Positions

POINT GUARD

The point guard plays a pivotal role in their team’s tempo and execution. This position requires a high basketball IQ, as the point guard acts as the on-court coach by setting up plays. Point guards bring the ball up court, direct traffic and make the decisions that ideally result in high-percentage shots.  Point guards must have solid passing and ball-handling skills. As the floor general, point guards need to be vocal. Gyms can get loud. Point guards must be able to overcome the noise to set up plays.  On offense, point guards need the ability to drive the lane. They also need a solid jump shot and 3-pointer. On defense, they can focus on guarding the other team’s best ball handler and getting into the passing lane for a steal.

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SHOOTING GUARD

As the name suggests, shooting guards need to be able to put the ball in the hoop. This position is often reserved for the team’s best outside shooters.  But the shooting guard — also known as the two-guard — needs more than a good 3-point shot to be successful. They also need to have strong off-ball movement like moving through screens and finding open spaces.  While they don’t need to be as skilled as point guards, solid ball handling is important for two-guards. Shooting guards are typically the secondary ball handler. This skill also allows them to attempt their own shots off the dribble.  Additionally, shooting guards need to have strong defensive skills.

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SMALL FORWARD

Don’t let the name fool you – the small forward plays a huge role. Also known as the three, this is possibly the most versatile player on the court.  Playing small forward requires a blend of skills that shooting guards and power forwards possess. Small forwards need to be strong and scrappy enough to box out and haul in rebounds. However, they must also have the agility to elude defenders, slash to the rim and hit jump shots.  On offense, a solid mid-range shot, along with the ability to drive and cut toward the basket, can help a small forward stand out. Quickness and strength inside are both assets when playing small forward.

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POWER FORWARD

The closer to the hoop you go, the tougher things get. The power forward lives close to the rim, muscling out buckets and fighting for rebounds. This position is also known as the four.  The position requires a blend of strength and size. A power forward needs to work on their skills in the paint, like boxing out and posting up defenders. They also need to be able to set screens to help teammates get open.  To be successful on offense, power forwards need to use an array of shots.

 

CENTER (The "BIG")

Usually the tallest person on the team, a center defends the rim on one end and is a constant threat beneath it on the other. The center position is also known as the five. While size is a major part of being a center, this player also needs to be athletic.  On offense, a center needs to be able to create their own shot in cramped spaces and snag rebounds out of the hands of others. Centers also need to be proficient on offense, playing with their back to the basket. Footwork is key to scoring inside the paint. Centers must also be able to work with teammates by setting up screens.  On defense, the center is usually the best shot blocker and a solid rebounder to eliminate opponent’s second-chance baskets.