The
following eight skills are necessary for great point guards:
Study and understand your teammates - The point guard ore than anyone of the floor knows each of his teammates inside and out. He knows all
roles on the team and makes it a priority to enhance each of their strengths. He knows how to put them into
situations where each player can be successful. For example, a post player is instructed to post
up on the locks and not float out to the perimeter. His skills and ability will impact the team most by
playing around the basket. Roles are crucial to good teams and the point guard can solidify the team unit
with good leadership skills.
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Be the coach on the floor and in the locker room - A good point guard embraces his coach's philosophy of the game
and instills it on the floor. Knowing what the coach wants and does not want
is a rare trait among players. For example, it a team's philosophy is to
shoot as many three point shots as possible, the point guard needs to get the
ball in the shooter's hands in scoring areas often. If the style of play is
to push the ball up the floor, then the point guard needs to organize the
break, push it hard, and attack the defense. The term "coach on the
floor" belongs to great point guards
Earn the players trust - For a team to follow a leader,
they must believe that he would do anything for them. Not only must he play
extremely hard, but he can motivate teammates to do the same. Without
confidence in your floor general, a team is left vulnerable.
Set the tone in practice - Your point guard must
understand how a successful practice is run and what the goal of practice is.
By serving as a model, he can set the pace for a good practice. Conversely,
when a leader is not willing to give it his all, the team will suffer by
having a bad practice.
Knowledge of each possible situation - Understanding what to do in every situation is the duty of a great
point guard. He must know who is in the game and how he can set up teammates
to be successful. Offensively, the game plan must be played out to
perfection. Good shots, smart passes, and good screening are a must and can
be dictated by the point guard. Point guards are responsible for knowing the
time and score at all times, the importance of each possession, and control
the tempo. He need to be aware of what is taking place and what needs to be
accomplished on both ends of the floor. A good test is to watch a leader take
over a game at winning time. When his team is out of time outs, the great
players take over the does what it takes to win.
Unselfishness - Many coaches interpret this to mean the point guard should not look to score. This is not the case, especially if scoring is one of the strengths of your point guard. nselfishness means that he will sacrifice his game at times to find better opportunities for teammates. Great point guards always make others on the floor better because of his presence. |
Defensive leadership - A great assist to a teammate
for a layup is great, but can't match the impact of solid defensive play.
Defense wins games and by taking a charge or forcing a turnover, any player
helps his team win. It is more difficult to inspire teams to play defense at
times. Players love offense and tolerate defense. A great point guard can lead a team to take ownership of
the defensive end of the floor.
Handle success and defeat in
perspective - Athletic competition is
a constant flow of highs and lows. Young players are often greatly affected
by the outcome of games. By developing a solid point guard, you will provide
your team with a peer who can keep them grounded. Winning often breeds
complacency in a team and a good point guard can keep success in perspective.
Conversely, a loss can be tough on a team. Good point guards are able to pick
up the team with his toughness and work ethic. This characteristic is the
foundation of all great point guards.
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