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!


How to Impact the Game—No Matter Your Size

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.

He hit 8 threes in one game—here’s how it happened

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.

How to Make Everyone Around You Better on the Court

By Galen Harkness • March 18, 2025
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