Understanding the positions on a basketball team is key to enjoying the game. This guide will give you a quick reference to look at and learn the five major spots on a team.
Point Guard – The assist maker and ball handler, this player is one of the most important on the team. He will control the ball and make sure it gets from one person to another correctly to provide the team with a great play. This player must have great court vision to be able to control the ball after the opponent scores. Also, the point guard is measured by his assists so he has to be able to pass the ball on a dime. On a really great team, the point guard has a very quick and true jump shot. One of the best Point Guards in the game is Allen Iverson. He can shoot, move, and push the ball in order to give his team a better chance to win.
Shooting Guard – If you need a scorer on your team, this is the position you are looking for. The key goal for this player is to shoot the ball and let the Point Guard dictate the game. Smaller and faster than a forward, this player has to have a very reliable jump shot and should also be able to drive the ball to the hoop. Many times, this player can also substitute as a small or power forward. A great ball handling skill is also required for this position because he is going to have many defenders trying to take down his jump shot.
Small Forward – With strength and a great scoring ability, this player is made to pull blockers and take fouls. With power and a great jump shot, they are very useful and versatile on their teams. The small forward is leaner and faster than the power forward and sometimes can switch to the Shooting Guard position. On defense, these players are major ball hawks. They look to steal the ball or block shots. This can have their team rolling back to the offense and getting ahead with fast break points.
Power Forward – These players are closely related to the Center in the game. Playing next to the center, they usually face away from the basket as they look to slow down anyone trying to drive the ball. More athletic than the center, they can score and block while still being able to move back for a more offensive game. Rebounds and blocks are their major stats.
Center – The tallest player on the team, the center was made for disrupting the power forward or centers on the other teams. They are tall enough to block and most are still fast enough to get back on offense for a quick score. They main job is to block, dunk, and take up the lane.
