HI 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, shooting guard, small forward,
power forward, and center. The rules of basketball do not mandate them, and in informal games
they are sometimes not used.
Backcourt Point guard
The point guard, also known as the one, is typically the team's best ball handler and
passer. Therefore, they often lead their team in assists and steals. 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.
An example of point guard is Chris Paul who leads his team in assists. Point guards are
often shorter or smaller players. They are often referred to as dribblers or play-makers.
Point guards have to be good at dribbling. In the NBA, point guards usually range from
6 feet 0 inches to 6 feet 4 inches. Shooting guard
The shooting guard, also known as the two, is usually one of the team's most versatile
players, being bulky like the Forwards, yet fast like the Point Guard. Besides being able
to shoot the ball, shooting guards tend to have good ball handling 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 him to assume point guard responsibilities.
A well known shooting guard, Dwyane Wade has a unique style of scoring points where he
dribbles the ball towards the defender and comes to a sudden stop. Wade then steps back
to create space and shoots the shot to score. On defense, shooting guards are often tasked
with defending the opponent's strongest perimeter threat. In the NBA, shooting guards usually
range from 6 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 8 inches. Frontcourt
Small forward
The small forward is known as the three position. The small forward position is considered to
be perhaps the most versatile of the main five basketball positions. Versatility is
key for small forwards 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 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. Examples of well-known versatile small forwards include Kevin Durant and Lebron
James. In the NBA, small forwards usually range from 6 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 10 inches.
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. Most power forwards tend to be more versatile
than centers since they can be part of plays, being that they are not always in the low
block. In the NBA, power forwards usually range from 6 feet 8 inches to 7 feet 0 inches.
Center
The center, also referred to as the "bigman", "five", or the "pivot", usually plays near
the baseline, close to the basket. They are usually the tallest player on the floor. The
center usually scores "down low, in the paint", but some can be good perimeter shooters. When
they are good perimeter shooters they are called "stretch bigs". They are typically
skilled at gathering rebounds, contesting shots and setting screens on plays.
The center position has been traditionally considered one of the most important positions,
if not the most important. Players such as Wilt Chamberlain, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon,
Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O'Neal, Yao Ming, 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 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. In the NBA, centers are usually 6 feet 10 inches or taller.
See also Starting lineup
References
External links "Basketball players" at BBC Sport Academy
"How Basketball Works" at HowStuffWorks.com "Basketball" at YourTactics.com