Galen Harkness • August 9, 2024

Steps to Greatness: How to Reach Your Full Potential in Basketball

Every young athlete dreams of achieving greatness on the basketball court.

# Steps to Greatness: How to Reach Your Full Potential in Basketball


Every young athlete dreams of achieving greatness on the basketball court. While natural talent plays a role, it’s the less obvious traits that truly set apart legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant. Here’s a guide to help you cultivate these characteristics and unlock your potential.


1. Develop an Unparalleled Work Ethic


Why It Matters

Great players are made in the gym when no one else is watching. A relentless work ethic lays the foundation for improvement and success.


How to Develop It

- Consistency: Dedicate time each day to practice your skills, even when you don’t feel like it. Make shooting 500 shots a day your norm, not your exception.

- Focus: Prioritize quality over quantity. Ensure each practice session has a clear goal, whether it’s perfecting your jump shot or improving your defensive stance.


Pro Highlight: Kobe Bryant was known for his 4 a.m. workouts and meticulous approach to perfecting his game. Adopt his mindset of "Mamba Mentality" to push your limits.


Why It Matters

Basketball is as much a mental game as it is physical. Mental toughness allows you to perform under pressure and bounce back from setbacks.


How to Develop It

- Challenge Yourself: Put yourself in high-pressure situations during practice, like shooting free throws with the game on the line.

- Stay Positive: Focus on what you can control and maintain a positive attitude even when things aren’t going your way.


Pro Highlight: Michael Jordan’s ability to remain calm and focused in clutch moments helped him become one of the greatest closers in basketball history.


3. Enhance Your Basketball IQ


Why It Matters

Understanding the game deeply helps you anticipate plays, make smart decisions, and outthink your opponents.


How to Develop It

- **Watch and Learn**: Study game footage of yourself and professional players to learn different strategies and techniques.

- **Ask Questions**: Engage with coaches and experienced players to gain insights into advanced basketball concepts.


**Pro Highlight**: Magic Johnson’s exceptional court vision and understanding of the game allowed him to make plays others couldn’t see. Aim to develop your awareness and anticipation like Magic.


4. Fuel Your Competitiveness


Why It Matters

A strong competitive drive pushes you to continually improve and strive for excellence.


How to Develop It

- **Set Goals**: Establish clear, challenging goals for yourself and work tirelessly to achieve them.

- **Embrace Challenges**: Seek out tough competition to test your skills and learn from the experience.


Pro Highlight: Larry Bird’s fierce competitiveness and desire to win drove him to work harder and smarter than his opponents.


5. Lead with Confidence


Why It Matters

Leadership on and off the court can elevate your performance and inspire those around you.


How to Develop It

- **Lead by Example**: Show your teammates what hard work looks like through your actions.

- **Communicate Effectively**: Develop your communication skills to motivate and encourage others.


**Pro Highlight**: Michael Jordan’s leadership by example set the tone for his team and inspired his teammates to elevate their game.


6. Embrace Adaptability


Why It Matters

The ability to adapt to different roles and situations makes you a versatile and valuable player.


How to Develop It

- **Expand Your Skills**: Work on all aspects of your game, from shooting and ball handling to defense and rebounding.

- **Be Open to Feedback**: Listen to coaches and teammates and be willing to make adjustments to improve.


**Pro Highlight**: Kobe Bryant’s ability to adapt his game as he aged allowed him to remain a dominant force throughout his career.


7. Prioritize Passion and Resilience


Why It Matters

Passion fuels your journey, while resilience helps you overcome obstacles and continue progressing.


How to Develop It

- **Find Joy in the Game**: Remember why you started playing and let that love for basketball drive you.

- **Stay Resilient**: Use setbacks as learning opportunities and never lose sight of your goals.


**Pro Highlight**: Magic Johnson’s enthusiasm and joy for the game were infectious, helping him bounce back from challenges and setbacks.


Conclusion


Achieving greatness in basketball requires more than just physical talent. By developing these key characteristics and committing to a path of continuous growth, you can increase your chances of reaching your full potential. Embrace the journey, work hard, and let your passion for the game guide you toward success.


Focus on building these traits to not only improve your game but also become a leader and a role model both on and off the court. Greatness is within reach if you’re willing to work for it.


Ready to Take the Next Step?


When you’re ready to elevate your game, EYG Basketball can help you with specialized training and camps designed to refine your skills and mindset. Visit our website for more information:


EYG Basketball https://www.eygbball.com


EYG Training https://www.eygbball.com/eyg-training


or explore our events and programs https://app.upperhand.io/customers/165-eyg-basketball/events


Let’s work together to unlock your full potential.

Jumping Up vs. Jumping Out: Two Finishes Every Undersized Player Needs

By Galen Harkness • June 9, 2025
At EYG Basketball, we train players to play smarter and finish stronger. If you’re under 6'4", you can’t rely on size alone at the rim—you need solutions. Two of the most important: jumping up and jumping out. Why This Matters The game gives you different looks at the rim. Great players know how to read the help defense and choose the right finish. These two options help you avoid blocked shots, keep defenders guessing, and finish through or around contact. What’s the Difference? Jumping Up Happens closer to the rim Follows a bump, shot fake, or pump fake Uses power, balance, and verticality Creates space by initiating contact with the inside shoulder Effective when you’ve already earned position Jumping Out Happens earlier, before the shot blocker fully rotates Uses speed and quickness off one foot Avoids contact by getting the ball on the glass fast Useful when you don’t have time or space to absorb contact In the video examples, you’ll see both finishes. Watch how the offensive player creates space, reads the defenders, and chooses the finish that fits the moment. How to Train These Finishes Jumping Up Work on shot fakes, shoulder bumps, and strong two-foot finishes Focus on balance and lift Practice against contact or padded defenders Jumping Out Practice one-foot takeoffs Use floaters, scoop layups, and high glass finishes Rep it with a rotating help defender to train timing What to Watch For How the offensive player creates space Where the help defense is The timing and angle of the finish Whether it’s a contact finish or an avoidance finish Final Thought from EYG We don’t teach generic moves. We teach game decisions. Knowing when to jump up or jump out is the difference between getting blocked and getting buckets. If you want to finish like a high-level guard, this skill set is non-negotiable.

In, Out & Up: 3 Places to Look with the Ball

By Galen Harkness • June 9, 2025
Places for Basketball Players to Look—and Why 🎥 Clips of the Week What’s Happening: Three game clips show players making passes that lead to scores by: Looking In – Inside the paint to find cutters Kicking Out – To perimeter shooters Passing Up – The floor in transition Why It Matters: Great decision-makers scan all three zones—In, Out, & Up—to find the best option. This habit leads to smarter decisions, better shots, and more team success. Who Can Learn From It: Guards, wings, and any player who handles the ball. Learning to scan in these three directions keeps pressure on defenses and opens up opportunities. https://youtu.be/Ec1RWcIYnqw?si=NfmzLwPkWZ-KuanX Don’t just see the game. Scan it. 🛠️ How to Apply This Players: As you dribble or catch, train your eyes to scan: In – Cutters and post mismatches Out – Perimeter shooters and spacing Up – Rim and teammates in transition Build the habit. Clip it. Study it. Rep it. 👋 Final Note This one decision-making pattern—In, Out & Up—can shift how you play. It’s not flashy. It’s just smart basketball. Thanks for being here. Let’s keep learning. Let’s Play Smarter. Elevate Your Game.

Train Like a Pro This Summer: Lessons from Caitlin Clark’s Offseason

By Galen Harkness • May 14, 2025
Summer is the season where real growth happens. Summer is the season where real growth happens. For serious high school basketball players, this isn’t the time to coast. It’s the time to separate yourself. If you want to take your game to the next level, take a page from WNBA star Caitlin Clark’s offseason playbook. Here’s what she focused on—and how you can apply it this summer: 1. Get Stronger to Play Stronger The game only gets more physical at higher levels. Caitlin Clark used her offseason to build strength so she could handle contact, maintain her balance, and stay efficient even when tired. You can do the same: Bodyweight strength work like pushups, squats, lunges, and planks builds a powerful base. Core strength helps you finish through contact and protect the ball under pressure. Strong legs = better defense, more explosiveness, and more consistency in your shot. This summer, commit to strength training 2–3 days per week. 2. Recovery Is Part of Training Recovery is not just for pros—it’s what allows you to train hard again the next day. Clark’s offseason wasn’t just about grinding—it was about taking care of her body with sleep, nutrition, hydration, stretching, and downtime. What does recovery look like for you? Go to bed early. Drink water throughout the day. Take time to stretch, roll out, and cool down. Don’t train yourself into the ground—train to be consistent. Recovery helps you show up every day with energy and focus. 3. Work on Game-Specific Skills Clark didn’t just shoot 1,000 shots a day. She trained the shots she actually takes in games: pull-ups, deep threes, quick releases, contact finishes, tight handle under pressure. This is where most players fall short—they train skills in perfect settings instead of game situations. This summer: Add contact to finishing drills. Practice handling under pressure, not just cones. Get game-speed reps on your shot. Compete in 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 as much as you can. Your training should look like the game you want to play. 4. Put It All Together Clark’s offseason success wasn’t magic—it was a smart, consistent plan. She got stronger. She recovered with purpose. She trained her game with intensity. You can do the same. Strength builds your body. Recovery protects it. Skill work sharpens your game. This summer, train with a purpose—not just sweat, but skill. Final Thought: The offseason is where players are made. The ones who train smart, recover well, and stay consistent will come back in the fall stronger, sharper, and more confident. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep showing up and doing the work. Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways EYG Basketball can help you this summer: Committed Skills Academy – Weekly high-level skills training for players who want consistent work on ball-handling, finishing, shooting, and playmaking. Summer Camps – Fun, challenging, and competitive camps in Superior, Northglenn, and Longmont. 1v1 to 3v3 play every day. Training Memberships – Serious about your game? Memberships are for players who want more. Train 2–3 times per week with a structured plan and coaching. Check out all our summer training options at www.eygbball.com
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