On 17th May, SAMURAIS hopeful gathered in training of qualifying trial for International Cup.

 

We, Japan, are limited on physical aspect among the participating nations of International Cup. We may expect to spend much time for defense during the game. In order to build up the strength of their defending skills, thery focused on the training that they convey the ball forward turning over the ball kicked by an opponent FW in front of a goal with "Third man up", and spring out to side.

 

Talking about "Third man up", it is the action of one player (third man) who comes running to spoil a ball at the spot where the ball kicked ahead before the goal fell when players of each team are contesting the ball one by one. This is effective way to defend when opponent has FW players who are much taller or stronger.
"Third man up" is hard for the player to get timing to run for the contest. By contrast we can say the team that has a player on the DF line who has higher "Third man up" skill can hold down a player who is strong FW of opponent.

 

The time will be up soon as we have only less than twelve weeks up to the opening of International Cup. Preparation for it is nearing an end!
We hope all of you give us brave!!

 

The selection match for Japanese national squad, SAMURAIS, is comimng on 25th May from 4pm at Edogawa ground, and they will gather again for the last training of qualifying trial for IC on 31th May.
The final players for Japan who will participate in International Cup will be presented at the beggining of June.

Questionare for this article：
Email: samurais@jafl.org (AFL Japan 強化部)