All coaches know that the most important player on the court is the point guard. The point guard has the responsibility of leading the team, of controlling the ball and of dictating the pace of the game.
Without someone on the floor to take responsibility for those, your team is pretty much lost. Think of New Orleans without CP3. Or the Suns without Nash. They’re a completely different team.
It’s crucial to be a point guard that does not only possess the basic skills of one, but to have the advanced skills that transform you from a wannabe to a true point guard. Being a true point guard is how you will help your team win, make your coach look good, and put you on the starting line up for longer periods of time.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself to test whether you are a true point guard or not. If you answer no to any of these questions, then working on any of the skills you miss will automatically improve you to becoming much better as a floor leader.
Is passing your utmost priority?
Passing should be your number 1 priority always. The Generals of war never fought the battle unless necessary; they only directed the fight. As the General on the court, you should dictate who shoots the shot by passing, and not be doing the shooting yourself.
Are you trying to make your teammates better?
As the floor General, your commitment is to make your team look as good as possible. Your job is to shine by doing all the behind-the-scenes work. By letting your teammates get the glory, the coach will see that you recognize your role as a point guard and will trust you to lead more often.
Are you directing traffic on your team?
One overlooked area of a point guard is the ability to direct the traffic on your team. To make sure your teammates don’t collide and that there’s no overcrowding. The floor needs to be spread out, and players should always be running around, setting screens and rolling off of picks so that your team can break down the defense.
Your job is to co-ordinate this, whether verbally or by example. Steve Nash, when bringing the ball up, will always run to a spot that helps spread their team out the furthest to give more room for players like Stoudamire to do their job.
Are you acting like a leader?
A true point guard is a leader, so you should act like one. Be the first on the floor, show the most passion on the court, run the hardest. Your job is to gain your teammates trust so that command them. But first, you must show that you can be respected and trusted.
7 comments ↓
well-said, man. i dont know if the same person is writing all of these but im writing a essay for college on point guard play and maybe i can post it when im done. let me know. thanks
Hey Greg,
Thanks for the positive feedback. Yup, it’s the same person (me) that writes all this. I just take what I’ve learned on and off the court and try to help others out.
dude awesome site, i simply love it. im trying to learn as much as possible from your tips, thanks so much for the effort and detailed posts! would love to see a power forward and small forward page somewhere, cos im a prett y versatile player who’s not hesitant to try all postitions.
Great tips just what i was looking for. I just started to take basketball more seriously like 2 months back. Due to my lack of height my friend suggested me to play PG. But as a new player i have minimal skill which doesnt really fit as a PG player. I have been looking at alot of sites and they stress alot on passing. Which is more important passing or ball handling? If you can pass well you dont have to dribble much. But if you have better ball handling you will be more versitle. So which would u recommend me to practice first? And like what do you usually do as a PG player and how does it feel. Dont u feel alot of pressure when you are the play maker?
Add my msn if you dont mind. Thanks.
I’m confused about where I belong on the court. I’ve been told that I play like a forward or a center, but I am as tall as point guard. What should I do? I’ve taken advice from so many people saying I should stay down low, but then again I’m built as a point guard. What advice can you give me?
I just stumbled on this site and think its a great idea. I’ve noticed you’ve not posted in 6 months, is the site still running?
Hey Joe,
It has been a while since I have posted on this site. It’s still running - I just haven’t had time to update, between school and basketball.
I apologize for not having updated in so long - in my time off, there’s many more lessons I have yet to post and write about! Thanks for the patience
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