On 18 April, the second day of the training camp. U-20 Japan Women’s National Team short-listed squad had training in both the morning and the afternoon. 

Unlike the previous day, the weather was cloudy. In the morning the team had sessions which were mainly for improving possession such as 3-on-2 and 5-on-5. From the afternoon, all players had series of sessions starting from pass & control, possession in 4-on-3, and breaking through defence. 

The teams Coach TAKAKURA Asako asked them to think well when they play: “put your energy into the ball when you pass it. You can express your expectation by passing the ball; they can feel what you want them to do from the place your ball goes, and the speed of your pass.” In the end, they had practical game style sessions of 6-on-6 and 11-on-11. 

Tomorrow, they will play the practice match against a local male team Meitoku Gijuku Senior High School. 

Coach and Players' Comments

TAKAKURA Asako, Coach
Since this training camp is being held between matches of Nadeshiko League, I think it is hard for the players, but they look that they are into the camp with high motivation. I want them to play with various ideas. I expect them to keep going well, understanding the competition between what they want to do and the opponent players. 

DF  HATANAKA Miyuka (IGA FOOTBALL CLUB KUNOICHI)
I was called up to this U-20 Japan Women’s National Team short-listed squad for the first time and this is such a precious opportunity for me to play with the other players in the same age group. I want to challenge well to see how much I can do in this level. Tomorrow, we have the practice match against a male team with power and speed. I have to pay attention to positioning and to make correct decisions on the pitch.

MF  SUGITA Hina (INAC KOBE LEONESSA)
We have made a good combination since the first day and the team’s atmosphere has been good. In the camp, the Coach and my other teammates give me fresh insights which are different from my own. I want to improve each aspect of my play. 

DF  MINAMI Moeka (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Youth)
I expect foreign players have equal level of speed and fitness as male teams, so I will try to think well when I play in the practice match against the male team tomorrow. Particularly, I will be careful in 1-on-1 situation and encouraging or guiding the other teammates from behind to keep a clean sheet tomorrow. 

DF  KOJIMA Miku (ALBIREX NIIGATA LADIES)
This time, we want to improve our combination and to strengthen the team in many ways. I want to contribute to the team by making our offence stronger, and by coaching in a right way. Tomorrow, I will try to respond quickly to the opponent players, assuming that they will be like the speedy and strong Nigerian players whom we will play in the World Cup. 

Schedule

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