by Ryan Zinn

Created on: April 20, 2010   Last Updated: June 27, 2010

Point guard: responsible for all the plays, the teamwork, and for making sure players receive the play at the opportune time to score.  Without someone running at the point position, the whole team could not function properly and would slowly fall apart; plays would not happen, and no points would be scored.  There is simply no one else who is able to see the floor in the same way and make critical decisions like the point guard.  However, not just any player can be a point guard; you need to have a certain set of skills and certain characteristics.  Every position on the court has its responsibilities, but none of them have match the amount of the point guard.  A point must possess a unique set of skills in order to play fill his position.

*Physically in Shape*

Almost no set plays could happen if the point guard was not able to get up and down the court every possession.  With a few exceptions, no one should get up the court behind the point guard, because he sees two frames ahead of his teammates along with the defense.  Imagine, if a center had to bring up the ball because the point guard was catching his breath on the other side of the court.  This is why point guards must be able to run every second that they are on the court. 

*Skillful*

Now you do not want someone who cannot dribble the ball bringing it up the court, so a point guard needs to be able to maintain control of the basketball, even with defenders lurking.  Being able to split the defense is conducive for making a good point guard, because if he is not a threat offensively, then why would the defense guard him?  Instead of being the usual 5 on 5, it would become 4 on 5.  Therefore, it is important for a point guard to have the skill to be a threat on offense. 

*Vision*

Vision is what separates a point guard from any other position on the floor.  Their vision allows them to process plays inside of their heads before they really happen.  This ability leads to them making the best decision possible at that particular time.  Being able to see multiple plays at one time and seeing two frames ahead makes a basketball player a point guard.

*Mental Strength*

Arguably the most important aspect of being a point guard is how strong a player is mentally.  Without this strength, a point guard would be unable to decide which play is the best at a certain time or how to us their skill in the most logical way.  They must also remember all the plays in their head, because they are the ones who start them.  This strength also involves being able to not be held down by a previous play or call.  If a referee makes a bad call, the point guard needs to be able to get over it and keep focused. If previous plays or calls hold them down, they will never be able to make an impact on a game.

All these characteristics put together help a normal basketball player become a very effective point guard who can take over games. 

Learn more about this author, Ryan Zinn.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.