Lotte's autumn training was held at Zozo Marine Stadium on the 24th.

During the autumn practice sessions, they are not only conducting batting practice in cages but also engaging in game-style drills with the players divided into three teams of four. Game-style practice was held on this day as well.

Regarding the goals for batting during this autumn practice, batting coach Kenta Kurihara explained, "It is a game-style approach. Batting coordinator Daichi Yazawa has been putting a lot of thought into it. While volume is important, it is not just about hitting; we are using game-like elements to think as we attack. Since there are four people on defense, everyone looks at the positions before entering the batter's box. I think they are entering the box thinking about things like 'where should I hit it?' or 'what should I do to be safe?' In that sense, I think they do enter the box with those thoughts during actual games as well, but the desire to just hit often takes over. This way, they are able to practice while thinking and visualizing."

During the special batting practice after the team session, eight players were divided into pairs to conduct drills: two pairs practiced in two separate batting cages, while the other two pairs performed long tee drills from in front of the third-base dugout toward left field.

Regarding the extra batting practice, we aren't doing anything particularly unusual, but since the players are thinking about various things during these autumn training sessions, I'm letting them hit freely. It feels like we're working through things while talking to each other.

During last year's autumn practice at Zozo Marine Stadium, in addition to batting practice in the cage, players were swinging bats with the goal of strengthening their lower bodies through methods such as split-leg tee drills and swings using resistance tubes. Since the players' levels have risen a notch over this past year, perhaps they are being allowed to hit freely during special batting practice sessions.

In my mind, now that the season is over, I think each player has identified their own challenges, and they are working on things based on how they think they should proceed. Regarding special batting practice, I consider this a period for observation. I am thinking about various menus for the fall camp once we go to Miyakonojo. As for the fall training, I feel like I am listening to what the players are thinking while observing them.

Indeed, when interviewing the players, Raito Ikeda said, "I want to work on catching the ball with the highest probability possible. To ensure I can get my timing right consistently, I want to start by minimizing my movements and then try various things like lifting my leg from there," as he practiced hitting with no-step or sliding-step techniques. Daito Yamamoto also faced his own challenges, stating, "This autumn, I want to focus on solidifying my fundamentals. I believe this is something I can only do during this autumn season, so I hope to build a strong foundation and have it in good shape by next spring."

Coach Kurihara said, "Since we have already conducted individual season reviews, we are doing autumn practice while exchanging ideas on how to improve further," as he watches over the players' batting practice after thoroughly confirming their thoughts.

The Miyakonojo autumn camp is set to begin on October 30th. Coach Kurihara stated, 'Once the camp starts, the volume of swings will naturally increase, and we understand how grueling that will be. Within that environment, it is a matter of how much conscious effort they can put into each individual menu item. As they work through the volume, I want them to find that specific knack or feeling where things just click.'

To get the hang of it, you inevitably need volume. That is why we do it, but there is no point in just hitting a number if I simply tell them to do 1000 swings. If they do not consciously think about how they can hit better or how they can achieve a better swing, then just swinging is a waste. I want each individual to be mindful of that, and on our side, we will continue to support the players' growth while effectively motivating them.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita