U-23 Japan Women’s National Team short-listed squad started their training camp in Shizuoka.

In the warm sun, the players started with some physical tests in the morning, including 40-metre sprints, bounding training, 10-metre shuttle runs, and the yo-yo test, which measured players’ stamina.

During the yo-yo test, they had to run a fixed distance more and more quickly. Both CHIBA Sonoko and INOUE Ayaka lasted until the end. Then the players moved onto passing and controlling, followed by shooting practice to finish the two-hour practice session.

In the afternoon, after refreshing themselves, the players did some 2-on-1 and 3-on-3, and finished by playing practice games.

Players' Comments

HAYASHIZAKI Mei (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
We played two practice games at the end of the afternoon session. When we switched from defence to attack, we couldn’t play well due to a lack of communication – we weren’t sure about who to go for in defence first or where to steal the ball.

We were counter-attacked many times, which should have prevented this by staying vocal. So I learned the importance of preparing ourselves with good communication and better foresight. Although it’s only a limited-time training camp, I’d like to learn as much as possible to improve myself.

SAKURAI Mayuka (Nippon Sport Science University)
I’m over the moon to join the national team’s training camp for the first time. I’d like to learn a lot from the players of my generation during this opportunity, and realise what I need to improve to step up to the next level. I’d like to show my character during the training session.

During today’s training session, we focused on defence. We concentrated on practicing first defences and communicating between the defenders and the players up front, as well as staying competitive with 1-on-1. Having said that, as we couldn’t intercept the ball as we had planned in a practice match, I’d like to improve ourselves even more with better communication.

Schedule