From Thursday, July 23 to Saturday, July 25, we held the "Futsal Skill Up Summer Clinic (1st and 2nd Grade Elementary Students)" at the Kodaira Civic Gymnasium over three days!

With the theme of "experiencing training specialized in futsal and aiming to become hybrid players who can also excel in soccer," 18 players participated with great enthusiasm!

 

Opening & Meeting

First, we reviewed the schedule for the three days and the facility rules. Then, the coach explained the purpose of this clinic: "To experience futsal-specific training and become a hybrid player who can also excel in soccer."

The players listened intently to the coach's talk while checking off items in their "handbook," organizing the key points before heading out to the pitch.

 

Training Scenes

Day 1: Techniques for Winning the Ball

On the first day, training focused on the theme of "techniques for winning the ball." The players were a bit nervous at first due to the different members and environment than usual. However, by the time the warm-up ended, they had completely relaxed, with smiles and energy overflowing!

When we organized "when, where, who, and how" to take the ball during the meeting, we saw changes in the children's play.

Especially in the final game, their proactive attempts to take the ball were very impressive. Although they struggled with futsal-specific rules (4-second rule, back-pass rule), they enjoyed chasing the ball throughout.

After training, they returned to the locker room and filled out reflections in their booklets. Many players struggled to write down their thoughts concretely, but with the coach’s support, they worked hard on it.

Day 2: Ball Carrying Techniques

On the second day, the training focused on the theme of "techniques for carrying the ball." We started with a review using footage from the previous day to objectively watch their own play. Utilizing the video seemed to provide many insights.

The main theme this time was "late dribbling." Some players were confused by this term, which they heard for the first time, but by using the video and the handbook, they clearly understood "when and where to use this technique."

Since it was the second day, there were more comments during the meeting, making it a very lively session.

That enthusiasm was also demonstrated on the pitch, where they fearlessly took on challenges repeatedly. They especially focused on "dribbling while carefully watching the opponent."

In the final match, we also saw goals scored from the dribbling practiced during training.

Even in the post-training review, we felt significant growth since the first day. Especially among the second graders, more players were able to write detailed reflections without the coach's help, and there were even some reliable players who said, "I prepared at home yesterday!"

Day 3: Techniques to Score Goals

As on the second day, the meeting started with a review video from the previous day. Some players were looking forward to seeing how they had played. On the final day, as the "techniques to score goals," we challenged "instep kicks," "toe kicks," and "penetration to the second post"!

“Toe kicks” and “penetrating to the second post” are techniques and tactics unique to futsal. To convey that these are skills that are useful not only in futsal but also in soccer, we showed the players footage of FC Tokyo’s Mikiki Nagakura in action, which elicited surprise and admiration from the players.

After moving to the pitch, we first conducted shooting practice at the second post. Although they were initially confused by the offside-free tactics unique to futsal, they quickly adapted! In the subsequent matches, several brilliant goals were scored from the second post. They grasped not only shooting techniques but also intuitively understood "where to position themselves to score."

We explained how to use the instep kick and toe kick depending on the availability of time and space, and conducted training. Some players tried the toe kick for the first time but quickly mastered it.

In the final match, which was the culmination of the three days, the players fully demonstrated what they had learned so far. They adapted wonderfully to the futsal rules and environment, showing dynamic play in both offense and defense.

Closing

After returning to the locker room and conducting the final review, we held the closing meeting.

Each participant was awarded a diploma (certificate of completion), and finally, everyone watched a review video filled with memories and growth from these three days before disbanding.

In Conclusion

Through this clinic, we hope you not only enjoyed futsal but also truly felt how futsal can enhance your soccer skills. Even when you return to your regular school or team, we expect you to remember what you learned this time and continue to grow as a "hybrid player" of both soccer and futsal!

The coaches will continue to support everyone's growth from now on!