The Basketball Handbook by Lee Rose describes a shooting guard as a player whose primary role is to score points.
They need to have a good free throw percentage too, to be reliable in close games and to discourage opposing players from fouling.
Notable shooting guards include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Manu Ginobili, James Harden, Klay Thompson, Tracy McGrady, Joe Dumars, Clyde Drexler, Jerry West, Sam Jones, Donovan Mitchell, Allen Iverson, and Anthony Edwards in the NBA and Diana Taurasi, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, Seimone Augustus, Cynthia Cooper, and Cappie Pondexter in the WNBA.
This position displays the most movement offensively when trying to get an open shot, along with keeping things under control on the defensive end.
External abilities would consist of strong ball handling, a sharp mind, and the development of a high basketball intelligence.