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 complicated at first glance, but I think it demands focusing on the essence. Many of the menus are designed to maximize what is being instructed without overthinking, and that’s what makes it interesting.
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 never to lose my own 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 inevitably seen as just a guest. This season, having officially joined the team and set the goal of starting in the opening lineup, I absolutely cannot have the mindset of a guest. I am approaching this with the intention of leading this team. Even in game-format training sessions, I speak up to unify the entire team and tackle things assertively with the will 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 am gradually starting to feel recognized even in practice. People around me have begun to say, 'He is playing solidly even in the top team.' Even so, I must not be satisfied with just 'being able to do it'; I have to break through beyond that. In training matches as well, when it comes to my strength of decisively winning the ball, I must aim not just to be 'effective' but to be 'the best' and 'the most competitive.' I want to aim for the very 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) moves his feet like an overseas player, which is interesting to watch and very instructive. I play defense strictly according to the basic defensive principles, so it’s fascinating when he manages to take the ball away in situations where he ‘puts his foot out there.’ Kei KOIZUMI also has a different style of ball-winning compared to me, so I want to keep learning from him as well.
Q: If you can steal such plays, further growth can be expected.
A: Everyone is truly at a high level, so I watch with the intention of stealing everything I can, making every day stimulating.
Q: It seems that Coach Matsuhashi is observing all the players equally and thoroughly.
A: I think the coach watches everyone equally. However, being watched also means that he notices everything, including when you’re not doing well or when you’re slacking off. You can’t let your guard down, but at the same time, you appreciate being observed. Above all, giving your all for the team should lead to recognition, and rather than worrying only about the coach’s eyes, I believe you just have to express yourself to the fullest.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
