The idea of convert path to points, is the same way you would convert to bezier path.
So right click your path and convert to points. This will give you like the attached mockup photo, a controller for each point that makes it possible for you to animate indiviual points and handles in a path.
I was helping with an animated stroke that follows some tracked footage of a windmill, where to stroke also follows the windmills wings rotating, and came up with the idea of this feature.