What it Takes to be a Great Point Guard!

As a part of our “Point Guard Camp” curriculum, we lecture our players on what it takes to be a great point guard. These notes have been taken from Bob Hurley’s video “Point Guard Play” and they provide an excellent description on what all great point guards have in common:
Notes taken from Bob Hurley’s DVD “Point Guard Play”
All great point guards:

• Dreamed the dream
• Played more than everyone else around them
• Played with enthusiasm
• Every one of them believed that their size was not going to be a disadvantage
• Outwork everybody
• Talents – had no week skill level (only area that you can be average is shooting)
• Think pass first – shot second (we guy)
• First step in every situation is towards defense basketball (take a step back)
• Be a pest – annoying – people don’t like to play against you

1. Draw charges
2. Stripping the ball
3. Dribble north and south

• Get inside the defense, get in the lane
• Get the feet in the lane on offense (be under control)
• Get dribble to mid-thigh level
• Change of speeds when dribbling and moving
• Fore arm is a position to protect and accept
• Accept the challenge personally when team is pressed. Consider it a personal insult to you.
• Be an extension of your coach
• Always know the score and time
• Game face at all times – never crack, have a stone face
• Be the best communicator on the floor
• Success is from neck up, not neck down.
• Must be a good foul shooter
• If you can shoot the three that makes you different – this stretches the defense because defense has to play you
• Have your own style, be your own player and play to your strengths
• Make your teammates better
• Success = Titles

Remember, the point guard position is one of the toughest positions to play because it takes a unique type of player. This player must be great in all skill sets and must think “we” first. He is a floor captain and an extension of the coach.