Basketball positions

The five tactical "basketball positions" normally employed by organized basketball teams are: point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. The rules of basketball do not mandate them, and in informal games they are sometimes not used. They are grouped into two conceptual units: the backcourt and frontcourt.

Back court

Point guard

The point guard, or the "one", is the team's floor general and the best ballhandler on the team. They are generally the quickest, or one of the quickest players on the floor. They are given the task of controlling the game's speed and possession of the ball at all times. A good point guard looks to get the rest of the team involved before they think about shooting, resulting in usually leading the team in assists. However, they are always ready to create shots and score points if necessary. Point guards run the team and are usually one of the shorter players on the court.

Shooting guard

The shooting guard (also called the "two") is usually the team's best shooter. A quality shooting guard should be able to consistently hit 20-foot/6-meter jump shots. Besides being able to shoot the ball, shooting guards must also have good ball-handling skills because they have to be able to create their own shot off the dribble. Finally, they should also be able to come off of any pick and roll and still make a shot without the ball touching the ground.

Front court

Small forward

The small forward, or, colloquially, the three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall. The small forward position is considered to be perhaps the most versatile of the main five basketball positions, due to the nature of its role. Most current NBA small forwards are between 6'5" and 6'9" in height.

Small forwards are primarily responsible for scoring points and also often as secondary or tertiary rebounders behind the power forwards and centers, although a few who play as point forwards have considerable passing responsibilities. Many small forwards in professional basketball, however, are prolific scorers. The styles with which small forwards amass their points vary widely, as some players at the position like the Hornets' Peja Stojakovic are very accurate straight up shooters, while others like Sacramento Kings Ron Artest prefer to "bang inside", initiate and/or not shy away from physical contact with opposing players, while others are primarily slashers such as Carmelo Anthony. One common thread between all kinds of small forwards is an ability to "get to the line", that is have opposing players called for committing shooting fouls against them, as fouls are frequently called on the defense when offensive players "take the ball hard" to the basket, that is, aggressively attempt post-up plays, lay-ups, or slam dunks. Therefore, accurate foul shooting is an imperative skill for small forwards, many of whom record a large portion of their points from the foul line.

Defense is often a major priority for small forwards, who are often counted on using their athleticism and size as defensive advantages. Many small forwards are excellent defensive players including current NBA player Ron Artest, who is generally regarded as one of the best defensive players in the league today. Shawn Marion of the Phoenix Suns and Tayshaun Prince of the Detroit Pistons who with their length and athleticism are able to guard any position on the floor and is often called upon to do so. Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs, while not a star offensive player, is a masterful and tenacious defender, both on the perimeter and closer to the hoop. Former small forwards known for their defensive abilities include Scottie Pippen, one of the best one-on-one defenders in the NBA for most of his career.

Power forward

The power forward, also referred to as the "four", usually plays on the opposite side of the key from the center, and is frequently able to double as a center. Power forwards are a little more mobile than centers, which helps them set many plays up on the court. Most power forwards are able to shoot mid range shots, ranging no more than ten to 15 feet away from the basket. Power forwards usually tend to be robustly built.

Center

Often called the "five", the center usually plays in or around the free-throw lane near the basket (referred to as the "bottom of the key" or the "post"). Typically, the center is physically the strongest player on the team. The center most often scores "down low in the paint" (i.e., near the basket in the free throw lane). Centers, usually the largest players on the court, contribute to winning basketball games by driving to the basket, gathering offensive and defensive rebounds, and "setting the pick" in pick and roll plays. This position is also involved in attacking, both offensively and defensively.

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