Galen Harkness • April 30, 2025
How to Impact the Game—No Matter Your Size
Every player wants to make an impact.
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.
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. 👉 Ready to grow? Explore EYG Programs Original ESPN article link
Luka Dončić’s offseason proves greatness starts off the court. Learn how discipline with training, diet, and habits can elevate your basketball game.
Too much recruiting. Not enough teaching. At EYG, we’re focused on real player development—skill, IQ, and confidence. Here’s how we’re doing it differently.