Basketball positions

In the sport of basketball, five players play per team, each assigned to positions. Historically,
these players have been assigned, to positions defined by the role they play on the court, from a
strategic point of view. The three main positions are guard, forward, and center, with the
standard team featuring two guards, two forwards, and a center. Over time, as more specialized
roles developed, each of the guards and forwards came to be differentiated, and today each of
the five positions are known by unique names, each of which has also been assigned a number:
point guard (PG) or 1, the shooting guard (SG) or 2, the small forward (SF) or 3, the power
forward (PF) or 4, and the center (C) or 5.
Basketball positions with the numbers as they are known:
1–Point guard • 2–Shooting guard • 3– Small forward • 4–Power forward • 5–Center

In the early days of the sport, there was a "running guard" who brought the ball up the court and
passed or attacked the basket, like a point or combo guard. There was also a "stationary guard"
who made long shots and hung back on defense before there was the rule of backcourt
violations.[1]

Guards

Point guard

The point guard (PG),[2] also known as the one, is typically the team's shortest player and best
ball handler and passer. They usually are very fast and are good at driving and short-range.
Therefore, they often lead their team in assists and are able to create shots for themselves and
their teammates. They are quick and able to hit shots outside the key but a majority are inside
the 3 point line or layups, largely depending on the player's skill level. Point guards are looked
upon as the "floor general" or the "coach on the floor, and the heart of the team." 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 quarterback in American football, playmaker in Association football
(soccer), center in ice hockey, or setter in volleyball. Good point guards increase team efficiency
and generally have a high number of assists. They are often referred to as dribblers or play-
makers. In the NBA, point guards are mostly between 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) and 6 feet
4 inches (1.93 m).[3]

[4]
Point guards are required to do many things in the game of basketball that are very different
from the other four positions on the court. While the other 4 positions are mainly focused on
putting the ball in the hoop, the point guard must have a different, more team focused
mentality.[5] There are usually two types of point guards : a scoring point guard (also known as a
lead guard) and a facilitator-type point guard. A scoring point guard regularly has the ability to
shoot from three-point or mid-range distance. This type of point guard could also score around
the basket with floaters, acrobatic layups, and/or dunks. Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry are
two examples of a scoring point guard. A facilitator-type point guard often has a high basketball
IQ, or intuitive understanding of the game, and can see plays happening before they occur. In
addition, these types of point guards are typically masters of the half court set offense, and they
typically know the correct spots for each player on the court. Another name for this type of
player could be ‘Coach on the Floor’. Chris Paul is an example of a facilitator-type point guard.[6]

Shooting guard

The shooting guard (SG)—also known as the two or the off guard—along with the small forward,
is often referred to as a wing because of its use in common positioning tactics. As the name
suggests, most shooting guards are prolific from the three-point range and long mid range. A key
aspect of being a shooting guard is having the ability to patiently and methodically circulate the
three-point line linear with that of the ball. This allows the ability to correctly get into open space
for other positions handling the ball. Just like all positions in basketball, the ability to
communicate efficiently with teammates is key. If teammates do not know when\where a player
will be open, they won't be able to deliver the ball when an opportunity presents itself.

Throughout the evolution of the game, there have been different types of shooting guards.
Mainly categorized as offensive threats and defensive guards. If the shooting guard focuses
more on taking perimeter jump shots, especially three-pointers, by the use of basketball screens
such as down screens, and without much dribbling involved, then the shooting guard is typically
known as a catch-and-shoot type of player. JJ Redick, would fit this type of play style. If the
shooting guard emphasizes driving into the lane and scoring at (or around) the basket, then the
shooting guard is generally referred to as a slasher type of player. Dwyane Wade was well known
for his ability to slash into the lane and score around the rim. However, he also took his fair share
of mid-range jump shots and three-pointers.[7] These are known as offensive threats.

If the shooting guard’s main priority is to limit or prevent the opposing team’s star player (which
is usually another shooting guard or other perimeter player), then the shooting guard could be
known as a defensive specialist. Tony Allen, would be considered a defensive specialist.
Shooting guards with the ability to shoot from the perimeter while limiting the scoring
opportunities of the other team’s best perimeter player, can be referred to as 3-and-D type of
players. Danny Green, is an example of a 3-and-D type of shooting guard.[8] These are known as
defensive guards.

Forwards
Small forward

The small forward (SF), also known as the three, is considered to be the most versatile of the
main five basketball positions. Versatility is key for small forwards due to the nature of their role,
which resembles that of a shooting guard more often than that of a small forward. This is why
the small forward and shooting guard positions are often used interchangeably and referred to
as wings.

Small forwards have a variety of assets, such as quickness and strength inside. A common
thread among small forwards is an ability to "get to the line" and draw fouls by aggressively
attempting (posting-up) plays, lay-ups, or slam dunks. As such, accurate foul shooting is also a
common skill for small forwards, many of whom record a large portion of their points from the
foul line. Besides being able to drive to the basket, they are also good shooters from long range.
They are the second-best 3-point shooters on the court along with the shooting guard and
usually when remaining stationary, they linger just inside the 3-point line. Some small forwards
have good passing skills, allowing them to assume point guard responsibilities as point
forwards. Small forwards should be able to do a little bit of everything on the court, typically
playing roles such as swing men and defensive specialists. A small forward under 6 feet 5
inches (1.96 m) might play the shooting guard position some of the time while a small forward
taller than 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) might play power forward some of the time. In the NBA, small
forwards usually range from 6 feet 4 inches (1.92 m) to 6 feet 9 inches (2.04 m). Some of the
greatest players to ever play at the small forward spot are LeBron James, Kevin Durant And Larry
Bird. These 3 are usually regarded as the top 3 best players to ever play at the small forward
spot.[9]

Power forward

The power forward (PF), also known as the four, often plays a role similar to that of the center,
down in the "post" or "low blocks". The power forward is often the team's most powerful and
dependable scorer, being able to score close to the basket while also being able to shoot mid-
range jump shots from 10 – 15 feet from the basket. Power forwards are also very crafty and
have to be versatile on both offense and defense but not as much as a small forward. Some
power forwards have become known as stretch fours, since extending their shooting range to
three-pointers. On defense, they are required to have the strength to guard bigger players close
to the basket and to have 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 and are
not always in the low block. A tall power forward over 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m) can be a
forward-center, playing PF and C. A smaller power forward, approximately 6 feet 7 inches
(2.01 m), can play combo forward, playing SF part-time. In the NBA, power forwards usually
range from 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) to 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 m).[10]

The power forward is essentially a bigger and stronger version of the small forward but not
generally as tall and/or as long as the center. Generally speaking, the power forward is usually
good at rebounding and in some instances, a power forward with a high basketball IQ could also
be a great passer, particularly from the high or low post areas via post split action. Giannis
Antetokounmpo Or Dirk Nowitzki is a notable example of a power forward.[11] Instead of a
physical power forward, the stretch four is known primarily for shooting three pointers and
midrange jumpshots instead of post play. The stretch four could also be very useful as a pick
and pop screener, especially against the drop coverage defensive technique. For example, if the
stretch four pops to the perimeter after setting a screen, then their defender will most likely not
have enough time to closeout and contest the potential open jump shot if the defender executes
drop coverage.[12]

Center

The center (C)—also known as the five, the pivot or the big man—usually plays near the baseline
or close to the basket (the "low post"). They are usually the tallest players on the floor. Centers
usually score "down low", or "in the paint" (near the basket, in the key), but there have been many
centers who are good perimeter shooters as well. They're typically skilled at pulling down
rebounds, contesting shots and setting screens on players.

The range of players used in the position has transitioned from relatively slower but much taller
"back to the basket" players to players who could also be classified as power forwards but who
can dominate opponents with their defensive skills, or mismatch ability to shoot from the high
post. This has been due to the scarcity of players possessing the combination of great skill,
ideal height, and durability. The development of more fast-paced and athletic basketball play,
which calls for less traditional center play and a more up-and-down-the-court play style has also
contributed to the shift over time. In the NBA, they're usually over 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) tall.[13]

The presence of a center who can score in the low post (the area closest to the basket) helps
create balance within an offense. If it becomes too easy to score from the low post, the center
will get double teamed. This creates opportunity for open shots for perimeter players as the
center will “kick it out” to an open perimeter or “wing” player. As perimeter players shoot better
from long range, this may create easier opportunities for a center to score, since defenses often
play out closer to the perimeter shooters.

See also

References

External links

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Last edited 6 days ago by Mandarax