How to Play Point Guard in Basketball

The point guard is one of the most important positions for any basketball team. To play point guard, the player must be able to dribble, pass and shoot the ball extremely well and is usually one of the most agile players on the team. A point guard usually announces specific plays, starts plays and acts as the team coach on the court during the game. A point guard sets the tone and speed of play for his entire team.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Basketball team
• Basketball

Learn the Needed Point Guard Skills

1. Dribble the basketball equally as well with the right or left hand without needing to look at the ball.
2. Remember all of the plays put together by the coach and hand signals or names of plays to give out to the team.
3. Practice a good outside shot you can make consistently.
4. Learn to move fast with and without the ball.
5. Pass the basketball quickly and on target every time. Accurate passing is one of the most important skills for a point guard.
6. Keep an eye on the clock. A good point guard knows how to watch the game and keep track of the shot clock at the same time.
7. Keep track of your teammates. You often will need to move the ball to the open player with the best open shot.

Playing a Game as the Point Guard

8. Bring the ball up the court to start each possession.
9. Set the tempo of the game by pushing the ball up the court quickly or steadily bringing the ball across the court while setting up a play.
10. Find the open man to start a set play called by the coach.
11. Pass the ball to the teammate with the best opportunity to make the basket.
12. Rebound basketballs bouncing hard off the rim or slapped away from the goal.
13. Take the open shot when you have the best chance to score.
14. Penetrate through the defense to make an easy basket or create an opportunity to pass the ball to an open player.
15. Run back to protect your goal when the basketball changes possession.
16. Encourage other players to play better and celebrate successful plays quickly when possible. Something as simple as "good shot" or "nice grab" can lift your teammates to a higher playing level.

Tips & Warnings

• Points guards sometimes do not get the glory for a win, so do not expect to be the star.