ball than me, so I want to keep learning from him.
Q: If you can steal such plays, further growth can be expected.
A, everyone is really at a high level, so I watch 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 treats everyone equally. However, being watched also means that any mistakes or moments when I slack off are noticed as well. I can't let my guard down, and I am grateful to be observed. In any case, giving my all for the team should lead to recognition, and I think it's not just about worrying about the coach's eyes but about expressing myself to the fullest.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
