While both positions require players to be good shooters, shooting guards are typically focused on scoring points. In contrast, the point guard definition focuses more on setting up scoring opportunities for their teammates. Point guards also handle the ball more often than shooting guards and are responsible for initiating offensive plays.

Point guards need to focus on facilitating scoring opportunities for their team and controlling the ball, while shooting guards need to focus on scoring points and being a threat to the opponent. Both positions require good ball handling, passing, and shooting ability, as well as the ability to play defense.

The prominent difference between the point guard and shooting guard is based on athletic attributes, physique characteristics, statistical trends, positioning on the court, and the role they perform. The fundamental in what they differ is however the primary duty of “facilitating vs scoring” and “passing vs shooting”.

The shooting guard is usually best suited for this role because they are bigger in stature and can provide a bigger but still mobile body for the opponent to go up against. On the defensive end of the field, the point guard, often being smaller in stature, is tasked with guarding the less potent guard of the opponent’s offense.