What is the shooting guard in basketball
The shooting guard is one of the five common basketball positions and the primary role for a player in this position is to score points, typically near the perimeter areas of the court as well as near the basket.
Also, the shooting guard is generally denoted as the number 2, the two-guard, or as the off-guard. In addition to that, the typical abbreviation for the shooting guard’s basketball position is SG.
How does the shooting guard typically score points near the perimeter
The shooting guard typically scores points near the perimeter areas of the court by way of mid-range or three-point jump shots.
Also, it is usually recommended that the shooting guard should strive for high quality jump shots that are open and totally uncontested by defenders when possible.
To produce high quality jump shots, the shooting guard could utilize a series of off-ball screens or a handful of on-ball screens.
Moreover, the shooting guard could also perform one or more basketball moves to create separation from the defender that would be covering them. After that, the shooting guard could take the jump shot at the moment when separation occurs.
How does the shooting guard typically score points near the basket
The shooting guard typically scores points near the basket by attacking the rim while in possession of the ball or by cutting to the rim as an off-ball player.
Also, in certain instances, the shooting guard could score near the basket via low post moves if they have the capability to do that as well, particularly within basketball offense strategies that provide a level of versatility such as the Swing offense.
Attacking the rim
In terms of attacking the rim, the shooting guard could generally accomplish that in several ways.
The shooting guard could utilize a quick first step to blow by their defender. From that point, the shooting guard could get to the rim and score before their defender could recover or before any helping defenders are able to limit or prevent the scoring opportunity.
Moreover, the first step is probably the simplest way to attack the rim as it generally only requires that the shooting guard is quicker than the on-ball defender. Also, the first step could be potentially effective if the on-ball defender makes a mistake such as being in an improper defensive stance.
In addition to that, the shooting guard could perform one or more basketball dribbling moves such as a crossover dribble or a between the legs dribble to break down the on-ball defender. Following that, the shooting guard could attack the rim and score points.
Additionally, the shooting guard could make use of the on-ball screen and then score at the rim via a layup, dunk, or floater after the dribble penetration happens.
Cutting to the basket
If the shooting guard does not have possession of the ball, particularly while filling one of the perimeter areas of the court, it is still possible to score by simply cutting to the basket when the opportunity presents itself.
For example, let’s say that an offensive player such as the point guard has the ball near the right side wing and the shooting guard is currently located near the left side corner on the weak side of the court.
From there, let’s say that the point guard is able to dribble into the gaps of the defense, which also causes multiple defenders to collapse on the ball.
In other words, one or more defenders will slide into the lane to protect the basket and/or to prevent the point guard from scoring with the ball.
Let’s also say that the defender who is protecting the basket at that current time is not a typical shot blocker such as a rim-protecting center.
Instead, let’s say that the defender near the basket is somewhat of equal size or only slightly bigger than the shooting guard such as a small forward.
Alternatively, the defender could also be taller than the shooting guard such as a power forward but perhaps not as athletic in terms of vertical leaping ability.
Against those types of defenders, the shooting guard could immediately cut to the basket while the majority of the defense would be focusing on the point guard.
Afterwards, the shooting guard could receive the ball from the point guard, and then quickly score before the overall defense is able to fully react.
In this instance, cutting to the basket is useful because the shooting guard would be moving without the ball instead of standing still, which is easier for the defense to contain.
Furthermore, any time an off-ball player cuts to the basket, that action could potentially lead to defensive breakdowns because it is usually very difficult for the defense to cover the offensive player in possession of the basketball as well as any off-ball action effectively at the same time.
Although, it should be noted that if the primary defender near the basket did happen to be a rim-protector, then the shooting guard would probably want to stay near the left side corner and then receive the ball for a possible jump shot via a potential kick pass or drift pass from the point guard.
Which basketball screens are typically used by the shooting guard
The shooting guard will typically use on-ball screens such as the step-up screen as well as off-ball screens such as the down screen or the flare screen.
These different types of basketball screens could be utilized to get open, score points near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court, or generate additional playmaking opportunities.
Side screen
The side screen is a type of on-ball screen that occurs near the wing areas of the court. It could be utilized by an offensive player in possession of the ball to ultimately dribble into the middle gap of the defense.
Afterwards, that same offensive player could score via a mid-range jump shot or by attacking the basket. Additionally, the offensive player could initially use the side screen and then pass to another teammate for alternative scoring or playmaking options.
For the very simple diagram, 2 has possession of the basketball and utilizes a side screen set by 5. Afterwards, 2 could score at the rim, take the mid-range jump shot, or pass to 5, who rolled to the basket following the screening action.
Step-up screen
The step-up screen is a type of on-ball screen that typically occurs near the wing or slots areas of the court and it could be used by an offensive player to dribble towards the baseline.
Afterwards, the same offensive player could then score by attacking the basket or taking a mid-range jump shot.
In reference to the basic diagram, 2 has possession of the ball and uses a step-up screen set by 4. However, the screener’s defender, which is X4, implements a defensive hedge to limit or prevent further dribble penetration towards the basket.
Also, as that occurs, the on-ball defender, which is X2, fights over the top of the screen and chases after 2. Therefore, instead of rolling to the basket, 4 pops to a perimeter spot adjacent to the right side extended high post elbow.
Following that, 4 could receive the ball from 2 via a pocket pass and take the mid-range jump shot.
Corner ball screen
The corner ball screen is a type of on-ball screen and as the name implies, it is implemented near one of the corner areas of the court. It could be used by an offensive player in certain situations to attack the rim.
However, one of the potential downsides of the corner ball screen is that the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender could counter it with trap defense against the offensive player in possession of the ball.
On the simple diagram, 2 attacks the basket via the corner ball screen set by 5. Alternatively, if 2 is not able to score at the rim, then 2 could potentially execute kick passes to either 3 or 4 as well, which could potentially result in additional scoring or playmaking opportunities.
Down screen
The down screen is an off-ball screen that is commonly utilized by players such as the shooting guard to get open near the perimeter areas of the court.
The down screen also consists of two variations commonly referred to as the pin down screen, which is generally set near the basket and the wide pin down screen, which is set near the corner areas.
For the simple diagram, 2 cuts from the right side low post area to the right side wing via the basic down screen set by 5. After that, 2 could receive the ball from 1 and potentially score via a three-point jump shot.
Elevator screen
The elevator screen is another off-ball screen that is used by players such as the shooting guard to get open near the perimeter areas of the court.
What makes the elevator screen unique is that it features two screeners who will perform similar actions at the same time, which could eventually lead to a perimeter scoring opportunity.
In reference to the basic diagram, 1 initially performs a dribble entry towards the right side wing. Following that, 2 cuts to the top from the right side low post block via the gap between 4 and 5.
Immediately after 2 cuts through the gap, 4 and 5 should close the gap, also informally called ‘shutting the doors’ to complete the elevator screen. Afterwards, 2 could receive the ball from 1 and take the open jump shot.
Flare screen
The flare screen is an off-ball screen that could be utilized to get an offensive player open, particularly on the weak side of the court.
For the basic diagram, 3 receives the ball from 1 and as that occurs, 2 cuts to the left side wing from the left slot via the flare screen set by 4. After that, 2 could receive the ball from 3 via a skip pass and take the open three-point shot or attack the basket.
Hammer screen
The hammer screen is an off-ball screen within the hammer set play, which consists of a player receiving a screen while cutting towards one of the corner areas of the court.
For the diagram example, 1 dribbles toward the baseline via the on-ball screen set by 5. As that happens, 2 cuts to the left side corner from the left side wing area through the hammer screen that is set by 4.
Afterwards, 2 receives the ball from 1 by way of a drift pass and then 2 takes the open three-point jump shot.
Single-Double screen
The single-double screen, also commonly known as the floppy action, is initiated near the basket and consists of a single screen on one side of the lane and a double screen on the other side.
The single-double screen gives the shooting guard at least a couple of options to get open depending on how the defense plays against them.
Furthermore, if the shooting guard decides to use the double screen, then one of those screeners could then use the single screen on the opposite side to get open as well, which is also screen the screener action.
On the basic diagram example, 2 utilizes the double screen of 3 and 4 to get open near the left side wing area. Immediately following that action, 3 uses the single screen of 5 to get open near the right side wing.
Next, 2 could receive the ball from 1 and score via an open jump shot. Alternatively 3 could receive the ball and potentially score as well.
Stagger screen
The stagger screen consists of two consecutive screens that are set at certain angles. Also, the stagger screen is probably one of the more common screening actions that could be implemented to get an offensive player such as the shooting guard, open for a possible jump shot from mid-range or three-point range.
In reference to the diagram example, the offensive team is initially set up in the Horns formation. Following that, 4 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 4 executes dribble handoff action with 3.
From there, 3 dribbles the ball towards the top while 2 cuts to the right side wing via the stagger screen set by 1 and 5. Next, 2 receives the ball from 3 and could possibly take the open jump shot.
Which basketball cuts are typically executed by the shooting guard
The basketball cuts that are typically executed by the shooting guard include the backdoor cut, the Iverson cut, and the V-cut among others.
Backdoor cut
The shooting guard could perform the backdoor cut when the opportunity presents itself such as against denial defense and possibly score via a layup or dunk.
For the very simple diagram example, 2 would like to receive the ball from 1. However, X2 implements denial defense by placing a hand in the passing lane.
When that happens, 1 could dribble the basketball at least one time towards 2, which triggers an automatic backdoor cut by 2. Following that, 2 could receive the ball from 1 and score at the rim.
Baseline cut
The baseline cut is a simple action that could be implemented to get a shooter open near the perimeter areas, and more specifically, near the short corner or deep corner behind the three-point line.
In terms of the diagram example, 2 initially receives the ball from 1 but then quickly gives it back, which is carried out to start ball reversal and shift the defense as well.
Next, 3 receives the ball from 1 to complete the reversal action and as that occurs, 2 executes a baseline cut to the left side corner, also by way of screens set by 4 and 5.
After that, 2 receives the ball from 3 and has the option to take the jump shot if that is open. Alternatively, 5 could also receive the ball from 2 and perform a low post move.
Curl cut
The curl cut consists of action that occurs when an offensive player curls around the screener, as the name implies.
An offensive player could perform this type of cut to get open near the basket or as a counter when the defender jumps over the top of the screen to take away the pathway towards the perimeter.
Furthermore, an offensive player could execute the curl cut if a defensive switch occurs between the screener’s defender and the defender that would be the target of the screen.
For the diagram example, 2 utilizes a wide pin down screen to initially cut towards the right side wing from the right side corner. However, X4 attempts to switch so that 2 would not be open after possibly receiving the basketball from 1.
Therefore, 2 counters by executing a curl cut towards the basket instead. After that, 2 receives the ball from 1 and scores near the rim.
Fade cut
The fade cut could be executed as a counter by an offensive player such as the shooting guard when a defender goes under certain types of basketball screens such as the down screen.
Regarding the simple diagram, 2 begins to cut towards the right side wing via the pin down screen set by 4. However, X2 attempts to mitigate the effectiveness of the screen by going under it.
As a result, 2 counters by executing the fade cut towards the right side corner. Afterwards, 2 could receive the ball from 1 and take the open jump shot.
Iverson cut
The Iverson cut consists of action that happens when an offensive player starts on one side of the court, usually near the wing, followed by that same player cutting to the opposite side.
Also, the Iverson cut is typically accompanied by double screens near the high post areas as well.
As a side note, the name of this particular cut is derived from NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, who executed this cut to get open at times during his playing career, notably as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
For the simple diagram, 2 executes the Iverson cut from the right side wing to the left side via double screens set by 4 and 5. Next, 2 receives the ball from 1, dribbles toward the basket and scores at the rim.
L-cut
The L-cut occurs when an offensive player such as the shooting guard starts at the low areas of the court, usually near the low post block and then performs a cutting motion that is similar to the letter L.
For the basic diagram, 2 begins near the right side low post block and then performs an L-cut to get open near the right side wing. Afterwards, 2 receives the ball from 1 and could take the open jump shot or attack the rim.
Shallow cut
The shallow cut occurs when an offensive player such as the shooting guard moves from the top or the slot towards the adjacent wing or vice versa.
Also, as that occurs, a second offensive player, who is usually in possession of the basketball, would fill the vacant area that was previously occupied by the first offensive player.
In terms of the simple diagram, 1 dribbles toward the right side wing, which triggers a shallow cut by 2 towards the top. Following that, 2 receives the ball from 1 and can score via a jump shot or by attacking the basket.
V-cut
The V-cut is more than likely one of the common ways that offensive players like the shooting guard could get open towards the perimeter areas of the court such as the wings.
Essentially, the offensive player performs the V-cut by initially moving towards the low areas of the court but then quickly popping back towards the perimeter, utilizing a cutting pathway that is similar to the letter V.
For the very simple diagram, 2 executes a V-cut to get open near the right side perimeter just inside of the three-point arc adjacent to the wing. Afterwards, 2 could receive the ball from 1 and take the mid-range jump shot.
Zipper cut
The zipper cut consists of action that happens when an offensive player like the shooting guard starts near a lower area of the court such as the the low post block or the corner and afterwards, that same player cuts towards the top beyond the three-point line.
On the simple diagram, 1 executes a dribble entry towards the right side wing. When that happens, 2 performs a zipper cut from the right side corner towards the top. Afterwards, 2 receives the ball from 1 and could score via a jump shot by attacking the basket.
What are basic basketball moves that the shooting guard could use to score points
Jab Step
The jab step could be executed by an offensive player in possession of the ball to create space, generally by changing the on-ball defender’s stance.
As an example, let’s say that the shooting guard has possession of the ball and is currently in the triple threat position while being covered by an on-ball defender.
From there, the shooting guard could execute a half step to jab at the defender or away from the defender with their non-pivot foot. As a result of the jab step, the defender will usually react by changing their defensive stance.
In other words, the jab step would typically cause the defender to think that the offensive player in possession of the ball could possibly dribble towards the direction of the jab step.
Therefore, the defender will change their defensive stance in anticipation of the possible basketball move.
However, the offensive player, which is the shooting guard in this example, could take advantage of that anticipation by simply taking a jump shot in the open space that was created after the jab step or dribbling the basketball in the opposite direction of the jab step to attack the rim.
Step back
The step back is a basketball move that could be executed by an offensive player such as the shooting guard to create separation between themselves and the on-ball defender.
A simple way that the shooting guard could accomplish this is by initially attacking the basket with one or more dribbling moves. When that occurs, the on-ball defender will typically react by sliding laterally or backwards to stay in front of the ball.
From there, the shooting guard could use their inside foot that is closest to the basket to hop away from the on-ball defender. As a result, there would generally be at least a small amount of space between the shooting guard and the on-ball defender.
Following that, the shooting guard could use that window of opportunity to take a mid-range or three-point jump shot before the defense is able to counter via a defensive closeout and subsequent contest with a hand in the shooter’s face.
Crossover
The crossover dribble is probably one of the most common dribbling moves employed by offensive players, especially perimeter-oriented players, within the game of basketball in general.
The shooting guard could use the crossover dribble to attack the basket and score at the rim or to simply create separation from an on-ball defender for a jump shot opportunity.
Between the legs
Between the legs dribble is another type of basketball dribbling move that an offensive player could implement for scoring purposes.
The shooting guard could potentially use the between the legs dribble move to get by an on-ball defender and penetrate into the gaps of the defense.
The shooting guard could also utilize the between the legs dribble as a set-up dribble and potentially combine it with another dribbling action, which could eventually lead to a scoring opportunity near the perimeter or near the basket.
Moreover, the shooting guard could further utilize the between the legs dribble as a hesitation dribble on an unsuspecting on-ball defender before taking a jump shot.
Behind the back
Behind the back dribble could be a great option for an offensive player to keep an on-ball defender guessing and on their heels, so to speak.
The shooting guard could use the behind the back dribble to attack the basket or create separation for a possible jump shot.
The behind the back dribble is also a good alternative to the crossover dribble and it could potentially be very useful against on-ball defenders that attempt to steal the ball by reaching in.
Stutter step
The stutter step is yet another basketball move that could be executed by an offensive player to score points. Additionally, the stutter step is possibly the most useful when the defender is backpedaling such as during transition defense.
The shooting guard could perform the stutter step to initially freeze a defender and afterwards, attack the basket or raise up for a jump shot.