Basketball is a team sport and a variety of different positions are available for players. Assigned positions allow for more organization on the court as well as more success as a team. Players often choose or are selected to play a certain position based on their height or their offensive or defensive playing abilities.
Point Guard
The point guard is often considered the most important player on the basketball court. As a point guard, you are expected to call plays and direct your offense. Point guards handle the ball most frequently. As a result, the point guard is likely to be the best passer and dribbler on a basketball team. Point guards are also frequently the quickest and shortest player on the team. A point guard may be referred to as the coach on the court.
Shooting Guard
A shooting guard plays a style of basketball similar to that of the point guard. However, as a shooting guard, you do not bring the ball upcourt for your team. This type of guard is often the best shooter on the team and often has the highest point total. Shooting guards can make shots from a variety of different places on the court, including inside and outside of the three-point line. If necessary, a shooting guard is also able to play the position of point guard.
Small Forward
A small forward is often taller than the shooting guard but shorter than a team's power forward. The small forward is a versatile player who can shoot the ball as well as play a solid defensive game. Small forwards must have strong passing, shooting, defending and rebounding skills to be effective. Small forwards are versatile and are often able to defend more than one player on the opposite team at the same time.
Power Forward
Power forwards are known largely for their defensive role. Power forwards play a very physical game of basketball. A power forward is tall, often taller than a small forward. Power forwards are also known for their roles as rebounders. When it comes to offensive play, power forwards are not known for their abilities to make long shots. Power forwards play close to the basket -- which is known as a post player -- and may take many layups. A power forward may also be referred to as a big forward.
Center
The center is usually the tallest member of the team. Centers are responsible for blocking shots, a task made easier because of their height. A center's other job is to pull down a lot of rebounds. Because centers play close to the basket, they often score many points and shoot layups. The center is relied upon heavily for both offensive and defensive play.
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