Dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding and blocking are skills all basketball players should possess, but each player cannot excel at each skill. A player's position on the team depends on her size and the skills she performs best. Five team members play on the court at one time, each playing a different position.
Point Guard
The main ball handler, the point guard acts as the "coach on the floor" because he runs the team's offense. One of the smallest members of the team, the point guard must be a team leader with superior handling and passing skills because he must ensure the ball gets to the right person on the floor. He dribbles the ball up the court after the opposing team scores, setting up plays and racking up assists. Since he is often known for his long-range shot from "downtown," the opposing team never wants to leave a point guard open in the 3-point range, especially at the end of a quarter.
Shooting Guard
Like the point guard, the shooting guard is one of the smallest members of the team. The shooting guard is able to hit shots from inside and outside the paint. The shooting guard must be able to penetrate the defense, driving to the basket for 2-point shots. She must also be able to hit the quick 3-pointer. The shooting guard needs excellent dribbling skills, but does not have to possess the same level of ball-handling skill as the point guard. When the defense has double-teamed the point guard, the shooting guard must be able to step in and create plays.
Forwards
Each team has two forwards. The small forward, also called the quick forward, makes the majority of the team's shots. The small forward stays near the corners of the hoop, taking quick jump shots and grabbing rebounds. While taller than the guards, the small forward is not as tall as the power forward. His size allows him to both move around the defenders and defend different positions. Usually the second-tallest person on the team, the power forward guards the basket. The power forward stays close to the basket to defend it, grab rebounds and hit layups. A good power forward can make the shot after receiving the basket with his back to the hoop.
Center
Generally the biggest and tallest player on the team, the center uses her size to defend the goal -- she is the shot-blocker. She must also grab rebounds and create screens to block a defender so her teammate can receive the ball or shoot the ball. The center stays under the basket to tip in missed shots. She must have good hands to catch the ball and make layups. A skilled center can shoot the hook shot from many angles near the hoop.
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