For this challenge, we enlisted the help of second-year youth players to see "how many balls they could put into a case after they rebounded off the teqboard!"
[Date]
Sunday, February 26, afternoon
[Venue]
Courtyard within the Antlers Academy House
[Rules Explanation]
Two players form a team. One player distributes the ball. The other player kicks the ball with their foot or head against the upright part (wall) of the teqboard.
If the ball rebounds from the wall, bounces off the lower table, and then goes into the case, it's a success!
Each player gets 6 attempts, for a total of 12 balls per team.
[Challenger Introduction]
The players who will be taking on the challenge are those who will be third-year students starting in April.
First, a pair who are "serious in both play and personality!"
Left: Koji Oyama (Tsukuba Junior Youth) / Right: Shoma Nagayama (Kashima Junior Youth)
Oyama is known for his powerful headers that utilize his impressive physicality, while Nagayama is Youth's No. 1 technician, skilled in intricate ball control!
The second pair is "Softness and Strength!"
Left: Kento Iki (VIVAIO Funabashi) / Right: Konari Ogura (Tsukuba Junior Youth)
Iki is a player with various dribbling patterns and abundant ideas in front of the goal, while Ogura is appealing for his precise kicks with both feet and his ability to win the ball.
(There's already a player in the background thinking about his pose...)
The third pair, whose weapon is a flash of inspiration, are "playful in both play and personality!"
Left: Hayato Manome (Norte Junior Youth) / Right: Yamato Misawa (Kashima Junior Youth)
Manome is the team's fastest player when turning towards the goal, and Misawa is a player who skillfully dribbles from the side to outwit opposing defenders.
The fourth pair is the "Muscle Duo," characterized by their high athleticism and physicality!
Left: Kensho Ikeda (Kashima Junior Youth) / Right: Shota Sakamoto (Premiere Tokushima SC)
Ikeda is a player who runs around the pitch with his small stature and is attractive for his decisive finishing in crucial moments, while Sakamoto is a player with an indomitable spirit who overcame injuries and gained a strong physique.
Finally, a pair whose weapon is "intelligence," excelling in both academics and sports!
Left: Kyogo Hirayama (Tsukuba Junior Youth) / Right: Koki Shimada (Minamiurawa Junior High)
Hirayama, whose incredibly accurate left-footed kicks are sure to be a huge asset in set pieces, and Shimada, who stands 187cm tall and applies his intelligence to coaching.
[Before the Main Event]
First, they practiced to get the hang of it.
They carefully checked things like the position of the thrower, where to hit the wall part of the board, and the air pressure in the ball.
The Manome and Misawa duo were particularly meticulous in their checks!
Which part of the wall should it hit...
And which part of the lower table should it hit...
Their simulation seems perfect... (laughs)
This time, we've covered the rules explanation and player introductions.
Next time, we'll bring you the actual challenge!