Japanese soccer team trains with 'rice balls' to sharpen skills

Japan, which employ various innovative training methods, including playing with volleyballs

This must be the reason they are so dominant on the world stage...

Ive heard that other teams are following suit, the dutch kick wheels of cheese around the field. the Italians toss pizzas at the keeper, the Brazilians are trying to distract the goalie by putting scantily clad ladies dancing the samba next to the goal post and the Greek team uses a method of scattering euros all over the field and let the players trample all over them, the fact that they`re slippery makes it a hazardous situation.

Look for the NBA to use rugby balls for rebound practice.

Goalkeeper Takuya Masuda told the Nikkan Sports newspaper... “Hopefully we can apply it in matches.”

Sounds like the words of someone who has no idea why he's doing what he's being told to do, and is hoping beyond hope that it isn't a complete waste of time. For example, "Why are you just standing there on one foot with your eyes closed? "We were told to do it. Hopefully we can apply it in matches."

"Waste not, want not"... (but I bet they enjoy the samba dancing girls!)

Well they play Spain near my house on the 26th July so maybe I'll get to see the team. Wonder if they'll ask for onigiri shaped balls?

now how is that going to help. i guarantee u it will hurt them in the olympics.