Of the five positions on a basketball team, the point guard is typically the shortest. That doesn’t mean he is not an important part of his team. In fact, the point guard, in spite of his height, controls most of his team’s scoring, either as a facilitator or actual scorer.
Point Guard
Although she is usually the shortest player on her team, the point guard’s responsibility is rather large. A point guard is her team’s playmaker and is basically a coach on the floor, calling plays, directing teammates where to go and making sure they get the ball at the right time. Often, a point guard needs to weave between defenders while dribbling the ball in an attempt to either score or pass the ball to a teammate. Typically, a point guard is not only the shortest player on the team, but is also the quickest and has the best ball-handling skills. Shorter players often are more naturally suited for these aspects of the game.
Shooting Guard
Next to the point guard, the shooting guard is commonly the next-shortest player on a basketball team. The shooting guard is commonly his team’s leading scorer and is the beneficiary of many passes from the point guard that result in scoring opportunities. While he must also possess solid ball-handling skills, the shooting guard must also be able to perform some of the duties that are performed by his taller teammates -- the forwards and center -- such as rebounding and boxing out.
Forwards and Center
The small forward tends to be the next tallest player on a basketball team, while the power forward tends to be even taller. Typically, the center is the tallest player on the court, although many teams employ a three-forward offensive formation that blurs the height differences among the three. Because their responsibilities involve many height-related tasks, such as out-jumping an opponent for a rebound or blocking an opponent’s shot, taller players are better suited to play these positions. Offensively, the forwards and center are often on the receiving end of a point guard’s passing and playmaking skills.
Considerations and Exception
Height classifications on a basketball team are more prevalent at the college and professional levels than at the lower levels of competition, such as high school. Even so, there are exceptions to these height rules, even at the highest levels of competition. For instance, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who played point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979 to 1991 and 1995 to 1996, was not the team’s shortest player. In fact, at 6 feet 9 inches, he was the same height as some teammates who played forward.
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