Developing the Point Guard Mentality – 8 Characteristics of Great Point Guards

Developing point guard skills is a tedious, careful, and time-consuming process. Coaches can cultivate excellent point guards if they first take the right approach to the mental aspect of the game. Great point guards are tough, selfless, understand the game, and are mentally tough. A winning point guard is in command when the game is on the line and makes all the other players better with his presence.

Players are never too young to start learning the truths of the game. Starting with the fundamentals, a young player should be comfortable with dribbling, passing, shooting and defending. As players develop physically, they also gain knowledge about how to play. This development is key for point guards because their position is the most important on the court. A good point guard makes the team go.

The following eight skills are necessary for great point guards:

• Study and understand your peers-The base more than anyone on the field knows each of his teammates inside and out. He knows all the roles of the team and prioritizes enhancing each of his strengths. He knows how to put them in situations where every player can be successful. For example, a post player is instructed to position himself on the blocks and not float to the perimeter. His skills and ability will impact the team more by playing around the basket. Roles are crucial to good teams, and the point guard can solidify team unity with good leadership skills.
• Be the coach on the pitch and in the locker room.-A good point guard adopts his coach’s game philosophy and instills it on the pitch. Knowing what the coach wants and doesn’t want is a rare trait among players. For example, if a team’s philosophy is to shoot as many 3-pointers as possible, the point guard needs to get the ball into the shooter’s hands in goal areas frequently. If the style of play is to push the ball down the court, then the point guard needs to organize the fast break, push it hard and attack the defense. The term “coach on the court” belongs to the great point guards.
• Earn the trust of the players– For a team to follow a leader, they must believe that he would do anything for them. He not only must play very hard, but he can motivate his teammates to do the same. Without confidence in their general floor, a team is left vulnerable.
• Setting the tone in practice-Your base must understand how a successful practice is carried out and what the objective of the practice is. By serving as a model, you can set the pace for good practice. On the contrary, when a leader is not willing to give everything, the team will suffer from having a bad practice.
• Knowledge of every possible situation.-Understanding what to do in each situation is the duty of a great point guard. He must know who is in the game and how he can set up his teammates for success. Offensively, the game plan must be played out perfectly. Good shots, smart passes and a good projection are essential and can be dictated by the point guard. The point guards are in charge of knowing the time and the score at all times, the importance of each possession and controlling the tempo. He needs to be aware of what is happening and what needs to be accomplished at both ends of the floor. A good test is to see a leader take over a game at the moment of winning. When his team runs out of timeouts, the great players take over and do whatever it takes to win.
• disinterest-Many coaches interpret this in the sense that the point guard should not seek to score. This is not the case, especially if scoring is a strength of his base. Generosity means that he will sacrifice his game at times to find better opportunities for his teammates. Great point guards always make others better on the court thanks to their presence.
• defensive leadership-A big assist to a teammate for a layup is great, but it can’t match the impact of solid defensive play. Defense wins games and by taking a blitz or forcing a turnover, any player helps their team win. Sometimes it’s harder to inspire teams to play defense. Players love offense and tolerate defense. A great point guard can lead a team to take possession of the defensive end of the court.
• Manage success and defeat in perspective.-Athletic competition is a constant flow of ups and downs. Young players are often greatly affected by the outcome of games. By developing a solid point guard, you’ll provide your team with a partner 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 hard on a team. Good point guards are able to lift the team with their toughness and work ethic. This feature is the basis of all great setters.