We held various events, including a 3-on-3 tournament and kickball, and more than 360 players participated!
Please see below for event details and how it went on the day.
[February 4 (Sat) Dribbling Clinic for 3rd-6th Graders]
We held a "Dribbling Clinic" for elementary school students from 3rd to 6th grade at the Kashima Antlers Clubhouse Futsal Court.
This time, the theme was "dribbling to get past an opponent."
In the initial training, we practiced dribbling with small touches by arranging markers. Dribbling requires touches with various parts of the foot, such as the inside, outside, and sole. We focused on keeping the ball close to ourselves with every touch.
Next, we practiced shooting after evading cones. When evading cones, it's important to be aware of various points such as the size of the touch, dribbling speed, and changes in pace before and during the evasion.
Finally, we conducted 2-on-2 person-to-person training. With actual defenders, it was initially difficult to get past opponents because players also had to be aware of the distance from the opponent and the timing of evasion. However, by looking up and correcting their dribbling posture, they gradually became able to get past opponents.
To get past an opponent, both practices using cones and markers and person-to-person training in actual game situations are important.
Let's work on getting past opponents and scoring goals!
[February 5 (Sun) Individual Game Tournament for 3rd and 4th Graders]
We held an individual game tournament for 3rd and 4th graders at the Kashima Antlers Clubhouse Futsal Court.
On the day of the event, players were divided into 5 teams, and after a preliminary league and final tournament, a winner was decided!
In the preliminary round, players chose a coach by playing rock-paper-scissors, and in the final tournament, the team that ranked first in the preliminary round chose a coach again, and the coaches also participated in serious matches.
The coaches had a special rule that "shots were only allowed inside the penalty area," so each team came up with various strategies, such as where the coach should position themselves and how to attack, making every match intense!
There have been many events where only participating players played, but it was very refreshing to have an event where coaches also participated as players!
We will continue to hold such events, so we look forward to your participation.
[February 5 (Sun) Dribbling Clinic for 1st and 2nd Graders]
We held a dribbling clinic for 1st and 2nd graders at Kashima Antlers Clubhouse D Ground.
In the warm-up for the dribbling clinic, we did cone dribbling.
While dribbling through the cones in a zigzag pattern, many players struggled to move forward smoothly because their touches were too big, causing them to hit the cones.
When we instructed the players to focus on small touches to avoid hitting the cones, their ball touches gradually became more precise, and fewer players hit the cones.
Next, we practiced dribbling leading to a shot. By dribbling towards three horizontally arranged cones, evading them, and then shooting, players were able to transition smoothly from small ball touches to shooting.
Furthermore, many players incorporated feints and turns, training with a real game in mind.
Finally, we conducted 1-on-1 training.
More players were attempting to get past their opponents by using ball touches that wouldn't be stolen by the defense, and by using feints and turns. I believe that dribbling becomes even more fun when players can get past opponents in 1-on-1 situations, so I hope the participating players will continue to practice dribbling more.
We will hold another dribbling clinic, so we look forward to many players participating.
[February 11 (Sat/Holiday) Skill-Up Clinic for 3rd-6th Graders: "Dealing with Air Balls"]
We held a skill-up clinic for 3rd to 6th graders at the Kashima Antlers Clubhouse Futsal Court.
The theme this time was "controlling air balls."
We conducted training on precise control to connect a lofted ball to the next play.
In the warm-up, we played catch with tennis balls.
By adding conditions during the catch, such as catching above the head, in front of the chest, or with the reverse hand, players became more aware of predicting the landing point of various balls.
Next, we conducted ball control training in pairs.
Initially, some players couldn't control the ball well, but by focusing on the height of their foot during control and how they extended their foot, they became able to control the ball to their desired position.
Based on the control training, we then conducted person-to-person training.
With a defender present, it became necessary not only to control the ball accurately but also to look for open space and the distance from the opponent while the ball was in the air.
Finally, we divided into three teams and had a team-versus-team volley shot showdown.
In volley shots, predicting the landing point, the angle of the foot, and judging the height of the ball, which were also focused on during control, all came together. Many players performed well, and it was very exciting!
Since there are many lofted passes in a match, I hope that by utilizing the control techniques learned in this clinic, players will be able to improve their skills!
[February 11 (Sat/Holiday) 1-on-1 Ultimate King Deciding Match for 1st and 2nd Graders]
We held the "1-on-1 Ultimate King Deciding Match" for 1st and 2nd graders at the Kashima Antlers Clubhouse Futsal Court.
On the day of the event, participants were divided by grade, and after a round-robin preliminary league, a championship tournament and a consolation tournament were held based on their rankings.
This was the third time the tournament was held this year, and with each tournament, the players' dribbling and feinting skills improved, and the intensity of their play for the ball increased.
Every match was passionate, conveying a strong desire not to lose, and even the parents watching were cheering loudly.
The winning player was presented with "Antlers Wear."
Many players shed tears in this tournament as well, but I hope they don't forget this frustration and continue to work hard in practice!
【1st Grade Winner: Shoto Soeda (left photo) 2nd Grade Winner: Ryota Ushiki (right photo)】
[February 12 (Sun) Shot & Goalkeeper Clinic]
We held a "Shot & Goalkeeper Clinic" focusing on shooting and goalkeeper techniques at the Kashima Antlers Clubhouse Futsal Court.
In the "Shot Clinic," the theme was "outwitting the opponent," and in the warm-up, we focused on kicking accurately to the target.
In the next training session, we lined up two mini-goals and practiced various shots. There was also training for deceiving the goalkeeper positioned between the mini-goals and shooting. We practiced focusing on eye contact, how to hold the ball, and watching the goalkeeper until the end to deceive them.
The "Goalkeeper Clinic" focused on training for positioning against shots.
In the warm-up, players enjoyed training to handle the ball as they intended, such as ball-feeling exercises done individually and catch-ball exercises done in pairs.
In the next training, we practiced basic plays to stop shots, such as the goalkeeper's stance and how to extend their hands for a frontal catch.
After mastering basic techniques, the next training focused on positioning. Goalkeepers are in a position where even a slight mispositioning can lead to a goal conceded, so the players understood the importance of correct positioning as they practiced.
Afterward, goalkeepers also joined the shot clinic and participated in shooting training.
In the shot clinic, utilizing the training they had just done, the number of goals increased as players engaged in feints to deceive the goalkeeper and controlled the ball to a position where they could shoot to either the near or far post. Goalkeepers also became able to respond to shots with composure by focusing on adjusting their positioning precisely.
In soccer, where a single point is crucial, both scoring shots and defending the goal are extremely important. I hope the players can utilize the skills learned in this clinic to become players who can win matches!
[February 18 (Sat) Kashima Antlers Soccer School in Namegata]
We held a soccer school for kids (kindergarten to pre-K) and elementary school 1st and 2nd graders at Namegata City Aso Sports Park Multipurpose Ground.
In the kids' soccer school, activities included running without bumping into cones or friends, stretching and other movement exercises, dribbling to handle the ball well with their feet, practicing stopping the ball with the sole of their foot, shooting practice, and matches.
In the 1st and 2nd-grade soccer school, we focused on dribbling to get past opponents, various shooting drills, and matches.
A variety of players participated, including those new to soccer and players from different grades. Everyone had fun, and it became a soccer school overflowing with smiles!
[February 19 (Sun) 3-on-3 Tournament for 1st and 2nd Graders]
We held a 3-on-3 tournament for 1st and 2nd graders at the Kashima Antlers Clubhouse Futsal Court.
This tournament saw 10 teams participate!
The tournament consisted of a preliminary league with 5 teams, and then the teams were divided into upper and lower tournaments based on their results to determine the winner.
The winning team of this tournament was "AAA" (Riku Saito, Ryo Sukegawa, Tomohiro Iizuka, Kazuki Tamura)! They achieved their long-sought first championship! Since it was the first time both teams reached the final, both teams had a strong desire to win, resulting in a very passionate match.
This tournament also saw upsets, with strong teams being defeated in the semi-finals, and various emotions swirling around due to wins and losses. This year's last tournament will be held in March, so please aim for victory and challenge yourselves!
[February 19 (Sun) 1-on-1 Ultimate King Deciding Match 2022 Championship]
We held the 2022 "1-on-1 Ultimate King Deciding Match" Championship tournament at the Kashima Antlers Clubhouse Futsal Court.
The Championship tournament is a competition where the champions of each monthly "1-on-1 Ultimate King Deciding Match" held in the Kashima and Norte areas in 2022 gather.
This year's championship was held with 11 participants, including coaches' recommended players.
After a round-robin preliminary league, a 2-minute half final tournament was held with the top 6 players.
As expected of a championship, there was an even more intense and high-level battle between offense and defense than usual.
"Ryu Kubota (4th grader)" was crowned the 2022 champion.
In the final match, despite trailing by 4 points in the first half, he utilized his inherent skills to make a great comeback in the second half and brilliantly won the annual championship.
We will be holding it again in 2023, so we look forward to many participants.
[February 23 (Thu/Holiday) Kickball & Soccer Tournament]
We held a kickball & soccer tournament at the Kashima Antlers Clubhouse Futsal Court.
Kickball is a soccer version of baseball where you kick the ball with your foot instead of using a bat, catch the soccer ball without a bounce instead of using a glove, and tag runners with the ball to get them out.
This was the first kickball event held in the Kashima area. On the day, 18 people participated and were divided into two teams of nine. The game started with Coach Takayasu, dressed as a referee, shouting "Play ball!"
This time, we used a special rule where everyone on the team got a turn at bat in one inning.
There were players who feigned a pull and then hit the ball with the outside of their foot, players who aimed for a home run by hitting the ball high, and players who made fine plays by diving to catch a ball hit between second and short in defense. It was a very lively event with a relaxed atmosphere!
Even players who didn't know the rules of baseball were able to enjoy themselves by confirming the rules as they played!
By experiencing and enjoying soccer in various forms, we hope that players will broaden their perspectives and apply what they learn to matches and beyond!
[February 26 (Sun) Itako Game Tournament]
We held a soccer tournament for kids (kindergarten to pre-K) to 6th graders at the Maekawa Sports Park Soccer Field in Itako City.
On the day, participants were divided by grade and formed teams among themselves to play matches.
In the initial matches, perhaps because the players were meeting for the first time, there were many instances where communication and understanding each other's play didn't go smoothly. However, as the matches progressed, players began calling out names for passes and showing coordinated plays.
Players gathered from various regions, and by playing with players they don't usually play with, they gained various insights. By taking leadership and communicating, it became an event where we could feel the physical and mental growth of the players!
