Q&A for How to Be a Point Guard

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  • Question
    How do I become a perfect point guard?
    Taylor Rochestie
    Professional Basketball Player
    Taylor Rochestie is a Professional Basketball Player, Author, and Speaker. Having lived in 12 countries, immersing himself in local cultures and learning about the diversity of life, Taylor offers a unique perspective through his book, "A New 20/20 Vision: Cultivate Joy, Reprogram Your Mind, and Define Life Through an Authentic Lens." He also has over 11 years of professional basketball experience with the Israel Basketball Premier League and the Montenegro men's national basketball team.
    Professional Basketball Player
    Expert Answer
    The big thing is to watch a lot of basketball. Record the matches and try to watch them, seeing the game in a slower sense than when you're actually playing it. Then, try speeding up your game in practice, in a way that everything on the court slows down before your eyes.
  • Question
    What does a point guard need to be good at?
    Taylor Rochestie
    Professional Basketball Player
    Taylor Rochestie is a Professional Basketball Player, Author, and Speaker. Having lived in 12 countries, immersing himself in local cultures and learning about the diversity of life, Taylor offers a unique perspective through his book, "A New 20/20 Vision: Cultivate Joy, Reprogram Your Mind, and Define Life Through an Authentic Lens." He also has over 11 years of professional basketball experience with the Israel Basketball Premier League and the Montenegro men's national basketball team.
    Professional Basketball Player
    Expert Answer
    You need to be able to completely understand the game and to be seen by your team, directing them and acting as a coach inside the court.
  • Question
    What are some good tips for a point guard?
    Community Answer
    Keep your head up. Watch all your teammates so you know which are tightly guarded and which are open, players cutting to the basket, and the player guarding you.
  • Question
    Can I be a tall point guard if I orchestrate and handle the ball well?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Look at Magic Johnson - at his height, he shouldn't even play his position, but he's one of best point guards ever.
  • Question
    How can I get into an opponent's head to make him mentally uncomfortable while guarding me?
    Community Answer
    Many players trash talk their opponent, but honestly, the best thing you can do is just keep scoring on him. His morale will plummet.
  • Question
    How do I get better at handling the ball?
    Community Answer
    Look up ball-handling drills on YouTube and practice them as often as you can. It takes time, but eventually you will improve.
  • Question
    What are types of moves that I could use with my team that are not too complicated?
    Community Answer
    You could use spin moves. Watch Kobe Bryant clips to see how he scored a lot to get past lockdown defenders.
  • Question
    How do I become a point guard when at present I am a power forward?
    Community Answer
    My advice is to stay at power forward unless you cannot play it anymore or do not want to. But if you must, work on your ball-handling and jump shot. Also get to know the players on your team and watch videos of NBA point guards so you can learn from them.
  • Question
    Should I be a slasher or a shooter?
    Joshua Hardeman
    Community Answer
    It really depends on your size, speed, shooting, and driving ability. Just go with whatever feels comfortable to you and play to your strengths.
  • Question
    How can I understand the game plan?
    Community Answer
    Go over the plan with your coach and memorize it during practice with your team. As a point guard you need to know all of your team's plays. If you're unsure about anything, ask questions, either of your coach, or a knowledgeable teammate.
  • Question
    How do I fake the opponent?
    Community Answer
    What they mean by "fake the opponent" is to use a move called the "pump fake" and then drive around your defender towards the basket for a layup or a pull-up jump shot. A pump fake involves the ball carrier taking a pass and pretending to shoot. Right when you bring the ball in front of your face as if you were shooting, abort this action and drive to the basket. If the lane is open, preform a layup. If there is a person blocking your path but is a decent amount of space between you and him, pull up for a jump shot. Do not leave your feet when performing the pump fake - this is travelling.
  • Question
    If I am average height, can I play point guard?
    Community Answer
    The average height of a point guard is 6'3, but Isaiah Thomas is only 5'8, so anything is possible!
  • Question
    Should I be a point guard, center or small forward as an 11-year-old who is 5'2''?
    Community Answer
    Go for your favorite position or you can hear out for your coach's advice on what position you should be playing. As your skills improve and you grow, you will have options.
  • Question
    Why is Kyrie Irving not on the list of all time best point guards, whereas Stephen Curry is?
    Asad Hall
    Community Answer
    Stephen Curry has broken so many records, some he set himself, and has broken other NBA players' records too. Also, he is a two-time NBA MVP, four time All-Star, and has numerous First Team All-NBA awards as well. Don't get me wrong, Kyrie Irving was the Rookie of the Year in 2011 and has been a All-Star a lot too, but Steph Curry is a great NBA player.
  • Question
    How tall can my child be before she cannot be a point guard?
    Community Answer
    There is no height limit to being a point guard, so she should be able to play that position at any height.
  • Question
    How can I be a good point guard when there are more people better than me?
    Community Answer
    You can be a better point guard by practicing, watching basketball videos or asking someone that good for help. It never hurts to ask people for help.
  • Question
    Should I pass to everyone on every play so I'm not a ball hog?
    Community Answer
    You should pass when it's the best choice, not just for the sake of passing. If you are open, you shouldn't pass to a teammate that isn't as open.
  • Question
    How do point guards play under pressure?
    Community Answer
    If you're under pressure as a point guard start to spread the ball out by passing it to an open teammate.
  • Question
    How do I get my team to do more when I am a point guard and do most of the scoring?
    Community Answer
    Encourage your teammates to get more involved in the game rather than just waiting to receive the ball. Make sure you are passing to your teammates when they're open -- you could be hogging the ball without realizing it.
  • Question
    Should I play center at 5'6 in 7th grade?
    Joshua Hardeman
    Community Answer
    If you want to play center, you have good hands and hand eye coordination, and you are one of the tallest on your team, sure. Just play to your strengths.
  • Question
    How do I get my teammates to respect me and follow my plays, if I'm the youngest on the team?
    Community Answer
    Take control and be serious. Don't be a pushover, and they will follow suit.
  • Question
    How do I shoot while being guarded?
    Joshua Hardeman
    Community Answer
    Improve your dribbling skills. You need to be able to make a quick move to get away from the defender so you can have an open shot. The best thing to do if they are guarding you tightly and you cant get away is to look for an open teammate.
  • Question
    What can I do to improve my point guard skills to be open more and to score more?
    Community Answer
    Be unpredictable, move away from the ball, set screens, and don't stop moving.
  • Question
    Can I be an NBA all-time great if I start playing basketball at the age of 16?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you will have to work hard because you are starting the sport late.
  • Question
    How do I improve my dribbling ability to find open lanes for layups when being a point guard?
    Community Answer
    Practice driving toward the basket for a layup as fast as you can, first with no defenders and eventually with a teammate defending you in practice.
  • Question
    How do I practice shooting free throws?
    Community Answer
    Shoot at where the line is and keep practicing. Try rebounding your shot each time. Set your feet before you shoot. Use your legs. If you don’t get it the first few times, then keep trying, as practice makes perfect.
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