In this episode of the Driveway Dads Podcast, Coach Carl Parker shares how simplifying your approach to coaching, training, and parenting can unlock next-level performance in young athletes. From locker room lessons to the concept of “997” offense, Carl breaks down how clarity, efficiency, and focus can reduce overwhelm, boost confidence, and lead to smoother, more instinctive play.

You’ll learn:

• Why less is more in skill development and strategy
• How to spot when training is too complicated
• What military leadership taught Carl about coaching kids
• How anxiety and over-coaching go hand in hand—and what to do about it
• Simple systems you can use today that lead to long-term success

Whether you’re raising a young athlete, coaching a team, or just trying to lead your kids better—this episode will challenge you to strip away the noise and build with purpose.

...and much more.

BONUS: The FREE Game Day Guide is LIVE https://wecoachparents.com/gameready

Hear more from Coach Parker on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@itscoachparker

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itscoachparker/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@itscoachparker

Got questions for us?
Email us at Carl@drivewaydads.com with your question, and you might hear the answer on one of our next epidsodes!

THANKS FOR TUNING IN!

If you enjoyed this week's show, don't forget to hit the "follow" button. Not only is it totally free, it guarantees you never miss out on future episodes.

Think you know someone who would enjoy this episode? Do them a favor and share it with them.

Also, please consider leaving us a quick review. It only takes a few seconds, but your review makes all the difference in helping us get the show out to more parents. And who knows...we might even read your review on the show!

Ever wondered why your kid's basketball team is struggling despite seemingly talented players? The answer might lie in what you're NOT measuring.

In this eye-opening episode, I share game-changing basketball statistics that will transform how you view youth basketball success. Drawing from conversations with former NBA player Jerome "Junkyard Dog" Williams, I reveal the secret metrics professional teams track that directly correlate with winning - metrics you can easily implement with your middle school or high school athlete.

Forget points and assists. We dive deep into Energy Generating Behaviors (EGBs) - measurable actions like defensive communication, deflections, and team touches that create momentum shifts. I explain why tracking "kills" (three consecutive defensive stops) might be the most powerful team metric you've never heard of, complete with real examples from our championship game where defensive focus completely changed outcomes.

The beauty of these statistics? They're based on effort and basketball IQ rather than natural talent, giving every player a path to contribute meaningfully. Parents will appreciate how these metrics provide objective feedback for improvement conversations, while coaches can use them to build defensive cultures that win games.

Download our free stat sheet from the show notes and start implementing these professional-level tracking systems with your young athlete today. Your perspective on what creates basketball success will never be the same. If you've found value in these insights, please take a moment to leave a review and share with another basketball parent who needs this information!

...and much more.

BONUS: The FREE Game Day Guide is LIVE https://wecoachparents.com/gameready

Hear more from Coach Parker on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@itscoachparker

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itscoachparker/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@itscoachparker

Got questions for us?
Email us at Carl@drivewaydads.com with your question, and you might hear the answer on one of our next epidsodes!

THANKS FOR TUNING IN!

If you enjoyed this week's show, don't forget to hit the "follow" button. Not only is it totally free, it guarantees you never miss out on future episodes.

Think you know someone who would enjoy this episode? Do them a favor and share it with them.

Also, please consider leaving us a quick review. It only takes a few seconds, but your review makes all the difference in helping us get the show out to more parents. And who knows...we might even read your review on the show!

Spring basketball season is here, and every parent is asking the same question: Should my kid play or focus on training? In this episode, Coach Parker breaks down how to make the right decision based on your child's long-term goals, skill level, and overall development.

He shares insights from his own experience raising college athletes, working with elite trainers like Coach Adams at Rhythm Dribble (Laurel, MD), and coaching youth teams to success. You'll learn why sometimes skipping spring games in favor of "lab work" (focused skill development) is the smarter move—and why missing out on tournaments doesn’t mean falling behind.

Other key topics include:

• How to set spring basketball goals based on where your child needs to be next fall
• Why development—not just playing games—should be the top priority in middle school
• The biggest mistake parents make with skills training (hint: it’s not about cone drills)
• The role of varsity aspirations in shaping your child’s training plan
• Why elite players focus on efficiency over flash (less dribbling, smarter decision-making)

Coach Parker also shares his personal development strategy for his 7th-grade son, how he balances multiple sports, and why “success leaves clues” when it comes to skill building.

Timestamps

0:00 - Sponsor: CP Basketball Academy Summer Camps – Train with the best this summer
0:29 - Welcome to the Show – Spring basketball season is here
1:09 - Should your kid play or train? How to make the right decision
2:33 - How spring & summer training determine success in the fall
3:34 - The fear of missing out & why skipping tournaments isn’t falling behind
5:30 - The value of elite skills training over just playing more games
6:54 - The true purpose of games: implementing what’s learned in training
7:29 - Tracking progress: How to measure improvement between training & games
8:54 - Free Resource: Download the Game Day Guide (wecoachparents.com/game-ready)
9:25 - Why flashy training doesn’t translate to real games
10:50 - Kyrie Irving & the power of simplicity in skill development
12:09 - The long-term goal: Getting varsity-ready by 9th grade
14:22 - Why skill development is non-negotiable in middle school
16:25 - How JV & varsity progression works in big programs
17:54 - Final thoughts: Focus on controlling what you can control

...and much more.

BONUS: The FREE Game Day Guide is LIVE https://wecoachparents.com/gameready

Hear more from Coach Parker on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@itscoachparker

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itscoachparker/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@itscoachparker

Got questions for us?
Email us at Carl@drivewaydads.com with your question, and you might hear the answer on one of our next epidsodes!

THANKS FOR TUNING IN!

If you enjoyed this week's show, don't forget to hit the "follow" button. Not only is it totally free, it guarantees you never miss out on future episodes.

Think you know someone who would enjoy this episode? Do them a favor and share it with them.

Also, please consider leaving us a quick review. It only takes a few seconds, but your review makes all the difference in helping us get the show out to more parents. And who knows...we might even read your review on the show!