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ELEVATE YOUR GAME

We help basketball players get better & reach their goals.
By Galen Harkness 12 Mar, 2024
As basketball players, your journey is filled with challenges and opportunities.
By Galen Harkness 04 Mar, 2024
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By Galen Harkness 28 Feb, 2024
Transform your off-season into a period of significant growth with our expertly crafted 4-month basketball development plan
By Galen Harkness 21 Feb, 2024
3 Tips for Being Crafty or Clever on the Court
By Galen Harkness 12 Feb, 2024
Here are 3 benefits, 2 tips, and 1 quote to help players play better.
By Galen Harkness 06 Feb, 2024
Catch and shoot situations are pivotal in basketball, offering quick scoring opportunities and keeping the defense on their toes. Here's a concise breakdown to enhance your game with this skill: 3 Tips for Catch and Shoot 1. Perfect Your Footwork: Footwork is crucial as you prepare to receive the ball. Practice landing in a ready position, with feet shoulder-width apart and pointing towards the basket. This allows for a balanced and powerful shot. 2. Focus on Your Form: Consistent shooting mechanics—elbow under the ball, eyes on the target, and a smooth follow-through—are essential. Repetition is key to ensuring your form becomes second nature. 3. Read the Defense: Anticipate how defenders will react to the catch and shoot play. Position yourself in spaces that are hard to cover quickly, giving you that split second you need to get your shot off. 2 Benefits of Developing Catch and Shoot Skills 1. Efficiency: Catch and shoot players can significantly boost a team's offensive efficiency by taking advantage of quick scoring opportunities before the defense is fully set. 2. Spacing: By being a threat from the catch and shoot, you force defenders to stay close, creating more space on the floor for your teammates to operate. 1 Tip for Working on the Catch and Shoot Use Drills That Mimic Game Situations: Practice with a partner or coach who can deliver passes from different angles and distances. Incorporate movement, coming off screens, or cutting to the basket before catching and shooting to simulate in-game scenarios. Closing Quote "Great shooters are made, not born. Being able to make shots under pressure is about the hours of practice you put in when no one is watching." This simple yet powerful approach to mastering the catch and shoot can make a significant difference in your game. Focus on these key aspects, and watch as your efficiency and confidence on the court soar. When players are ready, EYG can help: 1. Training 2. Camps 3. Newsletter
By Galen Harkness 30 Jan, 2024
Coaching is an art form that transcends the boundaries of mere instruction and strategy. It is a journey of guiding, inspiring, and molding athletes, whether at the collegiate, high school, middle school, or youth level. Each player and team is unique, bringing a diverse set of skills, personalities, and backgrounds to the table. As coaches, our mission is to harness this diversity and channel it towards a singular goal: excellence in competition and character. The Essence of Effective Coaching At its core, coaching is about getting the best out of our teams and players. This requires a balance between building confidence and instilling discipline, rewarding both team play and individual effort. Effective coaching isn't just about winning games; it's about developing well-rounded athletes who excel both on and off the field. Key Principles for Successful Coaching 1. Competitiveness: Encourage your players to compete with passion and intensity. This doesn't mean winning at all costs but fostering a healthy competitive spirit that drives improvement. 2. Teamwork: Emphasize the importance of sharing the ball and playing as a unified team. Success in sports often hinges on the ability of players to work together towards a common goal. 3. Coachability: Foster an environment where athletes are open to feedback and willing to learn. A coachable player is like clay in the hands of a skilled potter, ready to be shaped into something extraordinary. 4. Defense: Instill a strong defensive mindset in your team. Defense is often the unsung hero of sports, a critical component of any winning strategy. 5. Personal Growth: Strive to be the best coach you can be. This means continuously learning, adapting, and seeking new ways to motivate and improve your players and team. Building the Foundation: Accountability, Trust, and Connection A successful team is built on the foundation of accountability, trust, and connection. These elements foster a sense of belonging and commitment among players, leading to greater team cohesion and performance. 1. Accountability: Hold players responsible for their actions and performance. This teaches them the value of responsibility and the importance of contributing to the team. 2. Trust: Develop a mutual trust between you and your players. Trust is the glue that binds a team together, allowing players to take risks and play with confidence. 3. Connection: Create strong connections with and among your players. A connected team is a resilient team, capable of facing adversity together. Bringing Out the Best in Teams and Athletes To bring out the best in your teams and athletes, encourage them to play together, take risks, be aggressive, play with confidence, and handle adversity. These qualities are essential for both individual and team success. Remember, your role as a coach extends beyond the physical aspects of the game. You are also a mentor, a guide, and a role model. Final Thoughts Coaching is a rewarding yet challenging journey. It requires a delicate balance of discipline and encouragement, strategy and empathy. As coaches, we must constantly reflect on our methods and seek ways to improve. Remember, the ultimate goal of coaching is not just to win games, but to develop players who are confident, resilient, and team-oriented. Embrace this journey with an open heart and mind, and watch as your players and teams reach heights they never thought possible. --- As coaches, let's take this opportunity to reflect on our practices and continually strive to elevate our coaching skills. Remember, the impact you have on your players extends far beyond the game. It's about shaping lives, building character, and creating lasting memories. Let's make every coaching moment count. EYG helps players improve and reach their goals. When ready here are 3 ways EYG can help. 1. Training - Private or small group memberships are available for players that want to put in extra work. 2. Camps - these are great ways to get introduced to EYG and improve individually as a basketball player 3. Newsletter - keeps you up to date on upcoming EYG events.
By Galen Harkness 22 Jan, 2024
Elevating Basketball Players: The Impact of Specialized Coaching In the realm of basketball, EYG Basketball emerges as a pivotal player in developing not just game-winning strategies, but also in crafting skilled basketball players. At EYG Basketball, the goal transcends beyond mere victories; it's about molding basketball players into not only adept competitors but also well-rounded individuals. This blog explores how additional basketball training and coaching can profoundly benefit basketball players and their teams. ### Developing Individual Skills Basketball is a sport that requires a diverse set of skills, ranging from precise shooting to agile ball-handling. At EYG Basketball, coaches dedicate themselves to working individually with each player, pinpointing their unique strengths and areas for improvement. This personalized coaching approach ensures that each basketball player receives the necessary guidance to enhance their performance. We have witnessed numerous players evolve under this specialized training, significantly boosting their skills and gaining confidence on the court. ### Understanding Team Dynamics While individual prowess is vital, basketball is inherently a team sport. EYG Basketball coaches stress the importance of understanding team dynamics, teaching players to recognize their role within the team and to make smart, tactical decisions during games. This focus on team collaboration cultivates a sense of unity and cooperation, which is crucial for any successful basketball team. ### Mental and Physical Growth Basketball challenges players not just physically but also mentally. EYG Basketball's coaches are skilled in fostering players' mental toughness, equipping them to remain composed under pressure and resilient in the face of challenges. Physically, our training programs emphasize overall fitness, endurance, and techniques to prevent injuries, ensuring players are in peak condition for optimum performance. ### Beyond the Court: Life Skills The lessons imparted on the basketball court have far-reaching implications. The discipline, dedication, and work ethic instilled by our coaches empower players to achieve success in other facets of their lives. Numerous EYG Basketball alumni have excelled in their academic and professional pursuits, applying the skills honed through basketball. ### The EYG Basketball Difference EYG Basketball is distinguished by its comprehensive approach to developing basketball players. We aim not just to improve players' abilities on the court but to nurture individuals who are equipped to tackle life's challenges with assurance and resilience. Our coaches are more than trainers; they are mentors deeply invested in the growth and well-being of each player. ### Conclusion Opting for additional basketball training and coaching at EYG Basketball is an investment in the future of basketball players. The expertise, lessons, and experiences acquired through our programs leave an enduring impact, both on and off the court. If you're considering basketball training for yourself or your child, EYG Basketball offers an all-encompassing, supportive, and effective environment for development. For more information about our programs and enrollment details, please visit our website or reach out to us directly. Become part of the EYG Basketball community and embark on your journey to not just becoming a better basketball player, but a better individual. --- This revised blog focuses specifically on guiding and helping basketball players, emphasizing the unique benefits and opportunities provided by EYG Basketball's specialized coaching and training programs.
By Galen Harkness 16 Jan, 2024
As a basketball player, you are at a crucial stage of your basketball journey. Whether you're aspiring to make the team, get more playing time, or improve your game, the path to success involves dedication, smart practice, and understanding the key concepts that make a great player. Here's a guide to help you excel in your basketball journey. 1. Become a Competitor First and foremost, embrace the spirit of competition. Competitiveness is not just about wanting to win; it's about striving to be your best, pushing your limits, and constantly learning from every game and practice. How can you become more competitive? - Set Personal Goals: Identify specific areas you want to improve in and set achievable goals. Whether it's improving your shooting accuracy, enhancing your defensive skills, or increasing your stamina, having clear objectives will give you a sense of direction. - Embrace Challenges: Don't shy away from tough opponents or difficult situations. Use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Analyze your performance after each game, identify your weaknesses, and work on them. 2. Be Unselfish: The Power of Team Play Basketball is a team sport, and unselfish play is crucial for team success. Being unselfish means looking for the best shot for the team, not just for yourself. It involves passing the ball to an open teammate, setting screens, and moving without the ball to create opportunities for others. Why is unselfish play important? - It Creates a Stronger Team: When players work together and support each other, the team becomes more cohesive and effective. - Increases Your Value as a Player: Coaches notice players who make their teammates better. Being unselfish can increase your playing time and make you an indispensable part of the team. 3. One Goal: Team Success Remember, everyone on your team has the same goal: to win and improve together. When you focus on the team's success, your personal achievements will naturally follow. How to align with this goal? - Communicate with Your Teammates: Talk on the court, encourage each other, and discuss strategies. Good communication builds trust and understanding among teammates. - Be a Team Player: Celebrate your teammates' successes, offer constructive feedback, and be open to receiving feedback. A strong team is built on mutual respect and support. 4. Mastering Perimeter Gravity Perimeter gravity refers to a player's ability to stretch the defense by being a threat from the outside. Players who can shoot well from the perimeter create space for their teammates to operate. How can you develop perimeter gravity? - Practice Your Shooting: Spend time working on your three-point shooting and mid-range jumpers. Consistency is key. - Understand Spacing: Learn to position yourself on the court to maximize the space for your teammates. This involves moving without the ball and being aware of where you are in relation to others. 5. The Ball Sticks Less: Improve Ball Movement Good ball movement is essential for a dynamic offense. When the ball sticks less, it means the ball is constantly moving, making it harder for the defense to set up and predict plays. To improve ball movement: - Work on Your Passing: Develop both your accuracy and the ability to anticipate where your teammates will be. - Move Without the Ball: Constant movement off the ball creates passing lanes and scoring opportunities. 6. Understanding Shot Selection Knowing which shots to take and which to avoid is crucial. - Learn Your Team's Playbook: Familiarize yourself with the offensive strategies and the types of shots your coach wants the team to take. This understanding helps in making smart decisions during the game. - Analyze Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Be honest about your shooting abilities. Focus on taking shots that you are confident in making, while also working to improve your weaker areas. 7. Playing Well for Each Other The ultimate goal is to play in a way that benefits the entire team. This means recognizing when to take charge and when to support your teammates. Playing well for each other involves: - Being Aware of Your Teammates: Keep an eye on their positions and movements. A well-timed pass or screen can be just as valuable as scoring. - Adapting to Game Situations: Be flexible and ready to adjust your role based on the needs of the team during the game. Conclusion Remember, basketball is a journey, and every practice, game, and season is an opportunity to grow as a player and a person. By focusing on these concepts, you'll not only increase your playing time but also contribute to your team's success. Stay dedicated, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy the game! By incorporating these actionable steps into your routine, you can make significant strides in your basketball journey. Whether it's through becoming a more competitive and unselfish player, understanding the importance of perimeter gravity and shot selection, or fostering a team-first mentality, each aspect plays a critical role in enhancing your game and contributing to your team's success. Stay focused, work hard, and embrace the journey of becoming a better basketball player. When Players are Ready there are 3 ways EYG can help: 1. Training 2. Camps 3. Newsletter
By Galen Harkness 07 Jan, 2024
Basketball is more than just physical skill; it's a mental game. For young players, from 6th to 12th grade, mastering this aspect can be a game-changer. Here, we explore key techniques that can help these athletes elevate their game through mental training. With dedication and practice, these strategies can lead to noticeable improvements in performance and confidence. Techniques for 6th to 8th Graders Younger players are in the early stages of their basketball journey. Here's how to make mental training accessible and impactful for them: Simplified Mindful Breathing and Visualization: - Technique: Use engaging visualization, like imagining themselves successfully making a layup under pressure. - Benefit: Enhances focus and introduces the power of positive thinking in sports. Relatable Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations: - Technique: During a game, encourage players to say to themselves, “I can defend well,” or “I am a good team player,” especially after a missed shot or a turnover. - Benefit: Builds confidence and a positive mindset towards learning and improvement. Basic Routine and Process Orientation: - Technique: Develop simple routines, such as a specific dribbling pattern before a free throw. - Benefit: Teaches the value of consistency and focusing on the process, not just the outcome. Techniques for 9th to 12th Graders As players mature, their mental training should evolve to meet their growing skills and understanding: Advanced Mindful Breathing and Visualization: - Technique: Encourage players to visualize playing against a tough opponent and successfully executing their game plan. - Benefit: Enhances focus and prepares players for high-pressure situations. Sophisticated Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations: - Technique: In a challenging game situation, players should remind themselves, “I have practiced hard for this,” or “I can make a positive impact.” - Benefit: Deepens self-belief and a growth mindset. Individualized Routine and Process Orientation: - Technique: Develop personalized routines that cater to their specific roles on the team, like a shooting guard visualizing successful three-point shots during warm-up. - Benefit: Promotes a sense of control and preparedness in various game situations. The Path to Improvement Applying these techniques with consistency and belief can lead to significant improvements in your basketball performance. Remember: - Start Small: Begin with one technique and gradually incorporate others. - Consistency is Key: Regular practice of these mental skills is as crucial as physical training. - Believe in the Process: Trust that these techniques will enhance your game. Final Thoughts Basketball is as much a mental endeavor as a physical one. By adopting these techniques, young players can develop a stronger mental game, leading to enhanced performance and greater enjoyment on the court. Remember, with purposeful practice and a positive mindset, you can unlock your full potential as a player. Let the journey begin!
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