Q&A With ASVEL Coach Pierre Parker

We recently sat down with one of our newest converts, Coach Pierre Parker, the head trainer at Tony Parker Adequat Academy and ASVEL U21 Coach out of Lyon, France. Coach Parker shared his thoughts on how they integrate the latest technology into training at all levels, and why the Dr. Dish is one of the most important tools in their arsenal.

Q: Tell us a little about the role of drills in your player development practice?

A:   I believe that the role of drills in our player development is repetition. To me, repetition is key. The more you do the drills the correct way, the better the players will become.

Q: When a player comes to you for help, tell us about the process you go through. How do you select the right drill for your players? 

A: Well, when a player comes to me for help, I sit down with him and discuss what the player wants to work on and improve and vice versa. The drills we select are based on the strengths we need to perfect and to develop the skills on which a player needs to improve.

Q: Have you experienced players who do everything you ask in drills but don’t integrate new skills into their games? How can players, trainers, and coaches overcome this challenge? 

A:  Yes, I have had players who have a difficult time utilizing the drills learned in practice and integrating them into their game. I believe that every player improves in drills you repeat. But if the new skills are not integrated, we spend more time individually to try to improve that. I also believe that video feedback can help overcome this challenge so the players see themselves and we can point out how to get better at that specific drill.

Coach Parker teaching at the Academy with the Dr. Dish CT machine

Q: What can you tell us about the positive trends you see in basketball training?  What about negative trends?  

A: The positive trends of basketball training is that more and more players are working on their game if they are guided the right way by the coaching staff. I believe that individual training helps improve the fundamental skillsets of players. The biggest challenge of that now is to translate what you work on in basketball training onto the court

Q: What percentages of time should be spent on skill development, playing games/pick-up, and strength and conditioning?  

A: I believe the percentages should be 60% skill development, 40% playing games because your improvements as a player have to translate into team practices/games. I believe that the strength program should be individualized based on players need because every player is different. As far as conditioning, the main focus in preseason is to get the players in shape for the season. Conditioning is also included in practices and individual training. The goal is to maintain your players and keep them fresh so they can last the whole season.

Q: What would be your advice to ambitious players on how to use Dr. Dish?

A: My advice would be to use the Dr. Dish as much as you need but get training done efficiently when you use it. Always have goals when you use the machine.

Pierre filming workouts on the Dr. Dish CT machine 

Q: Can you share with us a little about how people can connect with you?

A: People can connect with me through email (p.parker@ldlcasvel.com) and/or Instagram (@thepfunk). People can also come visit the Tony Parker Adequat Academy in Lyon, France to see my working environment and facilities.

Are you looking to join Coach Parker as a member of the Dr. Dish family? Check out our products to find the best fit for you or your program.