The training camp of Japan Women’s National Universiade Team was held on 24 to 26 November in Shizuoka with their eyes for the 2015 Gwangju Universiade.
A total of 32 players from 18 colleges assembled to join the first training camp of the team led by Nadeshiko Japan’s coach Mochizuki Satoru.

On 24th before the start of the camp, Mochizuki said to the shortlisted players, “Not everyone can put on the shirt with Japan National Team’s emblem. Be responsible and be proud to be here.” Since some players saw each other for the first time, the camp started with training that aimed at on-pitch communication and worked on game-style practices and shooting drills after all players were divided into four teams on half-sized pitches.

On the second day, under the theme “look,” they played an 8v8 scrimmage with mainly focusing on how well the players could support each other and how they made judgements on when to pass. . An 11v11 game was scheduled on the final day, but because of the rain and low temperature, players worked on a scrimmage with four divided teams. They also took on 3v1 drills stressing on transitions between offence and defence as offence tried their best to keep the ball and defence put all out to chase the ball around..

Head Coach Mochizuki tried to encourage players’ self-initiative and independency by assigning drills designed to let the players choose the right play out of plentiful options in constantly-changing situations. . The boss went through each player’s trait and performance in the training that contained the unchanged menu throughout the three-day camp spell.

At the final meeting before breakup, the squad watched a short movie about women’s football history. Their boss said, “You will build a new chapter of the future”, and every player was listening to his word with sparkling eyes. After playing in the All Japan University Championship and the Empress’s Cup the squad will participate in an inter-regional tournament in February as the Japan University Selection Team.

Note: In the past, the Japan Women’s National Universiade Team included players who belonged to clubs in the Japan Women’s Football League, but the JFA decided to limit to players who belong to the Japan University Women’s Football Association from the 2015 tournament in order to further develop women’s college football.

Comments

MOCHIZUKI Satoru, Head Coach
The start-up camp for the finals was significant and meaningful as we were able to go through characteristics and ability of each staff member and player. We had two objectives. One was to encourage players to understand, implement and get prepared for the team objectives and the mission of national team players. The other was to review how much players understand and implement the fundamental skills and tactics through the training and games.
Under the great environment, the camp turned out to be exciting, as we felt the pleasure of getting started with the big goal to win the Universiade and realised the players’ quality.

KAGA Kouko (Sendai University)
The most impressive thing that I learned from our coach was to “look.” I’m playing a defensive midfielder, so I will keep trying to have more play options available for myself.
I played the last Universiade in Russia, but we were fifth. This time, I will try to lead the team to the gold medal, and I will keep those things in mind even when I play on my team.

YOKOYAMA Ai (Tsukuba University)
Because my regular playing speed wasn’t good enough here, I felt I need to improve my judgement and fundamental abilities. After going back to my team, I will remember the playing speed that I realised here and work on daily training.

KAWAHARA Nao (Waseda University)
In this Universiade camp, I put most focus on playing with my own judgement. I wasn’t able to make it as I wanted, so after I go back to my club, I will continue to work on it to get better, and I am now determined very strongly that I will keep improving to be selected for the next camp.

HAYASHI Kanae (Shobi University)
Head Coach always said “look.” That’s what I was most impressed. By simulating a real game, the team kept a good level of tension at every moment.
As long as we have a chance, I will do the best I can do and aim at the high level.

HONDA Yuka (Osaka University of Health and Sports Sciences)
I felt looking” and making decisions, which was what our coach said, is the most important thing. To fight in the world stage, I still need to improve my goal scoring ability. After going back to my team, I will work out to improve what I learned today and enhance my strengths.

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