Point Guard Skill Development

Point Guard Skill Development is crucial to be an effective, consistent scorer, penetrator, and facilitator for your team/program.

Shooting

WARM UP SHOOTING DRILLS

(50) 2 Ball Regular Mikans
(50) 2 Ball Reverse Mikans
(50) Form Shooting with strong hand (w/ heavy ball if possible)
(50) Form Shooting with weak hand (w/ heavy ball if possible)
(50) Set lifts from middle of the key (w/ heavy ball if possible)
(50) Bradley drill w/ 5 jumps (w/ regular ball)
(50) Set lifts from free throw line (w/ regular ball)
(25) Rim finishes from opposite side of basket on each side (w/regular ball)
(25) Step thrus from opposite side of basket on each side (w/ regular ball)

1. Transition Shooting for a point guard is important for proper spacing and execution for the team's primary and secondary break. The PG must be able to pull-up for the 3 point line and free throw line in a transition situation.

• 10 pull-up threes from top of the key with right and left hand before pull-up
• 10 pull-up threes from free throw line with right and left hand before pull-up

If the PG has the ability to knock down the 3 pointer and free throw line jumper in transition, it will allow him/her to penetrate the paint. Change of pace and speed is crucial to be an effective penetrator.

• (10 with each hand) Attack the 3 point line; hesitate and change direction attack the elbow looking for pull-up jumper.
• (10 with each hand) Attack the free throw line; hesitate and change direction attack the basket looking for a lay-up or driving hook shot.

2. 3 Point Shooting

The PG needs to have the ability to shoot the 3 point shoot efficiently in catch and shoot situations, as well as off the dribble. We will concentrate on 5 spots on the floor: both corners, both wings, and the point position at the top of the key.

• CATCH AND SHOOT
• Self-pass and shoot 15 shots from the right hand corner (FOCUS on proper footwork; left-right)
• Self-pass and shoot 15 shots from the right wing (FOCUS on proper footwork; left-right)
• Self-pass and shoot 15 shots from the point position (FOCUS on proper footwork; left-right)
• Self-pass and shoot 15 shots from the left wing (FOCUS on proper footwork; left-right)
• Self-pass and shoot 15 shots from the left hand corner (FOCUS on proper footwork; left-right)

• OFF THE DRIBBLE
• Start at hash on right side of the court, (alternate right and left hand dribble before pull-up) shoot 15 3's from the right wing off the dribble.
• Start at half court, (alternate right and left hand dribble before pull-up) shoot 15 3's from the right wing off the dribble.
• Start at hash on left side of the court, (alternate right and left hand dribble before pull-up) shoot 15 3's from the right wing off the dribble.
  

3. Mid-range Shooting for a point guard is crucial to their ability to score as well as create for their open teammates off dribble penetration. It is extremely important to have the ability to shoot off the dribble, as well as shooting runners/floaters off the dribble. We will set up a cone or chair at both wings and the point area.

• RIGHT WING
  
• Attack the cone and change direction (left to right) and pull-up jumper off the backboard (15) (FOCUS: on inside pivot, good balance, and hold follow through).
  
• Attack the cone and change direction (right to left) and pull-up jumper at the elbow (15) (FOCUS: on inside pivot, good balance, and hold follow through).
  
• Attack the cone and change direction (left to right) and shoot a runner of the backboard (15) (FOCUS: follow through on the floater as if you were giving a high five to the backboard).
• Attack the cone and change direction (right to left) and shoot a runner of the backboard (15) (FOCUS: follow through on the floater as if you were giving a high five to the backboard).

• POINT
• Attack the cone and change direction (left to right) and pull-up jumper at the right elbow (15) (FOCUS: on inside pivot, good balance, and hold follow through).
  
• Attack the cone and change direction (right to left) and pull-up jumper at the left elbow (15) (FOCUS: on inside pivot, good balance, and hold follow through).

• LEFT WING
• Attack the cone and change direction (right to left) and pull-up jumper off the backboard (15) (FOCUS: on inside pivot, good balance, and hold follow through).
  
• Attack the cone and change direction (left to right) and pull-up jumper at the elbow (15) (FOCUS: on inside pivot, good balance, and hold follow through).
  
• Attack the cone and change direction (right to left) and shoot a runner of the backboard (15) (FOCUS: follow through on the floater as if you were giving a high five to the backboard).
• Attack the cone and change direction (left to right) and shoot a runner of the backboard (15) (FOCUS: follow through on the floater as if you were giving a high five to the backboard).

4. Around the Basket moves are important for the PG so they are able to get their shot off in traffic. We will focus on jump stops around the painted area so we can use step through moves and incorporate are Mikan shots from warm-up. We will work on around the basket moves starting from the wings with 4 cones in a shape of a diamond.

• RIGHT WING (4 Cones)
• Attack the first cone left to right, the second cone right to left, and the third cone left to right take 1 dribble and a jump stop just outside the block area. Once you pick up your dribble off your jumpstop, you will step through with your right foot and shoot a floater or hook shot over the front of the rim. (15) (FOCUS: change of directions at each cone low and quick, good balanced jump stop, and good step through)
• Attack the first cone right to left, the second cone left to right, and the third cone right to left take 1 dribble and a jump stop inside the paint. Once you pick up your dribble off your jumpstop, you will step through with your left foot and shoot a floater or hook shot off the backboard. (15) (FOCUS: change of directions at each cone low and quick, good balanced jump stop, and good step through)

• LEFT WING (4 Cones)
• Attack the first cone left to right, the second cone right to left, and the third cone left to right take 1 dribble and a jump stop just inside the paint. Once you pick up your dribble off your jumpstop, you will step through with your right foot and shoot a floater or hook shot off the backboard. (15) (FOCUS: change of directions at each cone low and quick, good balanced jump stop, and good step through)
• Attack the first cone right to left, the second cone left to right, and the third cone right to left take 1 dribble and a jump stop outside the block area. Once you pick up your dribble off your jumpstop, you will step through with your right foot and shoot a floater or hook shot over the front of the rim. (15) (FOCUS: change of directions at each cone low and quick, good balanced jump stop, and good step through)

NEXT BLOG: Shooting Guard Position

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.

Intelligence/Basketball IQ

According to dictionary.com, intelligence is a capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity. I think many coaches use the term basketball IQ, but really don't understand how to relay the characteristics that constitute basketball IQ. It is our responsibility to spend the time and dissect the elements of how to develop good basketball IQ. Through my experiences there are seven elements:

1. Self-Realization of Skills/Role
A player's basketball IQ starts with their analysis of their skills in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Then taking their strengths and weaknesses, and what role does that fit within in their program/team.

2. Styles of Play
I think understanding different types of defenses (half-court, 3/4 court, and full-court) and offenses (transition to half-court). The differences between man to man and zone defenses, and how to execute and exploit both styles of defense.

3. Court Awareness
A player's court awareness comes down to the understanding the location of three elements: the ball, the player, and his/her teammates.

4. Game Situation Awareness
One of the biggest areas that is overlooked and most importantly under-taught to today's player, and especially at the point guard position is game situation awareness. Game situation awareness is broken down into score, clock, fouls, time-outs, and game flow.

5. Floor Situations
Understanding floor situations come through practice repetitions, film work, and then implementation in a game situations (i.e., real game, pick-up basketball). Basketball is a game of match-ups, and understanding where your strengths are in comparasion to the other team is crucial for proper strategy and execution. In addition, understanding the importance of freedom of play, and reading/reacting to what the situation calls for. Also, the player needs to have knowledge of number situations in transition, as well as positions on the floor.

6. Rules and Game Protocol
Rules and game protocol are important in understanding the basic elements of the game. This is usually developed at a younger age, and as the players move up in levels there are minor changes to game protocol But, it is also surprising how many players don't under the simplicity of an over and back call.

7. Terminology
Terminology can broken down in several elements, such as; goals, team/program expectations, and universal understanding of offenses/defenses.

Mental Toughness

As a coach, one characteristic that I think is really missing in today's player is mental toughness. Mental toughness is the ability of someone to perservere and have an inner drive to accomplish goals when someone or something is challenging them. For example, two teams are in the midst of highly competitive game, the team that is the toughest will push through the adversity and challenge to win the game. Of course, there are certain factors that one team might overcome like hostile crowd, poor officiating, travel, or illness/injury. When it is all said and done, the the team or individual that can cope through pressure and tough situations will ultimately be successful in accomplishing their goals/tasks. It is important to be determined, focused, confident, resilient, and remain in control when faced with those situations.

There are four key psychological characteristics associated with mentally tough athletes and teams:

1.) SELF BELIEF
The individual/team needs to have the confidence in their skills that they can achieve those goals that are set out.
2.) MOTIVATION
The individual/team need to be instrinsically moviated to succeed at any cost; must want it more than anyone else. They also are prepared to push through or bounce back from any negative situation/result.
3.) FOCUS
The individual/team must have the skill to focused on the task at hand and block out any unnecessary distractions. They also must be able to play through tough stretches in their performance. For example, poor shooting performance, but doesn't effect the other parts of their game.
4.) COMPOSURE/HANDLING PRESSURE
The individual/team must embrace competition, and have a high desire to be challenged by competition. They know that NO ONE will roll over and die for them. They also must control their emotion through any event or distraction.

According to Dr. David Yukelson, Coordinator of Sports Psychology Servrices at Penn State University, there are seven steps in the development of mental toughness:

1. The team/individual needs to have the right attitude and state of mind.

2. The team/individual must program their mind to succeed ahead of time with positive affirmations and expectations.

3. Routinize your behaviors. Develop a systematic pre-competition routine that clicks on desired mental-emotinal state of mind.

4. Poise and Composure. Learn how to let go of mistakes quickly if things do not go the way you want.

5. The team/individual must take control of negative self-talk; reframe "stinking thinking" into positive task oriented suggestions.

6. The team/individual needs to look at failure as a stepping stone for future achievement.

7. Thea team/individual must be a difference maker, step up and have a great performance when it matters most.

Character

In today's athletic arena, where everyone is looking out for themselves and how to get theres, the issue of character is undervalued and under-appreciated. Character is the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. As an educator, there are six steps in developing good character in your student-athletes:

1. Understand the Quality - you need to illustrate a clear understanding of the character quality you are trying to reinforce.

2. Grasp Its Actions - describe the character quality in term of thoughts, words and behaviors that are representative of those that result when a person possesses this quality.

3. Realize Its Benefits - you need to show the student what are the benefits of good character. For example, help individuals reach their full potential, increase productivity, improve relationships, benefits and encourages others, and contribute to success.

4. Practice Its Actions - put your student-athletes in positions on a daily basis where they must exhibit the character qualities that you are teaching. Tackle enthusiastically a task that you typically dislike doing. On occasion, implementation of the desired end action may be too demanding to accomplish in a single step, and may have to be approached in a sequence of smaller steps.

5. Encourage It in Others - encouraging the character qualities in others is beneficial to others when everyone is encouraging, not only the teacher or coach. Encouraging others will keep sharp your awareness of the character quality itself, keeps you actively communicating about it and possibly gaining a new understanding of the quality, and encourages you to keep actively developing the quality in your own life.

a. Model - demonstrate the character quality

b. Remind/Emphasize - remind the importance of developing the quality

c. Expect/Require - by attitude, actions, and words make expectations clear

d. Recognize - affirm and bring attention to good character and decisions

6. Be Encouraged - invite your fellow coaches/educators to encourage you in developing character qualities, and keep yourself accountable. You are a leader!

Discipline

Year in and year out, how many times do you hear a coach or commentator say so-so can be a really, really good player. Many players today will tell you that they want to be a good player and that that they want to be successful, but it takes a tremendous amount of discipline to maximize one's potential. Discipline is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience. Many coaches today don't put in the time and effort to teach discipline to their student-athletes. It takes a tremendous amount of hard-work and focus to do so, and in the end it will tremendously help the student-athletes maximize their potential as a player and more importantly as a person. There are some things that coaches can do to promote self-discipline in their players:

1. Make your expectations clear.
2. Praising initiative and self-discipline when the athlete demonstrates it.
3. Treating your athletes as adults.
4. Applying all team policies to all athletes.
5. Making your practice a safe place for all your athletes to try new things and make mistakes.
6. Spend time meeting with players and coaches on a regular basis.
7. Knowing what is going on with your players and coaches.
8. Encouraging open communication with the players and coaches on the team. Honest is crucial to growing.
9. All coaches and players are human, and they will get away with as much as you allow them to get away with.

Respect

Respect is a a feeling appreciative, often deferential requard; esteem according to dictionary.com. Respect is a trait that is saddly missing in many students, student-athletes, coaches, and teachers today. Respect is lacking in today's society because people don't take the time to appreciate and understand each other whether it is in the a social setting, classroom, or on the court.

I think players today don't respect the game of basketball and what it truly has to offer them. For many coaches and former players, basketball has given them a tremendous amount wealth; mentally, psychologically, financially, and physically. From the middle school level to the professional level, we have a big issue with sportsmanship because of the lack of respect with have for each other when we step on the court. There are players today that don't respect each other enough they don't compete hard against each other. I think comes down to that players don't have enough pride in themselves.