The U-20 Japan Women's National Team met up in Shizuoka on Sunday 9 October and held a training session at 9:00 the following day.

This training camp is the last preparation before the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup (Papua New Guinea 2016) in November. In the morning, after relaxing physically and mentally by doing an icebreaker, the team played a seven-on-seven game to practice possession. 

In the afternoon, the players went through basic techniques, including kick-ups and headers. Then they worked on taking shots and initiating attacks from the wings. The coach TAKAKURA encouraged the players to ‘focus on each play in detail’, while trying to make them realise the second or the third movement. At the end, the team did a six-a-side on a half-length pitch to finish off the training session.

Players' Comments

ASANO Natsumi (CHIFURE AS ELFEN SAITAMA)
We practiced taking shots this afternoon. Although there were various consecutive shots, I focused on details, such as how to approach shooters and adjusting my positioning. In the mini game at the end of the session, it was vital that I, as a goalkeeper, controlled the defenders in order to prevent shots against players who were eager to attack. I’d like to improve combinations with my teammates to defend even more solidly from tomorrow. As this is the last training camp before the World Cup, I’d like to show off my abilities. 

MIYAGAWA Asato (NIPPON TV BELEZA)
We practiced two types of shots – a simple one and one through combination play. I focused on the accuracy in both types of shots to make sure I scored. I worked on playing carefully step-by-step, thinking of a real game. In terms of shots through combinations, I carefully considered which foot to use in order to pass the ball and stayed vocal to coordinate better. Since it’s the last training camp before the Word Cup, I’d like to showcase my strength. I believe that playing as a united team is essential. So I’d like to communicate well.

Schedule

*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.