Galen Harkness • July 27, 2023
Rising Above Adversity: How to Handle Challenges and Overcome Adversity in Basketball
In the game of basketball, challenges, and adversity are inevitable.

In the game of basketball, challenges and adversity are inevitable. How players handle these difficult situations can define their journey and ultimate success on the court. Embracing challenges and overcoming adversity are essential skills for hard-working basketball players aiming to accomplish big things in their basketball careers. In this paragraph, we will explore key steps to effectively handle challenges and rise above adversity on the basketball court.
Develop Resilience:
Resilience is the backbone of overcoming adversity. Hard-working basketball players must cultivate mental toughness and a growth mindset to bounce back from setbacks and failures. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, allowing you to come back stronger and more determined.
Stay Focused on Goals:
Amidst challenges, staying focused on your goals is crucial. Define your long-term and short-term objectives, and keep them at the forefront of your mind during tough times. Maintaining this focus will drive you to push through adversity and keep working toward success.
Seek Support and Guidance:
Facing challenges alone can be overwhelming. Seek support from coaches, teammates, or mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide valuable insights and lift your spirits during difficult moments.
Learn from Adversity:
Every challenge presents an opportunity to learn and improve. Analyze the adversities you encounter, identify areas for growth, and make necessary adjustments to your game and approach. Embrace these learning experiences as stepping stones towards becoming a better basketball player.
Stay Positive and Believe in Yourself:
Maintaining a positive attitude is vital when dealing with adversity. Believe in your abilities, focus on what you can control, and trust your hard work. A positive outlook will give you the confidence to overcome challenges and achieve greatness on the basketball court.
Conclusion:
Handling challenges and overcoming adversity is a defining aspect of a hard-working basketball player's journey. By developing resilience, staying focused on goals, seeking support, learning from adversity, and maintaining a positive mindset, players can rise above difficult situations and achieve big things in their basketball careers. Remember, challenges are opportunities in disguise, and embracing them will lead to growth and success. Keep pushing forward, and watch yourself rise to new heights in the game of basketball.

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.