A great point guard is the extension of the coach, you need to be the leader of the team. You need to be heady – learn all the offensive and defensive plays, know what to do in certain situations, distribute the ball, make plays when needed, etc. It’s the most important position on a team – like the quarterback for a football team. Below are some tips to consider if you want to be one of the best point guards in your league.
Chin up, eyes up
You need to have vision on the court. You need to see your other 4 players and the 5 defenders. As you get older and more experienced you’ll be able to read defenses and “thread the needle.” It doesn’t matter where you are now, you have to be able to see the entire court. That means you can’t watch the ball while you dribble.
Listen
Since your going to be the “second coach” you need to listen to the coach. In the huddle, on the court, at practice, on the ride to the game…just listen to what is said so you can use it or repeat it to your teammates.
Direct when necessary
Tell your players where to go as you dribble up the court. Don’t boss them around, just guide them if they are not in their spot or if one side of the court is overloaded. You’ll be the one that sees the entire court since your dribbling down. You can do this vocally or just simply point, but the key is to let your players know what spots to be in.
Get it to the right person
Don’t pass the ball to a low post player when he’s standing on the 3 point line…he won’t know what to do with it. As a point guard you need to survey the court and pass it to the person who’s most likely going to score. If a big guy is posted up then get him the ball. If your on a 3 – 2 break then get the leaper or person most likely to finish the ball. Another situation to mention is if one of your teammates is feeling it. If they hit the last 3 shots, then try to get him or her the ball. Continue to find the person who’s on fire. This is getting the ball to the right person.
Keep your cool
Don’t get down on yourself or your team. Most likely your teammates will also put their head down. Try to be strong at all times and supportive of your teammates. Instead of yelling at them, encourage them or tell them what they did wrong. On a personal level, more times than not, if you get flustered your game will too. Stay cool as a cucumber.
Pick your spots
A good point guard needs to know when to dish and when to pass. Just because your the point doesn’t mean your not allowed to shoot 15 times a game. If the defense gives you open shots, take them! If they stick their best defender on you and your teammates are open, pass it! You’ll go a long way if you know when to pass in certain situations and when to shoot.
Can’t play like the others
You need to be alert at every single game. When your the point guard if you have to make decisions on the fly. Play the leadership role and be that person everyone needs to be there. If your teammates are playing video games late the night before a game, you need to put yourself to sleep. You have to think during the game and in order to do so is to get enough sleep. Some players can get away with it because they won’t need to use their brain as much as you. You need to stay sharp in order to lead your team to a win.
Penetrate and decide
For a point guard, its vital to get to the lane. You can’t just sit at the top of the key pounding the ball into the ground. You need to out maneuver the opponent and get to the hoop. It makes it so hard to defend if your point guard keeps blowing by their team. When you crossover or dribble past your guy you have t 2 options: pass or shoot. Its one of the hardest things to read, even NBA players are poor at this! If the defense closes the lane than there’s gotta be people open, drive and dish for an open shot. If you dribble into the lane and the defense sticks with their man or woman then put up a short shot or layup. You have so many options when you can penetrate.
Speak up!
When your the coach, you need to be listened to. In order for that to happen you need to be loud. Even if your a quiet person off the court, you need to make your voice known on the court. Its going to be hard to run the point if your teammates can’t hear you.
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