Galen Harkness • February 21, 2024

3 Tips for Being Crafty or Clever on the Court

3 Tips for Being Crafty or Clever on the Court

3 Tips for Being Crafty or Clever on the Court


1. Master the Art of Deception: Use head fakes, pump fakes, and no-look passes to mislead defenders. The element of surprise can open up scoring opportunities and create space for you and your teammates.


2. Develop an Unpredictable Game: Incorporate a variety of moves into your game, such as step-backs, euro-steps, and floaters. Keeping your defender guessing what you'll do next is key to gaining an edge.


3. Perfect Your Footwork: Efficient footwork is the foundation of craftiness. Work on pivots, quick direction changes, and using your body to shield the ball. Good footwork can create shooting and passing lanes where none seem to exist.


2 Actionable Steps to Develop Craftiness and Cleverness


1. Drill Under Pressure: Practice your moves against live defense in practice scenarios. This will help you adjust to real game situations and learn how to read defenders' movements to exploit their weaknesses.


2. Study the Greats: Watch game footage of crafty players like Steve Nash, Manu Ginobili, or Chris Paul. Notice how they use timing, spacing, and creativity to their advantage. Try to mimic and adapt their moves into your game.


Inspirational Quote


"Creativity is seeing what everyone else sees, but then thinking a new thought that has never been thought before and expressing it somehow." - Steve Nash


When Players are Ready, there are two ways EYG Can Help:

  1. Training - https://www.eygbball.com/eyg-training
  2. Camps -  https://www.eygbball.com/eyg-camps
Youth basketball player shooting in a gym, representing how purposeful training builds confidence an
By Galen Harkness January 21, 2026
Why making shots changes everything for young players—and how a simple training plan helps them build confidence, earn minutes, and enjoy the game more.
Youth basketball players training, playing team games, and pickup basketball as part of a complete p
By Galen Harkness January 9, 2026
Basketball players improve fastest by combining training, team games, and pickup basketball. Learn how these three pieces work together.
Basketball player competing through adversity during a game, learning confidence, resilience, and gr
By Galen Harkness January 6, 2026
Basketball competition creates mistakes and adversity. Learn how players can respond, grow, and build confidence through struggle, preparation, and work.