The second day of the Girls GK Selection Camp was cancelled due to torrential rain, and the players attended at a meeting instead in the morning.

The players individually analysed various goalkeepers’ plays in video and exchanged opinions. As the rain stopped in the afternoon, they held a training session on the pitch again. The players were divided into two groups, one with elementary-age pupils and the other with junior high school students. The training sessions included basic posture, catching, stepping, and throwing. Despite the heat at over 30 degrees, each player focused on exercises to absorb what they were learning.

The players seemed less nervous compared to the first day, communicating with each other off the pitch.

Coach Comment

YAMAGO Nozomi GK coach (Seiritsu Gakuen Junior & Senior High School)
I once participated in the “Super Girls Project”, the precursor of the Girls GK Selection Camp as a guest coach. I held practice sessions back then. As I remember I had to teach the basics of goalkeeping, but all the current participants have better technique and deeper understanding of the game. I believe the level of the goalkeepers in this generation has improved.

I was quite impressed with the players’ knowledge of goalkeeping. They were capable of fixing the problems swiftly as requested. Although there is still room to improve in the quality of throwing, distributing, and kicking, I was able to observe significant changes in their plays when instructed in detail. The more they practice, the more improvements they can see. So I’d like them to bring take back what they learned in the training to their respective teams and improve their skills further. 

These kinds of events remind me of the importance of envisioning these students for their future. I encourage more players to think internationally. 

Players' Comments

ONO Anna (Albirex Niigata Ladies U-15)
We watched various goalkeepers’ plays in video this morning. I was especially impressed with the way they caught a cross ball securely. If the ball moved even slightly, the goalkeeper reacted to it with small steps. As I cannot the same yet, I need to continue practicing on securing with small steps. Although there will only be a half day left, I’d like to continue practicing everyday.

TAKEMOTO Ai (FC EFFRONTE)
We practiced catching and rolling down, followed by a practice game today. I learned that it was vital to follow basic techniques during a match. I focused on positioning myself to the centre of the ball to catch it and moving myself with small steps towards the ball that is away from the centre of the ball. In terms of rolling-downs, I tried to step forward, so that I could draw the ball nearer to my body after catching it.

There are so many things to learn in this camp. I’ll bring what I learned here back to my team. In the match analysis during the meeting, I saw many goalkeepers who were well prepared to catch the ball focusing on the movement. I’d like to play like them. Since my aim is to become the best goalkeeper in Japan and in the world, I’ll continue practicing hard everyday.

GINOZA Rea (Haneji FC)
We attended a meeting in the morning and held practice sessions in the afternoon. During the meeting, we learned many things, including about breakaways, cross balls, shooting traps, and attack participation. Above all, I’d like to improve on collectiveness, which means unification of attack and defence or continuous contribution in both of them.

I also want to think about three aspects of plays: before receiving the ball, making plays to the ball, and after passing it. You must be prepared off the ball, so that you can secure it when it comes to you. It is also important to keep focused on the ball after getting rid of it.

We practiced on rolling down in the afternoon. Although it was difficult, I’d like to practice harder to nail it. Tomorrow is the final day. I’ll work hard to display my strengths.

Schedule

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