Basketball is a game of fluid motion and flexible play spanning both sides of the court. That doesn't mean there aren't specific roles to be played on a basketball team. Each typical five-man squad includes three basic positions. Within these positions there are additional specialized roles that make a team operate as single, versatile scoring and defending unit.
Point Guard
According to the NBA, the point guard's job is to call plays and run the offense. From the top of the key, the point guard is often in the best position to distribute the ball to teammates who are in good positions to score. Though usually the smallest player on the team, the point guard is usually the best ball handler and leads in assists. Famous NBA point guards include Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Allen Iverson and Magic Johnson.
Shooting Guard
The No. 2 position is the shooting guard. As the name suggests, the shooting guard is the usually the best shooter on the team and often leads the team in points. An effective shooting guard also must have excellent ball handling skills because players in this position often create their own shot opportunities off the dribble. Famous shooting guards include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade.
Small Forward
The No. 3 man on the team is the small forward. This is a player who's usually bigger than the guards, but still quick enough to play on the perimeter when necessary. The small forward drives the ball to the basket and frequently scores by layup, dunk or short range jump shot. Players at this position must be flexible so they can play like a shooting guard or like a power forward. LeBron James, Larry Bird, Carmelo Anthony and Scottie Pippen are famous small forwards.
Power Forward
The power forward is responsible for much of the physicality on a basketball team. This is a crucial position for defense, particularly in rebounding and shot blocking. On offense, the player in this position makes opportunities for other players by posting up and blocking defenders, or takes short range shots. Famous power forwards are Charles Barkley, Pau Gasol, Kevin Garnett and Karl Malone.
Center
The center is "the big man" on the team, often more than 7 feet tall in the NBA. Center is an important position that typically plays under the basket on both offense and defense. On offense, the center attempts to slam dunk the ball or lay it up for close scores. On defense, the center blocks shots and prevents other players from making easy points on the inside. Shaquille O'Neal, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Yao Ming and Hakeem Olajuwan are the world's most famous NBA centers.
Member Comments