Galen Harkness • July 21, 2024

Mastering the Art of Shooting: Essential Shots to Practice

Ready to become a better shooter?

Ready to become a better shooter? Let’s learn from NBA player Sam Hauser! Here are five shots he practices and why you should, too.


1. Catch and Shoot


- **What**: Catch the ball and shoot right away.

- **Why**: Quick release surprises defenders.

- **Benefit**: Helps you shoot faster and more accurately.


2. Cut, Catch, and Shoot


- **What**: Move without the ball (cut), catch it, and shoot.

- **Why**: Helps you get open shots.

- **Benefit**: Teaches you to move smartly and shoot in rhythm.


3. Shot Fake, One Dribble, Shoot


- **What**: Pretend to shoot (fake), dribble once, then shoot.

- **Why**: Tricks defenders and gets you open.

- **Benefit**: Helps you react quickly to defenders.


4. Shot Fake, One Dribble, Step Back Shot


- **What**: Pretend to shoot, dribble once, step back, then shoot.

- **Why**: Creates space from defenders.

- **Benefit**: Makes it hard for defenders to block you.


5. Transition Catch and Shoot


- **What**: Catch and shoot while running up the court.

- **Why**: Takes advantage of fast breaks.

- **Benefit**: Helps you shoot well in fast-paced situations.


6. Transition Shot off the Dribble


- **What**: Dribble and shoot on the move.

- **Why**: Keeps defenders guessing.

- **Benefit**: Makes you a more versatile scorer.


Why Practice These Shots?


- **Game Readiness**: Be prepared for any game situation.

- **Confidence**: Making these shots builds self-belief.

- **Versatility**: Become a multi-dimensional scorer.


Tips to Remember


- **Repetition**: Practice these shots every day.

- **Focus**: Concentrate on your form and accuracy.

- **Game Speed**: Practice at game speed.


Challenge yourself like Sam Hauser and watch your shooting improve!


Keep working hard, and remember: every shot you practice brings you closer to game-time success.


Stay dedicated,

EYG Basketball


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.
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.
By Galen Harkness March 18, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
More Posts