Basketball Positions Explained

Basketball players move around a lot on offense, but each has defined positions with specific roles. Understanding all of the basketball positions and the attendant responsibilities can help improve your game because you can anticipate what your teammates are likely to do and know what you should do to support your team.

Center

Centers play in the paint close to the basket, and are responsible for rebounding on both offense and defense. Centers are usually the tallest players on the court, so you should position yourself close to the basket for dunks and lay-ups on offense and blocks and rebounds on defense. Well-known NBA centers as of 2011 include Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard.

Power Forward

As with playing center, you will experience a lot of contact when playing power forward because you will be driving in the lane and shooting from close range. You are responsible for rebounding on both offense and defense and might score a lot of points because of your proximity to the basket. Power forwards tend to be tall and well-built, similar to centers. Some of the best NBA power forwards as of 2011 include Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan.

Point Guard

As the point guard, you will be the leader on the floor because you are responsible for running the offense. You need to have a solid understanding of basketball and offensive schemes and have good decision-making abilities. Point guards need to be good ball-handlers and quick enough to penetrate defenses to hit short-range shots and find openings for long-range shots as well. Steve Nash and Chris Paul are among the NBA's top point guards as of 2011.

Shooting Guard

The shooting guard is often the team's best scorer. You are responsible for outside shooting and inside shooting, but you don't run the offense or bring the ball up the floor like the point guard does. Vince Carter and Dwayne Wade are among the most notable NBA shooting guards as of 2011.

Small Forward

Despite the name, small forwards are typically among the tallest players on the court. As a small forward, you will need a versatile set of skills because you will drive the ball on the inside but also shoot the ball from the outside. You will also need to help rebound on offense and defense. Notable small forwards in the NBA include Carmelo Anthony and Lebron James.