Positions in Basketball The main distinction between the point guard and the shooting guard is that the shooting guard is typically one of the team's top scorers. They are expected to hit from outside and to take more shots than the point guard. The most dangerous player is one who can combine the talents of both guard positions. There have been many great players at both positions, including Michael Jordan, Steve Nash, and Chris Paul. The point guard directs the offense by making passes and calling plays on the floor while the shooting guard looks for his own opportunities and helps out on defense. Both guards must be able to pass and shoot well because they will often be involved in pick-and-rolls or other forms of ball movement. However, since the shooting guard takes more shots, he/she will usually have a higher usage rate than the point guard. In addition, the point guard should be taller than the shooting guard. This allows him to see over people on the court and make passes that aren't intercepted due to height differences. Finally, the point guard needs to be more aggressive defensively than the shooting guard. This is because he is responsible for directing the offense and can't simply sit on the bench while his teammates move without him. He also needs to protect the ball so it doesn't get lost under pressure from defenders.