Point Guard Position

Next to starting quarterback for a football team, the point guard position is next most important/challenging position in team sports. There are so many crucial elements to the game that the point guard must analyze, understand, and operate.

The point guard must have an infectious attitude and demonstrate proper leadership at all times (practice, games, meetings, film, etc...). The leadership traits of the point guard translate through his/her work ethic; they must be the hardest worker on the team. The point guard brings everyone together, understands each other's differences, and makes the right decisions for the team, not the popular ones. He/she must also have an aggressive attitude because the point guard operates the offense, and is usually the one that sets the temperament of the defense.

Another important characteristic of the point guard is the ability to communicate with the coaches and players. A good point guard is an extension of the coaching staff, and should be able to discuss and understand strategies. In addition, the PG must understand the roles of each player on the team, and utilize each player's strengths in the context of the team. The point guard must be able to communicate (verbally and non-verbally) with the team; he/she unifies the team towards the team's goals.

In terms of offense, a good point guard can control the tempo/flow of the game that is dedicated by the coach's style of play. Tempo/flow is determined by the (1) team's strengths/weaknesses, (2) oppositions strengths/weaknesses, and (3) in-game situations. In-game situations are usually dictated by some of the following factors: personnel, score, time, and momentum.

A point guard must be able to operate in a half-court and full-court situation, and make the correct decisions. In basic terms, a good point guard puts their teammates in situations where they can succeed; they make their teammates better. As the quarterback of the team, all coaches want their PG to focus on three objectives: (1) manage the game, (2) take care of the ball, and (3) make the simple play. In order for an offense to run efficiently, the point guard must be able to (1) create his/her own shot and (2) create shot opportunities for his/her teammates. The point guard must also be able to execute and handle full-court pressure defense. He/she must embrace these types of situations with aggressiveness, confidence, and patience/poise. The point guard must understand how to attend full court man to man defenses, full court zone defenses, as well as run and jump defenses.

All long with understand all of these elements, the point guard must have the attitude of getting better each day. All point guards must have exceptional ball-handling, 1 on 1 moves, passing, conditioning, and shooting skills.