Galen Harkness • June 21, 2025
🏀 What Separates Players at Each Level? On-Court Skills That Matter in Youth and High School Basketball
At EYG Basketball, we believe in building the right skills at the right time.
At EYG Basketball, we believe in building the right skills at the right time. Whether you're in elementary school just learning the game or competing at the high school level with college dreams, knowing what separates great players at your stage is key.
Let’s break it down.
Youth Players (Grades 4–8): Build the Foundation
At the youth level, it’s not about who scores the most. It’s about who plays the right way. The players who stand out:
1. Handle the Ball with Control
They don’t just dribble—they change speeds, use both hands, and keep their head up.
2. Make Layups with Either Hand
They finish layups consistently, using angles and footwork to avoid defenders.
3. Pass to Create Plays
They see the open teammate and make the right pass, not just the flashy one.
4. Play Defense with Effort
They stay in a stance, move their feet, and take pride in stopping the ball.
5. Move Without the Ball
They understand spacing, cut when they’re open, and don’t just chase the ball.
6. Stay Coachable
They listen, learn, and show up ready to work every time they step on the court.
Youth players who do these things separate themselves not by size or strength—but by focus, effort, and fundamentals.
High School Players (Grades 9–12): Impact the Game
As competition rises, so do the expectations. The best high school players aren’t just skilled—they’re smart, tough, and consistent.
1. Make Smart Decisions
They know when to attack, when to pass, and how to create for others.
2. Score in Different Ways
They can shoot it, drive it, and finish with contact. They find ways to get buckets—even on off nights.
3. Guard Multiple Positions
They move their feet, communicate, and don’t get beat off the dribble.
4. Play Hard Off the Ball
They rebound, dive for loose balls, and bring energy without needing the ball in their hands.
5. Understand the Game
They know plays, read defenses, and study film to get an edge.
6. Lead with Actions and Attitude
They bring intensity, help teammates, and show up with purpose.
High school players who separate themselves know how to help their team win—even when the ball isn’t in their hands.
Final Thought
We train players to be complete—not flashy. Our goal isn’t to help you be the best player in the gym. It’s to help you be the best version of yourself and to compete at the next level—wherever that is.
Whether you're a young athlete starting out or a high school player preparing for college, EYG will challenge you to build habits that last.
Train smart. Play hard. Keep getting better.
Discover 5 midrange footwork moves from Paige Bueckers that youth players can learn to improve scoring, balance, and game confidence.
At EYG Basketball, we train players to play smarter and finish stronger. If you’re under 6'4", you can’t rely on size alone at the rim—you need solutions. Two of the most important: jumping up and jumping out. Why This Matters The game gives you different looks at the rim. Great players know how to read the help defense and choose the right finish. These two options help you avoid blocked shots, keep defenders guessing, and finish through or around contact. What’s the Difference? Jumping Up Happens closer to the rim Follows a bump, shot fake, or pump fake Uses power, balance, and verticality Creates space by initiating contact with the inside shoulder Effective when you’ve already earned position Jumping Out Happens earlier, before the shot blocker fully rotates Uses speed and quickness off one foot Avoids contact by getting the ball on the glass fast Useful when you don’t have time or space to absorb contact In the video examples, you’ll see both finishes. Watch how the offensive player creates space, reads the defenders, and chooses the finish that fits the moment. How to Train These Finishes Jumping Up Work on shot fakes, shoulder bumps, and strong two-foot finishes Focus on balance and lift Practice against contact or padded defenders Jumping Out Practice one-foot takeoffs Use floaters, scoop layups, and high glass finishes Rep it with a rotating help defender to train timing What to Watch For How the offensive player creates space Where the help defense is The timing and angle of the finish Whether it’s a contact finish or an avoidance finish Final Thought from EYG We don’t teach generic moves. We teach game decisions. Knowing when to jump up or jump out is the difference between getting blocked and getting buckets. If you want to finish like a high-level guard, this skill set is non-negotiable.
Places for Basketball Players to Look—and Why 🎥 Clips of the Week What’s Happening: Three game clips show players making passes that lead to scores by: Looking In – Inside the paint to find cutters Kicking Out – To perimeter shooters Passing Up – The floor in transition Why It Matters: Great decision-makers scan all three zones—In, Out, & Up—to find the best option. This habit leads to smarter decisions, better shots, and more team success. Who Can Learn From It: Guards, wings, and any player who handles the ball. Learning to scan in these three directions keeps pressure on defenses and opens up opportunities. https://youtu.be/Ec1RWcIYnqw?si=NfmzLwPkWZ-KuanX Don’t just see the game. Scan it. 🛠️ How to Apply This Players: As you dribble or catch, train your eyes to scan: In – Cutters and post mismatches Out – Perimeter shooters and spacing Up – Rim and teammates in transition Build the habit. Clip it. Study it. Rep it. 👋 Final Note This one decision-making pattern—In, Out & Up—can shift how you play. It’s not flashy. It’s just smart basketball. Thanks for being here. Let’s keep learning. Let’s Play Smarter. Elevate Your Game.