U-19 Japan Women's National Team attended the second day of their training camp.

The players started with individual warm-ups before the practice session. They were divided into groups of three to practice 1-on-1 with a defender, zigzagging with the ball towards cones on both sides. Tactical interplay between the passer and the defender are essential for this practice. 

Then the players played a 4-on-4 mini game on a half-length pitch. Coach TAKAKURA Asako instructed: “change your speed when you attack.”

The team reviewed the practice match from the training camp in July prior to the afternoon session. They shared their achievements and issues in preparation for the afternoon practice. The players played a 9-on-9 with one free player on a half-length pitch, followed by a intrasquad game with 30-minute halves to finish their practice session of the day.

Players' Comments 

NORIMATSU Ruka (Urawa Reds Ladies)
We mainly focused on defence today. When the first defender challenges the opponent, the other players must move to fill the space, deciding on position swapping, limiting direction, and judging whether to steal the ball or defend the goal. I’d like to be able to make these decisions swiftly. 

We had a intrasquad game in the afternoon, thinking of what we learned. Even though we could do well with a fewer number of players, it was more difficult when playing with 11 players – we couldn’t play harmoniously or couldn’t decide who would be the first defender. I’d like to continue practicing this in tomorrow’s session.

MOMIKI Yuka (Nippon TV Beleza)
In the morning, we focused and shared our team’s defence tactics to improve accuracy in that area. As we become fully attuned during the training session, we did improve the accuracy not only in defence, but also in attack.

We could show what we learned in the morning during the afternoon’s intrasquad game. So we played a very high-level game. I’d like to continue being focused in tomorrow’s game, so that we can make our last match before the AFC U-19 Championship good one.

MORITA Yukari (Nippon Sport Science University)
I’d like to prepare ourselves well during the camp, as there’ll be the Asian qualification for the coming FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. I’d like to aim to win the championship. As a team, we have boosted our awareness of shots and defence. We’ll continue to improve them and fix our errors. Personally, I’d like to display my strength, so that I can contribute to the team.

Schedule

*Local Time
Note: The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.