The Qualities of an Effective Point Guard in Basketball

Based in Memphis, Scott Adubato has an extensive background in basketball from the collegiate level to the NBA, and leads the Triplethreatsss.com Basketball Academy. As a coach, he emphasizes player development at all skill levels geared toward groups, individuals, and camps. One vital aspect of the coaching equation for Scott Adubato is helping athletes grow to become exceptional point guards.

One of the most demanding positions on the court, the point guard requires the ability to control the game’s pace, make assists, orchestrate offensive strategy, and put the ball through the basket from long range. At the same time, the point guard needs to be able to take on the opposing point guard on defense and hamper the opposing team’s strategic options.

In all these activities, exceptional ball handling skills are essential. As a focal point for ball movement among teammates, the point guard is constantly being challenged by the opposition and one unguarded moment can result in a momentum-shifting fast break turnover. For this reason, part of becoming a competent point guard is simply getting used to the constant pressure of having to guard the ball and thread passes to teammates past moving hands, arms, and bodies. Honing these skills involves running complex drills that place the point guard under pressure and require the player to make a quick decision in either taking open jumpers or connecting with wing players as they move to the basket.