Galen Harkness • February 18, 2025
Training vs. Trying: The Path to More Playing Time
Imagine you’re sitting on the bench, watching the game unfold.
Imagine you’re sitting on the bench, watching the game unfold. You want to be out there, making an impact. You tell yourself, Next game, I’ll try harder. I’ll be more aggressive. I’ll take my shot when I get the chance.
But when the opportunity comes, nothing changes. You’re still hesitant, still struggling to stand out. Why? Because playing time isn’t about trying harder—it’s about being prepared.
There’s a big difference between trying to play more and training to earn more.
Players who go from benchwarmers to contributors don’t just hope for more minutes—they train for them. Starters who become game-changers don’t just show up—they put in extra work. If you want to play more, score more, and impact the game, you have to train like it.
That’s where EYG Basketball comes in. Our spring and summer programs are built to help players:
Improve their skills so they’re ready when their number is called
Develop the confidence to play aggressively and make an impact
Build the consistency and habits that coaches can’t ignore
If you’re serious about taking your game to the next level, don’t just try harder. Train with purpose.
Check out our programs at www.eygball.com and start working toward the minutes you want.
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.
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