Galen Harkness • October 28, 2023
Elevate Your Game: 10 Essential Tips for Aspiring Basketball Players
Basketball is a game of skill, strategy, and passion.
**Elevate Your Game: 10 Essential Tips for Aspiring Basketball Players**
Basketball is a game of skill, strategy, and passion. Whether you're just picking up a basketball for the first time or have been playing for years, there's always room for improvement. "Elevate Your Game" is a mantra that encourages players to reach new heights in their performance, both on and off the court. Here are ten essential tips for young players in the 6th to 12th grades to truly elevate their game:
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**1. Master the Fundamentals**
Before you can execute complex plays and strategies, you need to have a solid grasp of the basics. Prioritize mastering fundamental skills like shooting, dribbling, and passing. Remember, even the greatest players continually practice the basics.
**2. Prioritize Conditioning**
Basketball is a high-intensity sport that requires stamina. Engage in regular cardiovascular workouts to improve your endurance. This ensures that you maintain energy and agility throughout the game.
**3. Embrace Strength Training**
Strength isn't just for power forwards and centers. All players benefit from a strong core and legs. Incorporate exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups into your routine to build muscle and enhance your game's physical aspect.
**4. Develop Mental Toughness**
Basketball is as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical prowess. Stay positive, learn from your mistakes, and never let setbacks deter your spirit.
**5. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work**
Individual skills are essential, but basketball is a team sport. Emphasize communication, trust, and collaboration with your teammates. Remember, a well-coordinated team often outperforms a group of individual stars.
**6. Practice, Practice, Practice**
The old adage is true: practice makes perfect. Dedicate time each day to work on different aspects of your game. Whether it's free throws or defensive drills, consistent practice is the key to improvement.
**7. Challenge Yourself**
One of the fastest ways to improve is to play against those better than you. Seek out opportunities to play against more experienced players to push your boundaries and adapt to various playing styles.
**8. Study the Pros**
Take time to watch professional basketball games. Analyze the strategies, plays, and techniques of top players. This not only provides entertainment but also valuable lessons.
**9. Consider a Coach or Mentor**
Personalized feedback is invaluable. A coach or mentor can provide insights into your strengths and weaknesses, offering tailored advice on areas of improvement.
**10. Fuel Your Body**
Proper nutrition and hydration play a crucial role in your performance. Ensure you're eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated to aid recovery and optimize performance.
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In conclusion, elevating your game in basketball requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for continuous learning. By following these ten tips and maintaining a growth mindset, you're well on your way to reaching new heights in your basketball journey. Stay committed, stay passionate, and always aim to elevate your game!
Every player wants to make an impact. Score. Steal. Pass. Rebound. Make plays. Help your team. That's the fun of the game. But what if you're not the biggest or the tallest player on the court? Don’t let size hold you back. What matters more is your effort, mindset, and willingness to work. Here are 5 ways smaller players can consistently impact the game: 1. Run the Floor Sprint hard every time. Even if you don’t get the ball, you put pressure on the defense —and open up opportunities for your team. 2. Cut with Purpose Move without the ball. Defenders relax when you stand still. Cut hard, look for gaps, and make plays from movement. 3. Push the Pace When you get the ball, go. Put pressure on the defense before they’re set. Play fast. Make good decisions. 4. Get Paint Touches Attack the paint. Great things happen when you get inside—draw defenders, finish strong, or kick out to teammates. The paint changes the game. 5. Hustle Plays Win Games Dive for the loose ball. Battle for rebounds. Take charges. Be feisty, relentless, and tough to play against. What Separates Players? Mindset. Do you believe you belong? Do you believe you can make a difference? Keep showing up. Keep working hard. Keep finding ways to impact the game. Your size doesn’t define your value. Your effort and mindset do. https://www.loom.com/share/0c0113c8b25c422ba7e10803b818d6b0?sid=ccecfb29-bc1a-4dc1-ac51-a0ba204e3d18 The video below is of TJ McConnell of the Indiana Pacers. The average height in the NBA is 6'7". TJ is 6'1" and has a MASSIVE impact on the game. He does all the things listed above and more.
Last night, one of our EYG players hit eight threes in a single game. Not because he got hot. Because he made the decision to shoot— And had the confidence to let it fly. That confidence came from 7 months of consistent training: 4 workouts per week 2 full seasons of 5-on-5 play Mostly group training, with a few private sessions He had a goal. He showed up. He did the work, even on the hard days. And when the moment came, he was ready. This isn’t the end of his journey. It’s just a stepping stone. If you know a player with a goal—someone ready to work— EYG is here when they are. Let’s keep growing. Keep working. Keep dreaming. Keep elevating your game.
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