What is the point guard position in basketball
The point guard is one of the five common basketball positions that has the primary role of initiating the offense as well as dribbling and passing the ball to ultimately create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Also, the point guard is generally denoted as the number 1 or as the 1-guard. Additionally, the typical abbreviation for the point guard are the initials PG.
Furthermore, in terms of height and size, the point guard is usually one of the shortest and/or smallest players on the court in relation to the other basketball positions, but this is not always the case in every instance.
For example, in the NBA, most point guards are about 6’0 (183 cm) to 6’3″ (190 cm) in terms of general height. However, NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson has a listed height of 6’9″ (206 cm) which is much taller than average.
Ben Simmons is another example of a NBA point guard that is larger than average in terms of height and size at 6’10” (208 cm) and 240 lb (approximately 109 kg).
What are the primary types of point guards
The primary types of point guards are generally referred to as a facilitator point guard and a scoring point guard.
The facilitator type of point guard is also known as a pass first point guard while the scoring point guard is sometimes called a lead guard as well.
Both of these types of point guards can be playmakers on the court but there is a minor difference between the two.
The facilitator point guard can typically see the offensive action on the court develop beforehand. This allows them to quickly pass the basketball to teammates at the moment those same teammates are open for scoring opportunities.
As a result of the offensive prescience, the facilitator point guard could possibly accumulate several assists per game.
To give a brief example, a facilitator point guard might pass the ball just at the right timing when their teammate cuts to the basket for a scoring opportunity, even if that action is not necessarily a part of the overall half court set.
On the other hand, the scoring point guard can generate points, typically by utilizing their speed, quickness, and/or perimeter shooting abilities.
For example, during transition offense, an athletic scoring point guard could use their speed to blow by lackadaisical or unprepared transition defenders and swiftly score at the rim via a one-man fast break.
As another example, during half court offense, the scoring point guard could use their quickness to take advantage of a potentially slower on-ball defender and then dribble drive towards the basket.
As a result of that dribble penetration, the scoring point guard could attempt to produce two points via a layup, dunk, or floater.
Also, a scoring point guard could utilize their mid-range shot or three-point shooting abilities to generate points as well. That is to say, instead of blowing by defenders with their speed during transition offense, a scoring point guard could stop and pop for a mid-range or three-point jump shot.
Similarly, within half court action, a scoring point guard may initially call for a ball screen but in an attempt to mitigate its effectiveness, the on-ball defender might go under that screen.
When that occurs, the scoring point guard could possibly counter by taking the open jump shot during the moment the on-ball defender separates to go under the screen.
Furthermore, although the facilitator point guard typically emphasizes passing to teammates, this does not mean that are incapable of scoring as well.
Likewise, although the scoring point guard can get points in a variety of ways, this does not automatically mean that they have below average passing skills.
What generally influences a player to become more of a facilitator or more of a scorer is generally the player’s personality as well as their overall basketball skills.
Additionally, in some instances, certain point guards could even switch between the two styles depending on coaching philosophy and/or team personnel.
For example, a point guard could potentially focus on scoring points on their high school team but then that same point guard might become a facilitator on their college team, especially if there are already other scorers on that same college team.
What are the most important skills for the point guard
Generally speaking, the most important skills for the point guard are dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense, particularly near the perimeter areas of the court.
Dribbling
Dribbling is important because this is the primary way that the point guard can advance the ball from the backcourt to the frontcourt followed by the initiation of the team’s basketball offense strategy.
Furthermore, dribbling gives the point guard the chance to create scoring options, typically by way of crafty dribbling moves such as the crossover dribble, behind the back dribble or between the legs dribble.
Moreover, dribbling could be very useful and necessary against on-ball pressure defense.
For example, let’s say that a point guard with less than average dribbling skill receives the ball in the backcourt via an inbound pass from a teammate after the opposing team makes a basket.
Afterwards, let’s say that the opposing team’s point guard immediately implements on-ball defensive pressure. As a result, the offensive team’s point guard would most likely have difficulty advancing the ball into the frontcourt against that defensive pressure.
When that occurs, it could lead to a series of potentially negative or detrimental outcomes for the offensive point guard as well as the offensive team in general.
As an example, the on-ball defender could possibly steal the ball from the offensive point guard, which would be devastating if the turnover occurs in the offensive point guard’s backcourt, which would also be the on-ball defender’s frontcourt.
Also, the offensive point guard could turn the ball over because of a 10-second violation (which is also an 8-second violation in the NBA), particularly if the on-ball defensive pressure hinders or totally prevents them from advancing the ball into their frontcourt in time.
On the other hand, even when the offensive point guard does not necessarily turn the ball over, sub-par dribbling skills, especially against defensive pressure, could result in a disruption of offensive flow, which would also include potentially wasted seconds off the shot clock and/or game clock.
Passing
Passing is important because this allows the point guard to generate ball movement, which could then lead to a wide variety of playmaking or scoring options near the basket or near the perimeter.
Essentially, the ball moves faster than the defense so when the point guard passes it (in other words, the point guard moves the ball quickly), the defense might not be able to stop the recipient of that pass from scoring or executing playmaking actions as well.
Furthermore, passing is another method, alongside dribbling, that allows the point guard to advance the ball, particularly during transition offense.
Basically, the point guard could throw a lead pass ahead of the transition defense, which could result in layups or dunks at the rim.
The point guard should also know how to pass exactly on time when a teammate is open to receive the ball. Moreover, the point guard should have the capability to pass accurately and efficiently against the full court press, trap defense, as well as man to man defense, and zone defense.
Shooting
Shooting and more specifically, a perimeter shooting ability for the point guard is important because without it, the opposition could implement sagging defense principles.
In other words, if the point guard does not possess at least a decent jump shot, then the defender that is guarding the point guard could back away and sag towards the lane.
When that happens, it would be much more difficult for the point guard as well as other offensive players to cut or drive to the basket.
Also, if an offensive player were to receive the ball near the low post area while the non-shooting offensive point guard is near the top or wing areas, then the point guard’s defender could possibly help double team the low post player.
As a result, it could lead to to the low post player taking an inefficient low post shot attempt, turning the ball over, or passing the ball to another teammate such as the point guard, who would most likely be open due to the double team in the first place.
In either scenario, the general outcome would be stagnant or unproductive offense, which would only be beneficial to the defensive team.
It should also be noted as well that the point guard does not necessarily have to be the best shooter on the team. However, the point guard should be able to make an average number of mid-range and/or three-point jump shots, especially when open.
Defense
Defense and more particularly, perimeter defense is important because if the point guard cannot stay in front of the offensive player in possession of the ball (especially the opposing point guard), then that would eventually lead to defensive breakdowns and scoring opportunities for the other team.
The point guard should be able to utilize the fundamental basketball defense principles of the defensive stance and lateral sliding to contain the offensive player with the ball.
If the point guard is not able to use the proper defensive stance or lateral slide techniques, especially to apply on-ball pressure, then it would be much easier for the offensive player with the ball to drive towards the basket or take perimeter jump shots.
What is notable information for the point guard about the types of basketball passes
The point guard should understand how to execute at least the basic types of basketball passes, which include the chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass.
However, if the point guard is able to utilize additional types of basketball passes at certain times during the course of a game, then the point guard would be able to potentially produce a wide variety of scoring opportunities for teammates while at the same time, generating assists for themselves.
For example, the point guard could throw a skip pass to a teammate who is more than one pass away and then that same teammate could possibly score, particularly via a jump shot.
As another example, the point guard could utilize the pitch ahead pass to advance the ball quickly during a primary break or numbered fast break and afterwards, a teammate could receive the ball and score near the basket or around the perimeter.
What is notable information for the point guard about assists
Generally speaking, the point guard should have more assists than turnovers during game action. More specifically, the point guard should strive for at least a 2-to-1 assist to turnover ratio, which is usually an adequate objective and reasonable self-challenge.
However, as the point guard gains more experience and continues to get better at understanding the position, the point guard should try to increase the assist to turnover ratio to at least 3-to-1, if possible.
In general, the point guard could increase their chances of getting assists and decrease the chance of turnovers by simply reducing the number of risky passes.
For example, the point guard, especially in the beginning, should typically avoid passing the ball in traffic, at least most of the time.
When the point guard attempts to pass the ball to a teammate through traffic (i.e. threading the needle), there is usually a moderate or high probability that one or more defenders will deflect the pass, which could then result in a turnover if a defender grabs the ball after the deflection.
Before considering this particular type of risky pass, the point guard’s passing precision and accuracy should be very high, which comes with time and experience.
The point guard could also diminish the chances of turnovers by simply knowing and utilizing proper form and techniques for each type of pass that would be thrown to teammates.
For example, if the point guard attempts to throw a baseball pass from the backcourt to the frontcourt without using the proper form and techniques, then that pass could potentially be inaccurate, which could lead to a possible turnover.
Furthermore, the point guard could also lower turnover probability by not telegraphing any particular pass that would be thrown to a teammate ready to receive the ball.
As a side note, telegraph passes usually occur at the youth basketball level for younger players who are still learning the fundamentals of the game.
Basically, the point guard should not stare at the potential recipient of the pass before executing it because one or more of the defenders will watch the eyes of the point guard.
Following that, one of those defenders could simply step into the passing lane to steal the ball from the point guard, which also causes a turnover.
Essentially, to avoid telegraphed passing, the point guard should generally keep their eyes forward and focused on the court as a whole prior to the execution of the pass.
As a brief analogy, the process of non-telegraph basketball passing would be similar to how a quarterback in American football scans the field before throwing the ball to the intended receiver.
If the quarterback only looks at the receiver the entire time, that would give certain defenders, particularly the linebackers and defensive backs, enough time to step into the passing lane to intercept the ball.
What is notable information for the point guard about basketball screens
In terms of basketball screens, the point guard would typically use on-ball screens, most commonly, the basic pick and roll action while in possession of the ball.
However, it is also possible for the point guard to set and/or utilize off-ball screens, in certain instances.
For example, the point guard could set a cross screen in the lane for a post player and then cut to get open near the perimeter by way of a down screen, which is also known as screen the screener action.
Furthermore, the point guard could also set a special type of inverted on-ball screen for a teammate as well. As an example, a post player with dribbling ability could have possession of the basketball near the perimeter areas of the court such as the wing.
Following that, a point guard could set an inverted step-up screen, which then allows the post player to attack the basket on the baseline side of the court.
What is notable information for the point guard about basketball cuts
The point guard could use a wide variety of basketball cuts to get open for potential scoring opportunities near the basket or around the perimeter areas of the court.
For example, let’s say that a defender guarding the point guard off the ball near the perimeter implements denial defense to prevent the point guard from easily receiving the ball.
When that occurs, the point guard could perform a backdoor cut and get open near the basket. Afterwards, the point guard could receive the ball from a teammate and score at the rim via a layup.
What is notable information for the point guard about rebounding
Generally speaking, a rebounding ability could be a plus for the point guard but that job is typically reserved for low post players. However, the point guard should still have a basic understanding of boxing out principles, especially on defense.
That is, once the opposition takes a field goal attempt while the point guard’s team is implementing man to man or zone defense, the point guard should turn and face the basket while placing themselves between their assignment (in man to man defense) or the nearest offensive player (in the case of a zone defense).
The general purpose of the box out is to keep the offensive player from getting offensive rebounds. Conversely though, when the point guard is on the offensive side of the ball, they should typically get back during transition defense to protect the basket.
Nevertheless, during certain offensive sequences, the defenders might do a poor job of boxing out. When that happens, the point guard could then possibly slip by those defenders and get an offensive rebound.
Moreover, in some instances, the point guard could also get a tip-in, which consists of being credited an offensive rebound as well as two points.
What is notable information for the point guard about stealing the basketball
The point guard, particularly as an on-ball defender, should not aimlessly reach in to steal the basketball from an offensive player as that could result in an undesirable personal foul via illegal contact, especially of the hand, arm, or any other part of the offensive player’s body.
This is even more of a factor if the offensive player is properly protecting the ball by keeping it on the opposite side of their body and away from the on-ball defender.
Instead, the point guard should chiefly focus on executing ball pressure and moving their feet via the defensive slide technique to ultimately contain the offensive player with the ball.
However, it should be noted that there are certain instances when the point guard, specifically as an on-ball defender, could attempt to steal the ball.
Essentially, if the ball gets between the offensive player in possession of it and the on-ball defender, then that is usually a reasonable time to go for a steal.
This mainly occurs when the offensive player in possession of the ball attempts to execute a dribble move such as a crossover or the offensive player simply does not protect the ball properly while dribbling it.
Furthermore, the point guard could sometimes gamble and attempt to get steals as an off-ball defender by anticipating when a pass will occur and then stepping in that passing lane, especially when the offensive player throwing the ball is more than one pass away from the intended receiver.
What is notable information for the point guard about blocking shots
Generally speaking, the point guard should not focus too heavily on blocking shots because it is unlikely that the point guard will block many shots altogether.
Basically, the point guard will usually play defense near the perimeter areas of the court where it is harder to block shots, especially as ball reversal occurs from perimeter area to perimeter area.
Also, as mentioned earlier, the point guard is typically the shortest player on the court when compared to the other basketball positions so that would be an additional hindrance in terms of shot blocking.
Conversely, it is usually better for the point guard to focus on not getting their own shot blocked as opposed to blocking other players’ shots.
This is typically done by creating space for an open jump shot either via screening actions or offensive basketball moves such as the jab step or step back move.
Moreover, the point guard could minimize the chance of getting blocked at the rim by utilizing a floater or a crafty reverse layup.
The floater basically allows the point guard to shoot the ball over the arms of taller defenders such as a power forward or center.
Similarly, the reverse layup could help the point guard shield the ball from a taller defender by using the rim as an impediment.
What are examples of intangible leadership qualities within a good point guard
Examples of intangible leadership qualities within a good point guard could include accountability, communication, and competitiveness.
These particular traits could be considered intangibles become they are the types of attributes that will not be displayed in the stat sheet.
Accountability
The point guard should be one of the main leaders of the team and should primarily hold themselves accountable as well as other members of the team.
A general method that the point guard could use to establish accountability is simply by being one of the first players to show up for practice at the allotted time and be one of the last players to leave practice.
Even better, the point guard could show up for practice earlier than usual and work on different aspects of their respective skills.
This type of leadership mindset could influence other teammates to have the same type of work ethic. As a result, team chemistry could potentially increase, which would be beneficial for all players together.
Communication
The point guard should strive to be one of the team’s best communicators. The point guard should be able to speak at a high enough volume and/or use hand signals so that the other teammates can hear and/or see what play is being called.
Moreover, the point guard should also be able to let other players know the correct spots that those players should fill during a basketball offense strategy or half court set if that is necessary.
Defensively, the point guard should be able to call out certain actions of the opposing team such as basketball screens and the point guard should be able to communicate effectively when utilizing certain tactics such as off-ball help defense.
Furthermore, if a teammate of the point guard does something that is positive such as scoring a basket or getting an offensive rebound, then the point guard should compliment and encourage that teammate as much as necessary.
On the other hand, if a teammate of the point guard does something that is detrimental such as taking a bad shot or making a bad pass, then the point guard should consider constructive feedback as opposed to unfair criticisms when communicating with that same teammate.
Competitiveness
The point guard should be a competitor and play to win, even when faced with adversity or unfavorable situations in general, especially during a game.
For example, if the team gets down by 20 points, the point guard should continue to give their best effort until the final buzzer.
If the point guard is not competitive, then that type of mindset would most likely spread to other members of the team.
Once that were to occur, it could result in a decrease of team chemistry as well as a negative/losing mentality among everyone involved with the team.
The point guard should also play with much enthusiastic energy and hustle. For example, the point guard should be willing to fight for and/or save loose balls if necessary during the game.
Furthermore, the point guard could consider taking charges at certain times, which would result in the point guard’s team gaining possession of the ball as well as a foul on the opposing player who was called for the charge.
Another procedure to potentially improve competitiveness for the point guard is to simply be a student of the game. The point guard should thoroughly understand the team’s playbook as well as the overall goals of the coaching staff in terms of establishing and maintaining a winning culture.
Additionally, the point guard should consider watch as much game film as possible. By doing this, it could help the point guard learn from mistakes as well as identify opportunities to grow and get better at the game.
Moreover, when the point guard learns the playbook and/or watches film, that would gradually and naturally increase basketball IQ over time.
Also, the point guard would eventually become a floor general or a coach on the floor, which usually means that the coaching staff gives the point guard a large amount of autonomy to make decisions that are best for the team.
In other words, once the point guard’s basketball IQ is high enough, the coaching staff could possibly allow the point guard to call offensive set plays and/or carry out defensive strategies that are most suitable for the team as opposed to the coaching staff making those calls themselves.
What are notable differences between the point guard and the shooting guard
The point guard usually dribbles the basketball more than the shooting guard and the point guard primarily dribbles the ball to advance it from the backcourt to the frontcourt or to attack the basket.
Conversely, the shooting guard usually takes more field goal attempts, particularly mid-range or three-point jump shots than the point guard and the shooting guard could possibly be a better perimeter shooter than the point guard as well.
Furthermore, in terms of finishing at the rim, especially through contact, the shooting guard is usually better than the point guard, mainly due to the shooting guard’s greater height and/or length.
However, the point guard could potentially have a more accurate percentage in terms of floaters in the lane than the shooting guard, mainly because of the point guard’s lack of height and/or size.
Also, the point guard is commonly a better passer in terms of accuracy than the shooting guard and the point guard could have better court vision in terms of seeing all players on the court during offensive execution.
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What are examples of basic dribbling drills for the point guard
These are examples of basic dribbling drills for the point guard derived from Dribbling and Driving by Ganon Baker.
Moreover, for these drills, the player should initially have their feet shoulder width apart, their knees bent, their back straight, and their eyes forward.
As a side note, this is also referred to as the athletic stance, which is utilized in various sports.
Furthermore, the player should try to extend their elbow as much as possible to give the ball velocity during the dribble motion.
In other words, the player should not just dribble solely with hand and wrist action, although those are important as well.
In addition to all of that, it is assumed that the player is not ambidextrous and therefore, the player has a dominant left hand or right hand.
Although, if the player does happen to be ambidextrous, then the player could choose whichever hand they feel comfortable with as the dominant hand.
Pound dribble
To perform the pound dribble, start by holding a basketball in the dominant hand.
Next, simply bounce the ball to the floor as forceful as possible and catch it with the same hand.
Practice the pound dribble in a continuous manner for a certain amount of time or a certain amount of reps to complete the drill with the dominant hand.
Following that, hold the basketball in the non-dominant hand, bounce it to the floor with force, and catch it with the same hand.
Practice the pound dribble again for a certain amount of time or reps to complete the drill with the non-dominant hand.
Crossover dribble
To perform the crossover dribble, start by holding the ball with the dominant hand. Next, bounce the ball to the floor at an angle in the center of the adjacent space that is directly in the front.
Following that, as the ball touches the floor and bounces upwards, catch it with the non-dominant hand. Essentially, when executing the crossover dribble, the ball should follow a pathway that is similar to the letter V.
After catching the ball with the non-dominant hand, cross it over again to the dominant hand. This motion can continue for a specific amount of time or a specific amount of reps to complete the basic crossover dribbling drill.
Between the legs dribble
To perform between the legs dribble, begin by holding the ball with the dominant hand. After that, bounce the ball to the floor between the legs and catch it with the non-dominant hand.
Next, hold the ball with the non-dominant hand, bounce it to the floor again between the legs, and catch it with the dominant hand. Basically, when executing the fundamental between the legs dribble, the ball should generally follow a pathway that is somewhat similar to the infinity symbol.
To complete the drill, dribble the ball between the legs and catch it with the opposite hand over and over again for a certain amount of time or repetitions.
Behind the back dribble
To perform behind the back dribble, start by holding the ball with the dominant hand. Next, bounce the ball to the floor at an angle in the center of the adjacent space that is directly in the back.
From there, as the ball touches the floor and bounces upwards, catch it with the non-dominant hand. In essence, the behind the back dribble is somewhat similar to the crossover dribble because it also has a pathway that is similar to the letter V.
After catching the ball with the non-dominant hand, dribble it behind the back again and catch it with the dominant hand. Continue this behind the back action for a specific amount of time or repetitions to complete the basic behind the back dribbling drill.
Tennis ball pound dribble
To perform the tennis ball pound dribble, start by holding a tennis ball in the dominant hand and a basketball in the non-dominant hand.
Afterwards, start the pound dribble with the non-dominant hand and as that occurs, toss the tennis ball in the air, catch it with the same dominant hand, and continue to dribble with the non-dominant hand.
Following that, switch the basketball to the dominant hand and the tennis ball to the non-dominant hand. From there, perform the pound dribble with the dominant hand while tossing and catching the tennis ball with the non-dominant hand.
Continue the pound dribble while tossing and catching the tennis ball with the dominant and non-dominant hands for a certain amount of time or repetitions to complete the tennis ball pound dribble drill.
Tennis ball crossover dribble
To perform the tennis ball crossover dribble, start by holding a tennis ball in the dominant hand and a basketball in the non-dominant hand.
From that point, toss the tennis ball in the air and then immediately execute a crossover dribble.
Next, catch the tennis ball while it is still in the air with the non-dominant hand and simultaneously, catch the basketball with the dominant hand.
Afterwards, toss the tennis ball in the air with the non-dominant hand and then immediately cross over the basketball with the dominant hand.
Following that, catch the tennis ball while it is still in the air with the dominant hand and at the same time, catch the basketball with the non-dominant hand.
Execute this action over and over for a specific amount of time or reps to complete the tennis ball crossover dribbling drill.
Tennis ball between the legs dribble
To perform the tennis ball between the legs dribble, begin by holding a tennis ball in the dominant hand and a basketball in the non-dominant hand.
Next, toss the tennis ball in the air and immediately dribble the basketball between the legs. From there, catch the tennis ball while it is still in the air with the non-dominant hand and at the same time, catch the basketball with the dominant hand.
Again, toss the tennis ball in the air with the non-dominant hand and quickly dribble the basketball between the legs with the dominant hand.
Following that, catch the tennis ball while it is still in the air with the dominant hand and catch the basketball with the non-dominant hand.
Execute this action continuously for a certain amount of time or reps to complete the tennis ball between the legs dribbling drill.
Tennis ball behind the back dribble
To perform the tennis ball behind the back dribble, begin by holding a tennis ball in the dominant hand and a basketball in the non-dominant hand.
From that point, toss the tennis ball in the air and swiftly dribble the basketball behind the back. Next, catch the tennis ball while it is still in the air with the non-dominant hand and simultaneously, catch the basketball with the dominant hand.
Once again, toss the tennis ball in the air with the non-dominant hand and immediately dribble the basketball behind the back with the dominant hand.
After that, catch the tennis ball while it is still in the air with the dominant hand and catch the basketball with the non-dominant hand at the same time.
Execute this action over and over for a definite amount of time or repetitions to finish the tennis ball behind the back dribbling drill.