There are few positions in all sports like the point guard role in basketball. As the consummate floor general, the point guard, like the quarterback in football, is entrusted with possession of the basketball for the majority of the game. If you're quick, fleet footed, and unafraid of making split decisions on the fly, and you feel like a natural fit at the 1, then you should know how to play the point guard in basketball so you can excel at the position.

Point guards can come in all shapes and sizes, and are certainly not nearly as dependent on a height advantage as forwards or post players. Legendary point guards can range from the powerful six foot nine Magic Johnson to the lithe mop headed six foot three Steve Nash, to the five foot five Earl Boykins. And of course, at the high school and college level, there is an even more diverse assortment of floor generals. One thing that they all have in common, however, is that they will have to distribute the ball for their team throughout the game and make the tough decisions in crunch time scenarios. A close connection with the coach is necessary as well, to understand how the coach wants the team to play. Certain point guards, like Chauncey Billups, can even handle certain coaching duties on court due to their experience and leadership skills. It can be said, in other words, that the leadership aspects of playing the PG are the toughest and most rewarding parts of the job. Make sure you are aware of the responsibilities that point guards must shoulder before committing to the position for your team.http://www.buzzle.com/articles/point-guard-play.html

1. It goes without saying that excelling at the point guard position requires solid basketball skills, particular strong dribbling, ball handling, and passing. If you're a less than average ball handler and you are having difficulties maintaining possession with defensive pressure, then consider improving your dribbling an absolute priority. Point guards should also have a very good feel for the game and the court in general. If you lack this court I.Q., then work on that as well. Talk to your coach if you need specific drills.http://www.coachesclipboard.net/PointGuard.html

1. Work on your speed and quickness off the dribble. Even in a pickup game, you don't see the point guards lumbering up the court with a lethargic step like a center. Point guards set the pace for the offense, and your agility will help spur on your teammates to run their plays and sets more effectively. Also, being nimble with the ball will give you more room to distribute the ball and make good passes. You may even beat your man entirely and cause all sorts of problems for the defense. Otherwise, the defense will play you tight and make life hard for you and your teammates. Remember- speed kills. Watch tape of the quicksilver PG Aaron Brooks of the Houston Rockets, and you'll see exactly what that phrase means.http://www.coachesclipboard.net/PointGuard.html
2. Improve your court vision. This is an absolutely essential skill that you need to have. You can improve court vision at any time, simply by keeping your head up more often and moving your eyes around the players on the court as well as maintaining peripheral view. In a pickup game or a scrimmage, for instance, make a conscious effort to watch for openings or lapses in coverage in the defense. If your gym has a shot clock, try and turn it on so that you can get used to monitoring the clock during play. You should have other game stats in your head as well, such as the game clock, the score timeouts, and number of fouls. This will be critical information late in a game.

1. Make sure you communicate with your coach constantly. Before a game, pay attention as your coach draws up sets and strategies on both the offense and the defense. Talk to your coach privately all the time to make sure you're aware of what you are expected to do. Listen very carefully in time outs. Your team will pay for it dearly if you're somehow out of the loop.

1. A big reason why you need to have such good communication with your coach is because you essentially are the "on-court" coach. It is your job to relay the coach's goals and strategies to the rest of your team, both in your actual play and in your vocal commands. So be vocal! Yell out the sets and plays that you are supposed to run; if the defense is responding but leaving openings in other areas, exploit them and run a new play. Legendary point guard John Stockton was renowned for his ability to lead his team.http://www.ehow.com/how_2093327_play-point-guard-like-john.html
2. In a game, the point guard is almost always given the ball after your team gains possession, either after your opponents score a basket, or your team grabs the rebound, or the opposing team loses the ball. Because of this you need to be aware of the pace that your coach wants to run the offense, because you'll be the one setting that pace. If your coach wants your team to push it quick, especially in transition, or if your guys want to get out there and run on a fast break opportunity, then you need to be aware of that so you can instigate that offense. It goes without saying that you should never commit a needless back-court violation by taking your time walking up.
3. Point guards spend most of their time on the perimeter of the court, past the three-point line. This is so that you can get as good of a view of the offense and the defense as possible. When you have the ball at the top of the circle, make sure you have all your teammates and their checks in your sight. Seeing an open man can mean the difference between a game winning basket and a turnover. Of course if you beat your man and find an opportunity to drive to the basket, a la Tony Parker or Steve Nash, then by all means go for it. Remember, though, that you will be sacrificing your ability to see the entire court by attacking the paint.
4. Most importantly, don't lose the ball! The defense will be applying pressure and you will be the logical target. If they cause you to lose the handle, or if you lose it yourself, then you're inviting them to take advantage and score an easy transition basket. Don't let them.

1. Naturally, though point guards should focus on being good offensive players, they must also play tough defense along the perimeter. You need to be applying hustle D on the opposing point guard all the time, going for steals and deflections, doing your best to agitate and harass the ball, and generally prevent the opposing point guard from focusing on his teammates and finding openings. Above all do not let the point guard blow by you and take it to the rim for an easy layup. Stay quick on your feet and keep your man in front of you.

1. Work on your shooting as well. Develop a dependable jumper at the very least; it is very useful to be a threat from the three point line as well, because since you already start with the ball beyond the perimeter, you will have opportunities to take threes fairly often. Check out how to shoot a three if you think you need more assistance.

1. Also work on your drive to the basket; if you make yourself a threat then your teammates will soon become open and you will be able to dish the ball to them for an easy two, like Steve Nash.http://hoopthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/11/point-guard-tips-from-steve-nash.html

1. Be a consistent free throw shooter. Skilled point guards are adept at drawing quick fouls from their defenders, especially if they are fast and can drive to the lane. Also, in a late game scenario, as the ball handler you may be intentionally fouled to give your opponents a chance to make up the deficit. Of all the players on your team you should be among the most solid at the free throw line. Work on your free throws and your defender will respect your percentage and back off the D.

1. Increasingly, point guards are using post play and backing down their defenders in the paint to score points. Such players in the NBA include Baron Davis and Chauncey Billups, who take advantage of most point guards' small size by brutalizing them with drop steps, spin moves, and hook shots, mostly reserved for big men. These are tricky moves to pull off for a point guard, however, and are most suited for those with comparatively good size and strength.

1. Remember, as a point guard, you're not trying to put up huge numbers every game at the expense of getting your teammates involved. Assists are key, and while scoring is always helpful, helping your teammates score is still your primary job. Of course, getting the win is also your job.