Training Execution in Football - The CDE Framework
Training Execution in Football - The CDE Framework
In our previous blog posts, we explored the first two components of the CDE framework: Communication and Decision-Making. Now, we delve into the third crucial phase: Execution. Execution is where the rubber meets the road, the point at which a player's decisions translate into actions on the field. However, it's important to understand that execution is not the starting point of training but the culmination of a structured process that begins with effective communication and decision-making.
Understanding the Execution Phase
Many coaches mistakenly believe that execution is the starting point of training because it is the most visible part of a player's performance. This misconception can lead to an overemphasis on physical drills at the expense of developing a player's communication and decision-making skills. According to Raymond Verheijen, founder of the Football Coach Evolution (FCE), effective execution is the final step in a sequence that starts with gathering information through communication and making informed decisions based on that information (FCEvolution)
The Role of Execution in the CDE Framework
Execution in football involves translating a chosen decision into a physical action. This includes technical skills like passing, shooting, and dribbling, but also encompasses tactical actions such as positioning and movement. In the context of the CDE framework, execution is influenced by the quality of communication and decision-making that precedes it.
Training Execution: A Step-by-Step Approach
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Reducing Complexity: To focus on execution, coaches need to simplify the environment. This means reducing the number of players involved in training sessions. While communication training might involve 11v11 or 9v9 scenarios, and decision-making might require 7v7 or 9v9, execution training should involve smaller-sided games such as 5v5 or 7v7. This reduction allows players to focus more on the quality of their actions and receive more repetitions of specific skills (FCEvolution).
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Creating Repetition: Repetition is key to mastering execution. Smaller-sided games not only reduce complexity but also increase the frequency of involvement for each player, providing more opportunities to practice and refine their actions.
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Simulating Game Scenarios: Training should mimic the intensity and unpredictability of real match situations. This helps players adapt their execution to different contexts and pressures, ensuring that their skills are transferable to actual games.
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Feedback and Adjustment: Continuous feedback is essential for improvement. Coaches should provide specific, actionable feedback to players after each drill or game scenario, helping them understand what they did well and where they can improve.
Illustrating the Process
Imagine a player as a chef in a busy kitchen. The communication phase is akin to gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools, ensuring everything is in place. Decision-making is like choosing the recipe and method to prepare the dish based on available ingredients. Execution, then, is the actual cooking process—combining ingredients, applying techniques, and adjusting the process as needed to create a delicious meal. Just as a chef cannot cook effectively without proper preparation and planning, a football player cannot execute effectively without strong communication and decision-making skills.
Conclusion
Understanding and effectively training the execution phase of the CDE framework can transform a player's performance. By reducing complexity, creating repetition, simulating game scenarios, and providing continuous feedback, coaches can help players refine their actions on the field. In our next blog, we will explore how to integrate football fitness into the CDE framework, ensuring players develop the endurance and strength necessary to maintain high performance throughout a match.
Stay tuned for more insights on optimizing player performance through targeted training strategies.
