Galen Harkness • January 16, 2024
Unlocking Your Basketball Potential: A Guide for Players
Basketball is more than just a game; it's a journey of growth, teamwork, and self-improvement.
As a basketball player, you are at a crucial stage of your basketball journey. Whether you're aspiring to make the team, get more playing time, or improve your game, the path to success involves dedication, smart practice, and understanding the key concepts that make a great player. Here's a guide to help you excel in your basketball journey.
1. Become a Competitor
First and foremost, embrace the spirit of competition. Competitiveness is not just about wanting to win; it's about striving to be your best, pushing your limits, and constantly learning from every game and practice. How can you become more competitive?
- Set Personal Goals: Identify specific areas you want to improve in and set achievable goals. Whether it's improving your shooting accuracy, enhancing your defensive skills, or increasing your stamina, having clear objectives will give you a sense of direction.
- Embrace Challenges: Don't shy away from tough opponents or difficult situations. Use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Analyze your performance after each game, identify your weaknesses, and work on them.
2. Be Unselfish: The Power of Team Play
Basketball is a team sport, and unselfish play is crucial for team success. Being unselfish means looking for the best shot for the team, not just for yourself. It involves passing the ball to an open teammate, setting screens, and moving without the ball to create opportunities for others. Why is unselfish play important?
- It Creates a Stronger Team: When players work together and support each other, the team becomes more cohesive and effective.
- Increases Your Value as a Player: Coaches notice players who make their teammates better. Being unselfish can increase your playing time and make you an indispensable part of the team.
3. One Goal: Team Success
Remember, everyone on your team has the same goal: to win and improve together. When you focus on the team's success, your personal achievements will naturally follow. How to align with this goal?
- Communicate with Your Teammates: Talk on the court, encourage each other, and discuss strategies. Good communication builds trust and understanding among teammates.
- Be a Team Player: Celebrate your teammates' successes, offer constructive feedback, and be open to receiving feedback. A strong team is built on mutual respect and support.
4. Mastering Perimeter Gravity
Perimeter gravity refers to a player's ability to stretch the defense by being a threat from the outside. Players who can shoot well from the perimeter create space for their teammates to operate. How can you develop perimeter gravity?
- Practice Your Shooting: Spend time working on your three-point shooting and mid-range jumpers. Consistency is key.
- Understand Spacing: Learn to position yourself on the court to maximize the space for your teammates. This involves moving without the ball and being aware of where you are in relation to others.
5. The Ball Sticks Less: Improve Ball Movement
Good ball movement is essential for a dynamic offense. When the ball sticks less, it means the ball is constantly moving, making it harder for the defense to set up and predict plays. To improve ball movement:
- Work on Your Passing: Develop both your accuracy and the ability to anticipate where your teammates will be.
- Move Without the Ball: Constant movement off the ball creates passing lanes and scoring opportunities.
6. Understanding Shot Selection
Knowing which shots to take and which to avoid is crucial.
- Learn Your Team's Playbook: Familiarize yourself with the offensive strategies and the types of shots your coach wants the team to take. This understanding helps in making smart decisions during the game.
- Analyze Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Be honest about your shooting abilities. Focus on taking shots that you are confident in making, while also working to improve your weaker areas.
7. Playing Well for Each Other
The ultimate goal is to play in a way that benefits the entire team. This means recognizing when to take charge and when to support your teammates. Playing well for each other involves:
- Being Aware of Your Teammates: Keep an eye on their positions and movements. A well-timed pass or screen can be just as valuable as scoring.
- Adapting to Game Situations: Be flexible and ready to adjust your role based on the needs of the team during the game.
Conclusion
Remember, basketball is a journey, and every practice, game, and season is an opportunity to grow as a player and a person. By focusing on these concepts, you'll not only increase your playing time but also contribute to your team's success. Stay dedicated, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy the game!
By incorporating these actionable steps into your routine, you can make significant strides in your basketball journey. Whether it's through becoming a more competitive and unselfish player, understanding the importance of perimeter gravity and shot selection, or fostering a team-first mentality, each aspect plays a critical role in enhancing your game and contributing to your team's success. Stay focused, work hard, and embrace the journey of becoming a better basketball player.
When Players are Ready there are 3 ways EYG can help:
1. Training
2. Camps
3. Newsletter
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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