1/15 Training
On the 15th, the 4th day of the Okinawa Kunigami Camp, we practiced at Kaigin Field Kunigami in the morning and strengthened our unity through team building in the afternoon.
One of the distinctive features of Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI's training is that each one is filled with tactical essence. In the practice held on this day, with a 2 vs. 2 setup, the goal was placed diagonally to increase awareness of defensive sliding.
All players are lined up side by side, and there is no division between the main players and the substitute members during practice. Each individual is given equal opportunities to work together towards the same goal, with high motivation and a shared direction. Additionally, this approach is intentionally taken for the purpose of conditioning.
All players and staff are coming together to create a new Tokyo in the southern land.
FOCUS ON
The "FOCUS ON" captured by the official photographer on the 4th day of the Okinawa Kunigami Camp features "DJ GO" Go HATANO in this one shot. With his selection of music, he has been boosting morale during practice and providing relaxation after. It seems that a rival has appeared for DJ GO. It is "DJ Ewe" Ewerton Gaudino, who loves samba and bossa nova. The selection of music has become a daily occurrence during this camp, with intense sparks flying between them.
CAMP VOICE vol.4 Rikizo MATSUHASHI Coach
After finishing the fourth day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, the new outline of Tokyo, as requested by coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, began to gradually take shape. After the morning practice on this day, we spoke to the new coach who said he was looking for technical aspects in the training so far.
Q, We are currently asking our players to take initiative during training camp. During practice, we have been encouraging them to go beyond their own ideas.
A, I am not comparing myself to others as being better or worse. If there are any suggestions from me, I will communicate with the players (ideas and advice) and use my own abilities to surpass them. We must not stop our growth. However, it is not always a steady upward trend, so it is important to understand that there will be ups and downs in our growth curve and take even a small step forward. I hope I can be of help in that regard.
Q, I think we are giving equal opportunities to all players in every session.
A, I believe that practice should be fair. There are limits to how far that can go, but sometimes it may not be fair depending on the content. In order to face the same direction and work towards the same goal at camp, I think we should give equal opportunities. This also includes a physical approach that is conscious of creating conditions. We are currently approaching this with a focus on technical and tactical aspects. The players are working with a strong awareness to not lose motivation, so we also need to respond to that.
Q, I have been talking about "responding with a good voice to good plays" since the beginning of the camp.
A, We may be noisy now, but I think it will be a great thing if it changes to the players' voices. Of course, this world is not that sweet. There may be more strict voices during practice. I'm not criticizing or denying that. I think it will make the team better. Of course, the atmosphere is important, and it's good to have a beautiful and stable atmosphere, but we also have to face the opposite atmosphere just as much. I think that's not only in the world of soccer, but also in the world of business. It's not about making things look good. If we can accept such strict criticism and take it in, I think it will become even better.
Q, I think there are many trainings designed for each person to incorporate tactics, starting with 2-on-2 personal practice to instill a sense of sliding.
A, I don't stop practicing too much. I will stop and communicate when necessary, but I think it's important to approach errors that prevent me from doing what I want to do while also doing what I want to do within the movement. I'm trying to divide the way I organize it. I still have to share it with everyone, and I'm not in a hurry (just because the practice game is near). The players are working hard, so I think it's more important to have their fulfillment and such than how far it is in my head. So, little by little, I put the essence of (tactics and promises) in the training, so if it permeates and sticks to everyone, I think it will naturally flow in that direction without having to do "like this, like this" (lectures or meetings).
Text by Kyohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
