The goalkeepers training camp held for players with potential of making Japan National Team had two-a-day practice at J-GREEN Sakai on the camp’s second day.

This camp is being conducted with objectives to instil mentality to be always ready as a Japanese international on and off the pitch and educate them with necessary knowledge. The morning session was centred on physical training. On the pitch, the goalkeepers worked on various versions of step work and catching drills targeted at improving agility, before they went to a gym inside of a J-GREEN Sakai building to undertake strength training.

In the afternoon, the drills were more practical with a goal behind them. They reviewed catching and saving techniques against cross balls from sides, shots off cross balls and in one-one-one situations, before moving on to more tactical drills including how to build up an attack after catching the ball. Goalkeeper coaches, Enver LUGUSIC and HAMANO Yukiya enthusiastically helped a short-but-productive session come true.

Players' Comments

HIGASHIGUCHI Masaaki (Gamba Osaka)
We are getting to work out with guys who we usually can’t work with. As I get the feel of other players’ uniqueness during the training, I am getting well motivated in this camp. If we have this kind of camp regularly, we can stay motivated and it will be a good plus for Japanese football and Japanese goalkeepers. If I go back to my club and work hard every single day to solve problems, I think I can build up things. I want to work out with a high level of awareness every day.

NISHIKAWA Shusaku (Urawa Reds)
There are a few players I have never played together before, and I am thankful for this opportunity where I can play together with the players I have wanted to play with. If we don’t get better, Japan National Team don’t get better. I am aware that our position is that important. It’s a new feeling for us goalkeepers to get together and work together. I always make it my habit to enjoy working on any kind of training. Even when I am in a different environment, I want to show that kind of unique mentality of mine. So I tried to very vocal today.

Throughout this camp, I am getting advice that can lead to good plays. So I want to keep getting inspired and go to my club with that. A goalkeeper is someone who can singlehandedly change the course of matches. So I want to be the one who turns around an unfavourable course for my team. We still have a tough road ahead, but I want many fans to watch us striving for victories.

Schedule

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