How to Get Your Teammates Open as a Point Guard

Point guards serve as orchestrators of offense. In a standard basketball offense, the point guard is responsible for bringing the ball up court, relaying the play to his teammates and distributing the ball to the proper player. The best point guards find their teammates in beneficial spots on the court. Shooters can sometimes free themselves from a defender or get screens to create a high-percentage shot opportunity. But many times, it is up to the point guard to get his teammates open for good shots. Doing so requires a point guard to draw the attention of other defenders by penetrating toward the basket.

Things You'll Need

  • Basketball
  • Teammates
  • Defenders
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Instructions

    • 1

      Receive the basketball above the three-point circle on either side of the floor. The quicker you receive the ball, the quicker you can read the defense and see which side presents the best opportunity for penetration.

    • 2

      Begin dribbling the basketball toward the side of the lane you want to attack. This involves using quickness to get around your defender. If you cannot get around your defender on your own, call for a forward or center to set a screen for you.

    • 3

      Keep your head up and see how the defense reacts to your penetration. Getting past your defender and into the lane forces the defense to compensate. Another defender should step up to stop you. You have accomplished your goal of attracting multiple defenders. If no other defender steps up, take the ball right to the basket and score.

    • 4

      Recognize which defender steps up to stop your penetration and determine which of your teammates he left open. If it was the defender guarding a player on the wing beyond the three-point line, a jump shooter should be open. If it was a center or power forward near the hoop, a teammate should be open close to the basket.

    • 5

      Pass the ball to the open teammate. He should have a clear look at the basket and a quality opportunity to make the shot.