Basketball positions 1

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.

Backcourt (guards)

Point guard
The point guard,[1] also known as the one, is typically the team's best
ball handler and passer. The point guard is also stereotypically a
shorter or smaller player. 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. He/She is often responsible for directing plays,
making the position equivalent to that of play-making midfielder in
association football, setter in volleyball, quarterback in American Basketball positions
football, or center in ice hockey. Good point guards increase team
efficiency and generally have a high number of assists. The point guard is typically the smallest player on the squad.
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.

Notable exceptions include Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who was the NBA's tallest point guard ever to play the
position, at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m). In comparison, the shortest players include Muggsy Bogues at 5 feet 3 inches
(1.60 m) and Earl Boykins at 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m).

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), colloquially known as the three, is typically somewhat shorter, quicker and leaner than
power forwards and centers. Thus, in the NBA, small forwards range from 6 feet 6 inches (1.96 m) to 6 feet 9 inches
(2.06 m). 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, 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
Basketball positions 2

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 "4" 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 scorer, 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 6'8" and 7'0" tall.

Center
The center, also referred to as the "5" 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 about 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).
European centers tend to be over 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m) tall, but very few are taller than 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 m).
The center usually scores "down low, in the paint" (near the basket, in the key), but some can be good perimeter
shooters. They are typically skilled at gathering rebounds, contesting shots and setting screens on plays.
The Center position has been traditionally considered as one of, if not, the most important positions. 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.

References
[1] ^ a b Rose, Lee H. (2004). The Basketball Handbook. Human Kinetics.

External links
• "Basketball players" at BBC Sport Academy (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/bsp/hi/basketball/rules/
players/html/default.stm)
• "How Basketball Works" at howstuffworks.com (http://health.howstuffworks.com/basketball2.htm)
Basketball positions 3

Basketball positions

Guards 1. Point guard Combo guard (PG/SG)

2. Shooting guard Guard-forward / Swingman (SG/SF)

Forwards 3. Small forward Stretch forward / Cornerman (SF/PF)

4. Power forward Point forward (PG/SF or PG/PF)

Center 5. Center Forward-center / Bigman (PF/C)

Backcourt (PG/SG) | Frontcourt (SF/PF/C) | Captain | Head coach | Referees and officials

http://www.yourtactics.com/basketball
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