WNBA Point Guards: Why Great Floor Generals Are So Important

Every successful basketball team needs someone who can help control the game.

In the WNBA, point guards often play this important role. They handle the ball, organize the offense, create chances for teammates and help the team stay calm when the game becomes difficult.

A great point guard is not simply a player who scores points. She is often the person who helps everyone around her play better.

What Is a Point Guard?

The point guard is usually one of the team's main ball handlers.

She brings the ball up the court, starts offensive plays and looks for opportunities to help her teammates score.

Point guards also need to understand what is happening on the court and make quick decisions.

Passing Is a Major Skill

One of the most important skills for a point guard is passing.

A great point guard can find teammates in good positions and deliver accurate passes.

She may create an open three point shot, pass to a teammate cutting toward the basket or find a player inside.

Good passing can make an entire offense more dangerous.

Controlling the Pace

Point guards often help decide how quickly their team plays.

Sometimes a team needs to attack quickly and look for an easy basket.

At other times, slowing down and making careful passes may be the better choice.

A smart point guard understands when to speed things up and when to stay patient.

Scoring Still Matters

Point guards also need to be able to score.

If a defender focuses too much on stopping her passing, she can attack the basket or take an open shot.

Being a scoring threat forces defenders to respect her and creates more opportunities for teammates.

Reading the Defense

Great point guards pay close attention to the defense.

They look for open spaces, defensive mistakes and mismatches that their team can use.

A point guard may change a play at the last moment if she notices that the defense is giving her team a better opportunity.

This ability to read the court is one reason experienced point guards are so valuable.

Leadership on the Court

Point guards are often leaders.

They communicate with teammates, encourage players and help everyone understand where they need to be.

When a team is struggling, the point guard may be one of the players expected to stay calm and help the group find a solution.

Protecting the Ball

Because point guards often have the ball in their hands, they must be careful with it.

A bad pass or careless dribble can lead to a turnover and give the opponent an easy scoring chance.Good point guards know when to take risks and when to make the simple play.

Defense Is Also Important

Point guards need to defend too.

They may be responsible for guarding an opposing team's main ball handler.

Quick feet, good positioning and strong effort can make it difficult for opponents to start their offense.

A point guard who can contribute on both ends of the court becomes even more valuable.

Working With Teammates

A point guard cannot succeed alone.

She needs good
communication with shooters, forwards and centers.

Understanding each teammate's strengths helps her make better decisions.

For example, if a teammate is an excellent three point shooter, the point guard can look for ways to create open shots for her.

Handling Pressure

Point guards often have the ball during important moments.

If a game is close in the final seconds, they may be asked to make the final decision.

They need confidence and the ability to remain calm when thousands of fans are watching.

Young Point Guards Can Learn From Veterans

Young guards can benefit greatly from experienced players.

Veterans can teach them how to read defenses, control the pace and deal with pressure.

With practice and experience, young point guards can develop into leaders for their teams.

Why Point Guards Matter to the WNBA

The point guard position combines many important basketball skills.

A great point guard can score, pass, defend, lead and make smart decisions.

She can also make her teammates better by creating opportunities and keeping the offense organized.

Point guards are often the engines that keep a basketball team moving.

They control the ball, create scoring chances, communicate with teammates and make important decisions throughout the game.

While they may not always receive the most attention, their work can have a huge effect on the final result.

A great WNBA point guard does not just run the offense she helps give the entire team direction.