Prototyping translates design into reality. I believe that training point guards creates formidable challenges.
1. "She needs more game understanding and experience." The ideal point guard has skills of vision, decision, and execution. She sees the floor, makes quality decisions, and delivers the routine passes on time and on target. She understands the risk-benefit ratio of good possessions.
2. "She puts her needs above the team's." The point guard is often the coach on the floor. She leads by example and often verbally. She gets everyone involved. She brings energy to the court and energizes the players around her.
3. "She's a turnover machine." Bill Belichick talks about ability and durability. Those sum to reliability. Turnovers kill coaches. Turnovers equal zero points/possession and live ball turnovers turn into high quality opponent possessions. Again and again, we heard, "the ball is gold."
4. "She can't make free throws." With the game on the line, the point guard has the ball in her hands. For the excellent team in the postseason, the stakes get raised. That translates into more fouls and trips to the line. Teach a mindset of "excitement" not nervousness. You get to go to the line in a big game. That's fantastic!
5. "She's about the scorebook not the scoreboard." I don't want "Night at the Opera" players... me-me-me. Turn off the mental clock that says 'my turn'. And beware the player whose primary idea of a good shot is their shot.
6. "She only plays one end of the court." The point guard often calls the defense, leads the communication, and relishes the challenge of containing the ball and disrupting an opponent's offense. I recall watching a game which determined a league championship. A defensive-minded point guard completely stymied her counterpart and was the key factor in a double digit win despite scoring only three points. Her dominant defensive performance spearheaded victory.
7. "She can't handle pressure." The point guard recognizes pressure and relieves it. She's the valve on a pressure cooker that optimizes pressure and temperature. She's a winner unafraid of the moment.
How can we recognize our point guard?
- Has ability and experience in vision, decision, and execution.
- She puts the team first and gets everyone involved.
- She is the coach on the floor.
- She takes care of the basketball.
- She puts the scoreboard ahead of the scorebook.
- She makes free throws in crunch time.
- She has defensive skill and pride.
- She handles pressure.
Lagniappe. What metrics describe player contribution?
Stats Villanova keeps track of that go beyond the box score. pic.twitter.com/cqZ5nP6f4u
— Jay (@novashot21) August 15, 2022
Lagniappe 2. She's gotta have it (core footwork).
- Ideally can execute off either foot.
- Quickness wins.
- Protect the ball.
- Be an explosive athlete to finish.
Lagniappe 3. The best video I've seen on developing young guards.
