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.
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Why Simple Dominates Basketball I like watching NBA clips of individual players. Yes — they are athletic. But that is not what catches my attention. It is how simple they keep the game. One or two dribble moves. Change of speed. Change of direction. Control of pace. They are intelligent with the ball. Fans enjoy highlights and Top-10 plays. But at the highest level, it is simple basketball that dominates games. The Truth Most Players Miss Great players are not doing ten moves. They are doing one move well. Then they read the defense and react. Watch clips of Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard: Change of speed Strong footwork One decisive dribble move Finishing with both hands Nothing complicated. Just efficient basketball. What Players Should Do Instead of Just Watching Watching highlights should not be entertainment only. It should be learning. Pick one thing you notice. Then go work on it. Not ten skills. Not a new move every day. One skill. Repeated with purpose. That is how improvement actually happens. Why This Matters Simple skills win possessions. Simple decisions win games. Players who master the basics move: From bench → starter From starter → best shooter From shooter → leading scorer From high school player → college opportunity The game rewards players who execute simple things at a high level. How EYG Helps At EYG Basketball, we work with players who are ready to work. Players who want real development — not hype. We help athletes build: Ball control Footwork Shooting consistency Game decision-making Confidence through repetition If you are ready to improve, we are ready to help. 👉 View current EYG opportunities: https://app.upperhand.io/customers/165-eyg-basketball/events https://app.upperhand.io/customers/165-eyg-basketball/events