A Conversation with the French Women's National Team

Dr. Dish sat down with members of the French Women's National Basketball Team on the heals of the 2022  FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup and ahead of the 2023 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket to ask Coach Jean-Aime Toupane and a few stand-out players some questions about their training regiments and how they train for the Sport’s Biggest Stage. 

TIME SPENT TRAINING

When asked about the amount of time spent on training each day, the players had different responses.

• Iliana Rupert stated that it depended on whether they were playing at home or away, but typically she trained about 4 hours a day.
• Marine Johannes, on the other hand, revealed that she spent 4 hours a day training - 2 hours in the morning, and 2 in the afternoon, with additional individual physical preparation added to these sessions.
• Marine Fauthoux, meanwhile, trained at least 3 hours a day with the team, but also added individual work before or after the group sessions.

PLAYER - COACH COMMUNICATION

The importance of communication between coaches and players on and off the court was a common theme among the players.

• Rupert noted that it was crucial to have a minimum level of relationship with the coach, as they make the decisions, and good relationships with teammates made the game more enjoyable.
• Johannes agreed, saying that having a good atmosphere in the group helped everyone work better and want to go further.
• Fauthoux stressed that it was essential for everyone to know their roles and have the same feelings. 

THE BEST THING

When asked about the coolest thing about being a professional basketball player, the responses were varied.

• Rupert highlighted the opportunity to meet players from different nationalities and cultures each season, who then become very good friends.
• For Johannes, it was living experiences that few people could, and the chance to make basketball her profession, which had been a dream of hers.
• Fauthoux, however, simply loved being able to play basketball every day, calling it both a game and a passion. 

USING SHOOTING MACHINES

Finally, we spoke to Coach Jean-Aimé Toupane about the usefulness of machines like Dr. Dish for professional coaches. He explained that in his day, such tools did not exist, but now they had revolutionized basketball. He believed that recurrence in communication was essential and aimed to eliminate any vagueness and put meaning into everything they do. Toupane also revealed that seeing the girls arrive happy on the pitch was one of the coolest things about being a professional trainer.

•  Rupert also weighed in on the topic, stating that the Dr. Dish machine had made her job a whole lot easier. She used it regularly, and believed that it allowed her to improve her shooting skills individually, which was a significant advantage.
• Johannes echoed her sentiment, revealing that she liked to be alone in front of the basket from time to time and train quietly. The machine allowed her to do this and was very interesting to work with.
• Fauthoux also found the machine helpful, as it gave players autonomy and helped improve their shooting endurance. 
  
  
  

Overall, it was clear from our discussions that the French Women's National Basketball Team and their coach value communication, hard work, and the use of technology to improve their skills. With a rigorous training regimen and tools like Dr. Dish at their disposal, it's no surprise that they are among the best in the world.