Galen Harkness • October 14, 2024

Embracing the Hard: How Struggle Builds Stronger Basketball Players

Challenges on the court are what make players tough off the court.

At EYG Basketball, we believe that *hard is ok.*


Challenges on the court are what make players tough off the court.


It’s easy to get frustrated after a missed shot or a tough game.


But those moments are where the real growth happens.


Every time you struggle, you’re building the strength to face the next challenge.


Here’s how parents and players can turn struggle into success:


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1. Hard is Ok


Hard days are normal in basketball – and in life. 


When you miss a shot, or the game doesn’t go your way, remember it’s part of the process. 


Think about players like Steph Curry – he didn’t get here without setbacks.


But with each struggle, he got better and more confident.


Tell yourself that these tough moments are *making you stronger.*


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2. Reflect on What You Learned


Each struggle is an opportunity to learn.


Ask yourself, “What did I struggle with today?”


Was it your shot? Was it defense? Or maybe staying focused?


Reflecting on the game helps you see where to improve.


Take a moment to understand what didn’t go well and why.


This simple reflection is the first step to getting better.


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3. Turn Reflection Into Action


Now, take what you learned and put it to work.


Did you struggle with shooting? Commit to 15 extra minutes a day on that.


Was defense tough? Spend time on footwork and positioning.


Taking action doesn’t mean changing everything at once.


It’s about small, consistent efforts that lead to big improvements.


Every extra rep, every focused drill, builds your game and your confidence.


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4. Encourage Effort at Home


Parents, this mindset starts with you, too.


Celebrate your player’s effort, even when the result isn’t perfect.


Talk about what they’re learning, not just how many points they scored.


This encourages them to see struggles as a chance to grow.


And it helps them stay motivated to keep working.


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Remember, struggle is not something to avoid.


It’s something to lean into, invest in, and build on.


At EYG Basketball, we know hard days lead to big wins.


So the next time you face a challenge, tell yourself: Hard is ok.


Then take action, put in the work, and keep moving forward.


How to Impact the Game—No Matter Your Size

How to Impact the Game—No Matter Your Size

By Galen Harkness • April 30, 2025
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.
A black and white photo of a person 's hand holding a basketball.

He hit 8 threes in one game—here’s how it happened

By Galen Harkness • March 30, 2025
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.

How to Make Everyone Around You Better on the Court

By Galen Harkness • March 18, 2025
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