Galen Harkness • June 25, 2025
You Say You Want to Be Good… But Are You Training Like It?
We hear it all the time from players:
We hear it all the time from players:
“I want to get better.”
“I want to start next season.”
“I want to play in high school or college.”
But when we ask what they’re doing outside of team practice or games, the answer usually sounds like:
“Well… not much right now.”
“I shoot around a little.”
“I’m busy with games.”
This is where the gap is.
Most players say they want to be good.
But few are doing the kind of consistent, focused training that actually helps them improve.
For players:
If you’re in 6th to 11th grade and serious about basketball, here’s the truth:
Skills don’t just show up. You have to build them with smart reps.
Confidence isn’t a mindset trick. It comes from doing the work over and over until you trust yourself in games.
Game results don’t come from games. They come from the work you put in when no one’s watching.
You might think you're too busy, or you’re already working hard. But ask yourself honestly:
Are you training with purpose, on a schedule, and with coaching that pushes you?
If not, you're leaving your growth up to chance.
And chance doesn't win spots, earn minutes, or build confidence.
For parents:
It’s easy to think that “just playing” is enough. That club practices, school games, or workouts here and there will get your son or daughter where they want to go.
But development doesn’t happen on autopilot.
And game time isn’t teaching your athlete the details — it’s testing what they’ve trained.
If your child wants to play high school varsity, contribute in games, or compete at the next level… they need consistent training. The earlier they start, the better prepared they’ll be when the opportunity comes.
Here's how EYG can help when your player is ready:
We offer 3 ways to support committed players:
Camps/Academies
– Focused training events that build specific skills and mindset over a few days.
Large Group Training
– Like our Committed Skills Academy, for players who want to improve ballhandling, shooting, finishing, and basketball IQ in a competitive environment.
Training Memberships
– For the most serious players ready to train consistently and see real growth. These are for players (and families) willing to commit to a structured path.
If your player is ready to get serious — to stop talking about being good and start training to become it — we’re here.
Explore our training options at www.eygbball.com.
For Training Membership details, email us at galen@eygbball.com
-- Only committed players should inquire.
Discover 5 midrange footwork moves from Paige Bueckers that youth players can learn to improve scoring, balance, and game confidence.
Discover the key on-court skills that help youth and high school basketball players stand out, compete, and take their game to the next level.
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.