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 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’s not enough just to do that. I think it’s about how to combine my own ideas and strengths within that framework. While the broad outline is presented, 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. 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 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 recognition in practice as well. People around me have begun to say that I can play 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 "competent" 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 fight professionally.
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 away, 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 watched means that the coach also sees all the mistakes and any lack of effort. Therefore, I cannot let my guard down, and I appreciate being observed. In any case, I think that putting in my best effort for the team will lead to recognition, and I believe that instead of just worrying about the coach's gaze, I should express myself to the fullest.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
