Galen Harkness • December 18, 2023
Mastering the Art of Assists: Elevate Your Game with These Pro Tips
In basketball, assists aren't just about passing the ball
In basketball, assists aren't just about passing the ball; they're a testament to a player's vision, skill, and team spirit. Inspired by an NBA game featuring an impressive 15 assists, let's explore how you can elevate your assist game.
The Value of Being a Willing Passer:
- Build Team Chemistry: Understand that passing is a two-way street. It's about creating opportunities for your teammates and enhancing the overall team play.
- Action Steps:
- Practice different passing techniques – chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass – in various game situations.
- During scrimmages, consciously decide to pass more and observe the team dynamics.
The Power of Vision - Looking Up the Court:
- Benefit: Improves your ability to make quick, effective decisions and spot open teammates.
- Action Steps:
- During practice, focus on keeping your head up and scanning the court.
- Use drills that involve decision-making under pressure to simulate game scenarios.
Navigating the Paint with Skill and Patience:
- Advantages: Being able to penetrate the paint with control can dismantle defenses and create scoring opportunities.
- Action Steps:
- Work on dribbling drills that emphasize agility and control in tight spaces.
- Practice patience in the paint; use drills that require you to hold your position before making a play.
Fostering a Team-First Attitude:
- Benefits: Encourages a more cohesive and effective team unit.
- Action Steps:
- Celebrate your teammates’ successes in games and practice. This builds morale and team spirit.
- Actively look for opportunities to assist rather than score, especially during practice games.
Conclusion:
Improving your assist game is about more than just passing skills; it’s about developing a comprehensive understanding of the game, honing your technical abilities, and nurturing a team-first mindset. Remember, every great assist is a step towards not just personal improvement but also towards building a stronger, more cohesive team.
Final Tip:
Watch professional games, not just for entertainment, but as a study tool. Analyze how top players make their assists, their positioning, and decision-making. Try to emulate these in your practice sessions.
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At 19 years old, Dominique Malonga was the youngest player drafted in the WNBA when the Seattle Storm picked her No. 2 overall. With her size, skill, and potential, she was called a “unicorn.” But her rookie season didn’t start with highlight reels. It started on the bench. For most of the first half of the season, she barely played. Frustrating? Absolutely. But instead of being negative, Malonga stayed ready. She studied veterans like Nneka Ogwumike, clapped for her teammates, and asked constant questions. She turned frustration into fuel. By midseason, the patience and hard work paid off. Malonga became the youngest player in league history to reach 300 points and record back-to-back double-doubles. Suddenly, Seattle’s playoff hopes rested on the same rookie who was once just watching from the bench. So, what can players learn from Malonga? Patience and persistence matter. Success isn’t instant—stay consistent. Learn from the best. Watch, listen, and apply what veterans do. Confidence comes from work. She built belief through preparation. Energy is everything. Even before she played big minutes, her attitude lifted her team. Work > hype. Being called a star means nothing if you don’t put in the reps. Malonga’s story is a reminder: greatness is built day by day. Talent opens the door, but work, mindset, and resilience keep you in the room. At EYG Basketball, we help players do exactly that. Whether it’s skill development, game IQ, or building the habits that matter, our programs prepare you for your moment—on and off the court. š Ready to grow? Explore EYG Programs Original ESPN article link
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