Basketball positions

The three basketball positions normally employed by organized basketball teams are the guards, forwards, and the center. More specifically, they can be classified into the five positions: point guard (PG), shooting guard (SG), small forward (SF), power forward (PF), and center (C). The rules of basketball do not mandate them, and in informal games they are sometimes not used.

Basketball positions

Backcourt (guards)

Point guard

The point guard,^[1] also known as the one, is typically the team's best ball handler and passer. They are often quick and are able to hit shots either outside the three-point line or in the paint, largely depending on the player's skill level. Point guards are looked upon as the 'floor general' or the 'coach on the floor'. They should study the game and game film to be able to recognize the weaknesses of the defense, and the strengths of their own offense. They are responsible for directing plays, making the position equivalent to that of play-making midfielder in association football, setter in volleyball, quarterback in American football, or center in ice hockey. Good point guards increase team efficiency and generally have a high number of assists. The point guard is also stereotypically a shorter or smaller player. At the NBA level, most point guards are 6 feet (1.83 m) to 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m). In Europe, point guards' height ranges from 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) to 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m), with a few exceptions. They are often referred to as dribblers or playmakers.

Shooting guard

The shooting guard, also known as the two, is usually the team's best shooter, and typically is consistently able to hit long range shots (of 20 feet or more). Besides being able to shoot the ball, shooting guards tend to have good ball touching skills and the ability to drive the ball to the net, often creating their own shots off the dribble. A versatile shooting guard will have good passing skills, allowing them to assume point guard responsibilities. On defense, shooting guards are often tasked with defending the opponent's strongest perimeter threat.

Frontcourt (forwards and center)

Small forward

The small forward (SF) is colloquially known as the three. European small forward height ranges from 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) to 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m). The small forward position is considered to be perhaps the most versatile of the main five basketball positions,^[2] due to the nature of its role, which is sometimes similar to that of a power forward, but more often resembles the role of a shooting guard. Thus, the small forward and shooting guard positions are often interchangeable.

Small forwards have a variety of assets, such as quickness and strength inside. One common thread between all kinds of small forwards is an ability to "get to the line" and draw fouls by aggressively attempting post-up plays, lay-ups, or slam dunks. As such, accurate foul shooting is a common skill for small forwards, many of whom record a large portion of their points from the foul line. Small forwards should be able to do a little bit of everything on the court, typically playing roles such as swingmen but also as point forwards and defensive specialists.

Power Forward

Also known as the four position the Power forward plays a role similar to that of the center, down in the "post" or "low blocks". On offense, they are often the team's most versatile traveler, being able to score close to the basket while also being able to shoot mid-range jump shots from 12 to 18 feet from the basket. On defense, they are required to have the strength to guard bigger players close to the basket, while having the athleticism to guard quick players away from the basket. Power forwards are typically between 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) to 7 feet (2.13 m).

Center

The center, also referred to as the "big man", "five" or the "pivot", usually plays near the baseline, close to the basket (referred to as the "low post"). The center is usually a key player in the game of basketball. It is usually the tallest player on the floor, with typical NBA centers being around 7 feet (2.13 m) in height, though Chuck Hayes fills this role at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m), and NBA Hall of Famer Wes Unseld filled this role while being 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). The center usually scores "down low, in the paint" (near the basket, in the key), but some can be good perimeter shooters. When they are good perimeter shooters they are colloquially called "stretch bigs".^[3] They are typically skilled at gathering rebounds, contesting shots and setting screens on plays. The center is considered a dying position.^[4][5]

The Center position has been traditionally considered as one of the most important positions, if not the most important. Players such as David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O'Neal, Yao Ming, Bill Russell, and Dwight Howard were all chosen with first overall picks due to the rarity of "franchise centers." The scope of the position has transitioned from relatively slower but much taller 'back to the basket' players to players who would normally be classified as power forwards but can dominate the position with their athletic prowess, defensive skills, or mismatch ability to shoot from the high post. This has been due to the lack of players possessing the combination of great skill, ideal height, and durability. This has been matched by the development of more fast-paced and athletic basketball play; the 'Run and Gun' offenses of coaches call for less traditional center play and a more up-and-down the court style.

See also

• Starting lineup

References

External links

• "Basketball players" at BBC Sport Academy
• "How Basketball Works" at howstuffworks.com

Basketball positions v t e
Guards		1. Point guard	Combo guard
		2. Shooting guard	Guard-forward / Swingman
Forwards		3. Small forward	Stretch forward / Cornerman
		4. Power forward	Point forward
Center		5. Center	Forward-center / Bigman
Backcourt | Frontcourt | Captain | Head coach | Referees and officials

• http://www.yourtactics.com/basketball