Basketball is played by two teams, each consisting of five players. A typical starting lineup in basketball is made up of different roles, including a point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward and center. The makeup of a starting lineup often is team- and situation-specific. The roles within a starting lineup, however, can be generally classified by the skill sets required for each position.
Guards
A starting lineup consists of a point guard and shooting guard. The point guard position requires excellent dribbling, passing and decision-making skills. The point guard initiates the team offense by bringing the ball across half court and is responsible for directing the team's offensive sets. While similar skills often are desirable in a shooting guard, the player at the shooting guard position usually possesses an excellent ability to score offensive baskets. As the name implies, the shooting guard often is the team's best shooter and should have the ability to break down a defender with dribbling techniques to create a scoring opportunity.
Forwards
The two forward positions in a starting lineup are the power forward and small forward. Forwards play both close to and away from the basket. Forwards are responsible for rebounding missed shots, a skill requiring strength, size and quick reflexes. The power forward often is the best player on the team at securing rebounds. On offense, the power forward must have the ability to execute offensive moves with his back to the basket. While the power forward facilitates a team's presence near the basket, the small forward position is considered to be perhaps the most versatile of the main five basketball positions. The small forward often can be substituted into multiple spots in the lineup and typically possesses offensive skills similar to both a shooting guard and a power forward.
Center
The center normally is the tallest player on the team, and a skilled center provides a distinct advantage. Unlike guards, the center rarely dribbles the ball. Instead, the center uses size and strength to establish offensive position. The center needs exceptional footwork technique to maximize scoring close to the basket. Along with the forwards, the center also is responsible for rebounding missed shots.
Alternative Starting Lineups
Coaches occasionally change starting lineups to maximize their team strengths or exploit a particular weakness of the opposition. A common alternative lineup is the three-guard lineup, which removes the center in favor of an extra guard position. The three-guard lineup emphasizes quickness and can be used to pressure a bigger, slower opponent. Conversely, the coach may remove the small forward and insert another power forward in an attempt to increase rebounding and inside scoring through a size advantage.
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