Galen Harkness • July 31, 2024

The Power of Full Awareness in Basketball: Elevating Your Game

As a basketball player, being fully aware on the court can be the difference between winning and losing.

As a basketball player, being fully aware on the court can be the difference between winning and losing. It's not just about physical skills; it's about understanding every aspect of the game as it unfolds. Let's dive into why awareness matters and how players, parents, and coaches can work together to develop this crucial skill.


Why Awareness Matters


Basketball is a fast-paced game where situations change in the blink of an eye. Players who are fully aware can:


1. Make smarter decisions

2. Anticipate opponents' moves

3. Capitalize on opportunities

4. Avoid costly mistakes

5. Contribute more effectively to their team's success


Key Areas of Awareness


To be fully aware, players need to constantly ask themselves:


- Who am I guarding?

- What's the timeout situation?

- How much time is left on the clock?

- Who on our team is making shots?

- What does the coach want us to do?

- What is the opponent giving us?

- What has happened in the last few possessions?

- What are my strengths?

- What is the other team good at?


Developing Awareness: Tips for Players


1. Practice mindfulness: Stay present in the moment during games and practices.

2. Watch game film: Analyze your performance and team dynamics.

3. Study opponents: Learn their tendencies and strategies.

4. Communicate on the court: Talk to teammates about what you see.

5. Keep a mental checklist: Regularly scan the court and scoreboard.


How Parents Can Help


1. Encourage observation: Watch games together and discuss strategies.

2. Ask questions: After games, talk about key moments and decisions.

3. Promote self-reflection: Help your child analyze their performance.

4. Support off-court learning: Encourage reading about basketball strategy.

5. Practice awareness exercises: Play memory games or do puzzle activities together.


Coaching for Awareness


Coaches play a crucial role in developing player awareness. Here are some strategies:


1. Run situational drills: Practice different game scenarios regularly.

2. Use timeouts effectively: Quiz players on game situations during breaks.

3. Encourage player input: Ask players to share their observations during games.

4. Teach the 'why': Explain the reasoning behind plays and strategies.

5. Reward awareness: Acknowledge players who make smart, aware decisions.


Bringing It All Together


Being fully aware in basketball is a skill that takes time and effort to develop. It's about more than just playing; it's about understanding the game on a deeper level. By focusing on awareness, players can elevate their game, make smarter decisions, and become more valuable team members.


Remember, awareness is like a muscle - the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. So start paying attention to every detail on the court, and watch your game transform!


Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level?


When players are ready to further develop their awareness and overall skills, EYG Basketball is here to help in two ways:


  1. Training: Enhance your skills with personalized training sessions. Visit https://www.eygbball.com/eyg-training to learn more about our training programs.
  2. Camps: Join our immersive basketball camps to practice awareness in a competitive environment. Check out our upcoming events at https://app.upperhand.io/customers/165-eyg-basketball/events



Take the next step in your basketball journey with EYG Basketball!

What Players Can Learn from Dominique Malonga

By Galen Harkness • September 15, 2025
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
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