Playing guard is one of the most important jobs in basketball. A guard brings the ball up court, looks for open teammates to pass to, holds on to the ball to allow a teammate to get free and also shoots when the opportunity presents itself. A good guard must be very competent with the ball and confident in his own ability to dribble the ball under all circumstances. The guard also has to understand the flow of the game and get a good read on what will happen next so he can make the right decision.
Simultaneous Dribbling
In order to become a great player, a guard has to have complete confidence in his dribbling ability. To improve as a dribbler, do the simultaneous dribble. Start off at the baseline with a basketball in each hand. Dribble one ball in your right hand and as soon as it hits the floor, dribble the other ball in your left hand. Once you get the knack and rhythm for this, walk as you dribble toward center court. Continue in this method until you get to the far baseline. At that point, turn around and start to trot as you return to the starting point. Pick up the pace as you come closer to the baseline. Try doing this three times per practice session.
Quick Decision
This drill involve three defenders and two teammates. As you bring the ball over the half-court line, defensive players will guard you and your two teammates. As you work the ball toward the basket, your coach will blow his whistle. At the sound of that whistle, you must get rid of the basketball. You will either have to throw to a teammate or shoot the basketball. If you pass, that pass must lead to a shot attempt at the basket. If you shoot you must have a good shot at the basket. You should get a good shot on seven-of-10 attempts to succeed at this drill.
Back Cut
The guard must recognize when a teammate has a size or talent advantage over a defender. Any time that's the case, the guard must deliver the ball to that teammate for a layup on a play called a back cut. Work the drill in a scrimmage practice. As you come over half court with the ball, head toward the top of the key and assess the position of your teammates. One of the forwards should be on the wing near the 3-point line. As you turn to dribble in his direction, he will take one step toward you and then cut hard to the basket. This is called the back cut. You must deliver the ball to him high and out in front so he can catch the ball and lay it in. This pass must be delivered early or the defense will collapse on the receiver and defeat the play. You should be successful on this drill seven times out of 10.
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