Amanda Knapp
In basketball, the term post refers to an area on the court near the basket. A post guard is a player who specializes in playing in this area and uses their size and strength to score close to the basket and rebound. Post play is typically associated with the power forward and center positions, which are usually taller and stronger than guards. However, some guards, particularly those who are taller, can also develop post skills to take advantage of their size and create mismatches against smaller players. While post play was more common in the past, it is becoming less prevalent at the highest levels of basketball as the game evolves and prioritizes speed and spacing.
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What You'll Learn
Point guards are the team's playmakers
Point guards are the playmakers of their teams. They are often referred to as the "quarterback", “floor general”, or “coach on the floor”. They are responsible for setting the pace and flow of the game, controlling the ball, and initiating the offense. They are usually the team's best dribbler and passer, with excellent ball-handling skills and court vision. They need to make quick decisions, execute accurate passes, and create scoring opportunities for their teammates or themselves.
Point guards are typically the players in possession of the ball and are responsible for advancing it quickly and maintaining possession. They are often valued more for their assist totals than for their scoring, with their assist-to-turnover ratio reflecting their decision-making skills. They are also expected to be vocal leaders on the court, with situational awareness of clock times, scores, and the number of remaining timeouts.
The role of a point guard is highly specialized and pivotal to the team's success. They need to understand the coach's game plan thoroughly and translate it onto the court by calling the plays and making crucial decisions under pressure. They are expected to be tactically aware, with a high basketball IQ, and the ability to anticipate the movement of players on the court.
While the traditional role of a point guard focuses on facilitating plays and setting up their teammates, many teams also rely on their point guards to score, especially in clutch situations. A scoring point guard can shoot accurately from three-point or mid-range distance, or use their agility and dribbling skills to score near the basket.
In summary, point guards are the playmakers who control the flow of the game, exhibit leadership and decision-making skills, and create scoring opportunities for their team. They are instrumental in executing their team's strategy and contributing to their success on the court.
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They are usually the shortest player on the court
While there are no height requirements for any of the five basketball positions, the point guard is usually the shortest player on the court. This is because their role requires speed, quickness, agility, and ball-handling skills, which shorter players tend to possess.
Point guards are often referred to as the "quarterback" or "coach on the floor" as they are responsible for setting the pace of the game and controlling the ball to ensure it gets to the right player at the right time. They are also usually the team's best dribbler and passer, with the ability to drive to the basket in a half-court set.
Point guards need to be vocal leaders with good situational awareness, keeping track of the shot clock, game clock, score, and the number of remaining timeouts for both teams. They are often valued more for their assist totals than for their scoring, with John Stockton holding the all-time NBA record for assists.
While shorter players are more common as point guards, there have been successful point guards of varying heights. In the NBA, point guards generally range from 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) to 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), while in the WNBA, they are usually 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) or shorter. Muggsy Bogues, at 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m), played as a point guard in the NBA for 14 years, demonstrating that height is not a limiting factor for this position.
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Point guards are leaders and have high basketball IQs
The point guard is often referred to as the “quarterback” of the basketball court. They are the team's floor general, controlling the pace and flow of the game by setting up plays and initiating the offense. Point guards are leaders and have high basketball IQs, making them pivotal to a team's success.
Point guards are the tactical masterminds on the court. They need to understand the coach's game plan and translate it onto the court, making crucial decisions under pressure. They are expected to be vocal leaders with excellent court vision and awareness of the game situation. This includes keeping track of the shot clock and game clock times, the score, and the number of remaining timeouts for both teams.
Passing skills, ball handling, and the ability to foresee the movement of players are crucial for point guards. They are often valued more for their assist totals than their scoring, with John Stockton holding the NBA record for assists. A good point guard can create separation and space off the dribble, giving themselves room to work. They are responsible for bringing the ball up the court and getting it to the right teammate at the right time, maintaining possession, and facilitating scoring opportunities.
Point guards are also important defensively, guarding the opponent's point guard or best ball-handler. With their quick hands, they can force turnovers and disrupt the opposing team's offensive strategies. Their leadership, decision-making, and skills on both ends of the court make them integral to any basketball team.
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They are responsible for bringing the ball up the court
A point guard is responsible for bringing the ball up the court. They are often referred to as the team's “quarterback” or "coach on the floor". They are usually the shortest player on the court, but they are mighty when it comes to ball-handling and passing skills.
Point guards have a specialized role in basketball. They are the team's playmakers, controlling the pace and flow of the game by advancing the ball quickly and facilitating scoring opportunities for their teammates. They are often the players in possession of the ball and are responsible for maintaining possession, especially in crowded spaces.
Point guards need to be vocal leaders with excellent situational awareness. They must be able to make quick decisions that result in an outside shot, a drive through the lane, or a pass to a teammate. They are also valued for their assist totals and assist-to-turnover ratio, which reflects their decision-making skills.
In addition to their leadership and tactical skills, point guards should have strong ball-handling skills and the ability to dribble and pass proficiently. They should be able to create separation and space off the dribble and have the quickness to drive to the basket in a half-court set.
While the point guard is traditionally the player who brings the ball up the court, other positions like the combo guard and point forward can also perform this role, showcasing their versatility and skill in bringing the ball up and setting up plays.
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Point guards are vocal and should always lookout for teammates
Point guards are often referred to as the “quarterback” of the team, and their role is highly specialized. They are the team's playmakers and leaders, controlling the pace and flow of the game. Point guards are usually the shortest players on the court, but they are mighty when it comes to ball-handling and passing skills.
Point guards are the team's best dribblers, with quick hands and strong ball-handling skills. They are responsible for bringing the ball up the court and facilitating plays, making quick decisions that result in outside shots, drives to the basket, or passes to teammates. Their passing skills are crucial, as they ensure the ball gets to the right player at the right time, setting up plays and getting the ball to the teammate in the best position to score.
Point guards are also expected to be vocal floor leaders, with good situational awareness. They need to keep track of clock times, the score, and the number of remaining timeouts. They are like a "coach on the floor," and their leadership skills are essential for the team's success.
Point guards should always lookout for teammates and be aware of their positioning. They must be able to maintain possession of the ball in crowded spaces and advance it quickly to create scoring opportunities for their team or themselves. While scoring is important, point guards are often valued more for their assist totals and their ability to create opportunities for their teammates.
Point guards play a crucial role in the success of a basketball team. Their leadership, court vision, and ability to facilitate plays and create scoring opportunities make them essential in controlling the pace and flow of the game.
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Frequently asked questions
A post guard is a player who has a post playstyle, meaning they play with their back to the basket.
Post guards use their size and strength to back down defenders and score close to the basket. They also set screens for other guards and then roll to the basket for a pass or shot.
Post guards can be very effective at scoring in the post, and this playstyle can be particularly useful for bigger guards.
Post play is becoming less common at the highest levels of basketball, and smaller guards may struggle to post up.
Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Mark Jackson are all known for their post-guard play.
