You’ve accepted the truth: training like a point guard is the fastest way to elevate your game — no matter your position.
In Part I, we talked about what makes the Point Guard the Architect — the one who thinks the game, sets the tone, and commits to the unseen grind.
Now, let’s talk about the skill that turns good players into great ones: vision.
Because vision isn’t just seeing what’s in front of you — it’s seeing possibilities.
A great assist is born when vision meets decision. True court vision isn’t just spotting the open player; it’s recognizing the advantage and acting before anyone else.
💭 Coach’s Note: Every time you make the right read, you’re not just playing the game — you’re learning to lead it.
👀 Vision is Decision: Seeing the Advantage
Your eyes are your most dangerous weapon — but your brain is the trigger.
You must train your eyes to focus on the right things and your mind to make the right choice in a split second.
True point guards play with their head up and eyes scanning. They’re not just looking at the next pass — they’re already seeing the pass after the pass. That’s called anticipatory decision-making, and it’s what allows the best guards to control tempo and pace.
Think about when you drive baseline and the help defender steps up — that’s your signal. Don’t panic. Kick it to the corner. That’s vision turning into leadership.
💰 The $100 Million Habit: The No-Dribble Decision
The moment you put the ball on the floor, you limit your options.
When you catch the ball, before you take a single dribble, scan the floor and make your primary decision: Score, Pass, or Drive.
Train yourself to identify the advantage (mismatch, open lane, or helping defender) before the bounce.
This habit slows the game down for you — and speeds it up for the defense.
Coach’s Tip: The great ones don’t rush. They read. The game feels slower for them because they’ve already made their decision before the ball hits the floor.
🔺 Mastering the Angles: Vision Against Pressure
Defenses are designed to cut off your angles and force mistakes.
A true point guard doesn’t panic when the first option disappears — she/he creates new ones.
The High-Low Gap
When the entry pass to the post is denied, look up — the lob is there if you spot the defender fronting or leaning. That vertical angle changes the whole possession.
The Skip Pass
When defenders collapse on your drive, snap your eyes to the weak side. The skip pass flips the defense and instantly creates space for a clean look.
The Defensive Read (Feet vs. Hands)
Never focus on your defender’s hands — they lie.
Watch their feet.
If they’re even, (Then) attack.
If one foot’s forward, (Then) go opposite.
Feet tell you where they’ve already committed. That’s your lane, your shot, or your assist window.
🎯 Court Vision Made Simple: Your PG Eye Chart
To make this easier, break the floor into three zones(areas) and two focus points.
I. Where to Look (Zones/Areas for Advantage)
Zone/Area 1: The Weak Side
The Look: When bringing the ball up, your first scan should be opposite the ball.
The Read: The defense always cheats here.
The Decision: If you see a collapse, the weak side shooter is open. → Skip Pass.
Zone/Area 2: The Basket
The Look: When attacking, keep your eyes on the rim and backboard — not the ball.
The Read: Looking high expands your vision. You’ll see help defenders earlier.
The Decision: If the help steps up, drop it off or kick it out.
Zone/Area 3: The Paint
The Look: Before entering the lane, glance at the post defender.
The Read: If they stay home, float it. If they step up, hit your post.
The Decision: Attack or Post-Feed.
II. What to Focus On (Focus Points for Defense)
Focus Point A: Defender’s Feet, Not Hands
The Read: Feet tell the truth — they show direction and commitment.
The Decision: Attack opposite of the lead foot. Use their movement against them.
Focus Point B: The Pass-After-the-Pass
The Read: When two defenders collapse, someone’s always open.
The Decision: Deliver to the Third Man — the teammate whose defender left to help. That’s usually your best shot.
🧩 The Architect’s Vision Grind: From Sight to Command
The unseen work of a point guard isn’t just running drills — it’s sharpening your mind’s eye.
You’re training to see like a chess player and lead like a commander.
Film Study Hacks
Pattern Recognition:
Don’t just watch highlights — study habits. Where does the defense rotate late? Which plays stall your offense? Patterns reveal your next move.
Transition Tune-Up:
Rewatch your fast breaks. Are you missing the trailer? The diagonal pass? The early post entry? Lift your head —options appear faster than you think.
Influence with Your Eyes:
Watch where you’re looking before you pass. Can you influence the defense by glancing one way, then attacking the other? That’s high-level manipulation —and it wins possessions.
🗣️ Drills to Build PG Leadership
Vocal Command Drill:
During scrimmages, lead vocally. Call screens, switches, and spacing. Reward clarity and control. Leadership starts with communication.
Team Accountability Challenge:
Lead a warm-up or mini-drill. Give feedback, model effort, and set the tone. Respect is earned through consistency.
Pressure Scenarios:
Simulate late-game chaos — down 2, 30 seconds left. Practice staying calm, making reads, and directing teammates. Leadership shows when pressure rises.
💭 Parent Takeaway:
Court vision develops patience, awareness, and decision-making — the same skills that help young people thrive in school, relationships, and life. When your child learns to see the whole floor, they’re learning to see the bigger picture.
🔑 Key Takeaway
The most valuable player is the one who sees the advantage first.
Your vision sets up the pass. Your decision makes the play.
Coach’s Challenge
This week, challenge yourself to play one step ahead.
Keep your head up. Read one defender’s feet.
Call out what you see before it happens.
You don’t have to be the tallest or the fastest — just the one who sees it first.
Vision isn’t just about your eyes — it’s about awareness, composure, and confidence.
The best point guards don’t just see the game. They elevate it.
NEXT UP IN THE POINT GUARD SERIES
- The Art of the Pass: From reads to reactions
- Leadership Styles: Pass-first vs. scoring guards
- Film Study Deep Dive: Lessons from Sue Bird & other PG legends