The game of basketball is one of the most popular team sports in the world. The game is played between two teams of five players each. For the majority of the game's early history, players usually played one of three positions: guard, forward or center. Over the course of the last 30 years, however, more specific positional roles have developed. The modern basketball positions are point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward and center.
Point Guard
Normally the smallest player on the team, the point guard is responsible for running a team's offense, much like a quarterback does in football. This is perhaps the most specialized position in the game. Controlling the ball and making sure it gets to the right players at the right time is the point guard's primary offensive function. A good point guard must also possess the ability to score from outside when necessary, and be able to break down a defense by driving the lane. That being said, great point guards are often measured more by their assist totals than by their scoring. Passing skills and court vision are essential for this position.
Shooting Guard
The shooting guard is typically the secondary ball handler and a dangerous marksman on offense. Tenacious defense and a quickness to the ball are also qualities associated with top-shelf shooting guards. The "two" guard, as the position is often referred to, usually focuses on scoring, while the point guard handles ball distribution. In addition to being a good shooter, two guards also need the ability to create offense by driving to the basket. Michael Jordan, generally considered the greatest basketball player ever, is a perfect example of a shooting guard.
Small Forward
The position of small forward, or "the three" as it is known, requires a good balance between power- and shooting-orientated offense. Defensively, small forwards will seek out steals and be active in the pursuit of rebounds. Threes that also play the shooting guard position are called "swingmen" or "wings." While they can be as tall as power forwards, small forwards are typically of a less muscular and stocky build.
Power Forward
The power forward plays a role not unlike that of the center, playing with their backs to the basket on offense and on the low blocks or matched up against the opposing power forward on defense. Typically the power forward is called upon to take on more of an offensive role and less a defensive one than a center. While often not as tall as the center, the power forward is usually of a more muscular build. They should be aggressive in rebounding and will usually generate most of their offense in the low post. Generally the power forward will defer to the center when it comes to shot-blocking and intimidation.
Center
Normally the tallest player on the team, the center is the last line of defense between the opposition and the basket. Centers usually have a large amount of muscle and body mass. A typical center in the National Basketball Association is no shorter than 6-foot-10. The primary function of the center is to use his size to score and defend from a position near the basket. A center that possesses size and athleticism as well as skill is a rare and valuable commodity, and teams that have someone that fits that mold typically contend for championships.
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