How to Become a Better Point Guard
In basketball, the point guard position is one of the most important positions on the court. A good point guard is an extension of the coach on the floor. As a point guard, you'll have a wide range of responsibilities, from setting up teammates for easy buckets to controlling the flow and pace of the game.
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Instructions
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Becoming a Better Point Guard
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Communicate on and off the floor with your teammates and coaches.
You must communicate with your coaches to gain a firm understanding of what is expected of you.
Communication with your teammates is important because you'll need to put them in positions where they can succeed. Hand signals and verbal communication are important to let your team know what set or play is being called. -
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Learn to find the open man. You'll need to be adept at finding mismatches to create easy scoring opportunities for your teammates. For example, if your center is being guarded by a smaller player, you want to get him the ball in a position where scoring becomes easy.
As a point guard, your primary focus should be making good passes and distributing the ball. Make simple passes instead of flashy passes. -
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Keep the ball moving. Avoid overdribbling. Use the entire court to your advantage. Use your low-post scorers to create open shots for other teammates. Identify who your hot shooters are, and get them the ball in a position where they can do something with it.
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4
Keep the defense honest. When you have an open shot, take it. This prevents the defense from "sagging" or leaving you to help with another defender. Use your dribble to penetrate the lane, which may allow you to pass to cutters or outside shooters.
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Control the tempo of the game. Know when to run a fast break or slow the ball down. These type of instincts come from knowing the game situation. For example, if you have the ball, and you're down one point with 10 seconds remaining, you should avoid rushing up a shot. Make sure your team has the last shot. This leaves little chance for your opponent to respond.
Always keep your head up. This allows you to spot open teammates much easier. -
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Get back on defense. Many times its the responsibility of the point guard to get back to defend against the opposing team's fast break.
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Most importantly, become a better leader. Leadership from the point guard position is invaluable. Directing your teammates on both ends of the court and playing hard on every possession will garner respect from your teammates, coaches and opponents.
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