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How many basic positions are there on the basketball court


Basketball Court - Positions, Rocky Mount Event Center

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Breaking Down the Positions on the Basketball Court

Although the positions on the basketball court are becoming more dynamic, with the rise of “small-ball” tactics, the traditional five positions still remain. These positions are Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Power Forward, and Center. Today in the Rocky Mount Event Center blog, we’ll break down these positions and highlight some famous players you might know who play each one.

Point Guard

The point guard sets up the offense on the basketball court. They need to get a good read on the defense and make play calls on the fly. Their primary skills should be ball handling and passing. Ideally, they can also shoot the long ball.

Some famous point guards include Kyrie Irving, Magic Johnson, and Chris Paul.

Shooting Guard

The shooting guard’s primary role is right in their name. This player needs to be a highly accurate shooter who can create space to get an open shot. This player should be the team’s biggest offensive threat and hard to guard no matter where they are on the basketball court.

Some famous shooting guards include Michael Jordan, James Harden, and Kobe Bryant.

Small Forward

The small forward needs to be a sort of jack-of-all-trades on the basketball court. They should be able to make big plays both offensively and defensively. Versatility is essential. They should be quick but also strong to make plays both on the outside and in the paint.

Some famous small forwards include Lebron James and Kevin Durant.

Power Forward

The power forward is typically the second biggest player on the basketball court. They can post up and score in the paint, but they can also make the midrange jumper. A power forward will also shoulder a lot of the rebounding responsibilities.

Some famous power forwards include Tim Duncan and Karl Malone.

Center

Typically the biggest and tallest person on the basketball court, the center will mostly be making plays in the post. They need to be strong, dominant, and able to rebound and score down low.

Some famous centers include Shaquille O’Neal and Wilt Chamberlain.

Use the Basketball Courts at Rocky Mount Event Center

If you’re looking for a place to hold your basketball tournaments, Rocky Mount Event Center will be able to provide the space and amenities you need. We have 8 basketball courts equipped to accommodate players and spectators alike. We can’t wait to open in Fall 2018, so contact us today to ask about holding your tournament with us in the future.

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Basketball Player Positions

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In basketball, every player has a role on the court. Each team has five players on the court at one time, and each player will often have a unique skillset to help their team win. However, many times these roles and responsibilities overlap. Oftentimes, positions on different teams will serve different functions based on the type of player they are and the system that they are in. As a result, it can often be difficult to know what each position should be doing.

Table of Contents

  • Basketball Positions
  • Point Guard
  • Shooting Guard
  • Small Forward
  • Power Forward
  • Center
  • Hybrid Positions
  • Combo Guard
  • Point Forward
  • Stretch 4
  • Swingman
  • Basketball Position Numerals
  • FAQ

Basketball Positions

While many teams may use multiple players from the same position at one time, a team will generally field five basic different positions in the game: point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center.

Occasionally, players will not fit perfectly into the description of their position and will fill a hybrid-role instead. Additional hybrid positions include combo guards, point forwards, stretch 4s, and swingmen.

  • Point Guard
  • Shooting Guard
  • Small Forward
  • Power Forward
  • Center
  • Combo Guard
  • Point Forward
  • Stretch 4
  • Swingman

Point Guard

The point guard is often the leader of the team. They are also usually the smallest player on the team. Some people consider them to be quarterbacks of basketball due to the fact that they almost always start the possession with the ball in their hands and are the main facilitators. Point guards coordinate plays on the court and are typically the best ball handler on the team. The point guard will start with the ball near the top of the key. Some point guards tend to focus on scoring while others will look to facilitate plays and create open shots for the rest of their team. Due to the fact that they are usually fast and have quick hands, point guards tend to play good defense as well. A few key stats for point guards are steals and assists. Some notable point guards in NBA history include Chris Paul, Trae Young, Stephen Curry, and Magic Johnson.

Shooting Guard

The shooting guard specializes in making mid-range shots and shots beyond the three point line. They are typically the second smallest player on the team. While not always the case, shooting guards will usually look for passes from their teammates to get open shots. Some shooting guards, known as catch-and-shoot players, will try to get open around the three point line and shoot the ball as soon as they catch it. Other shooting guards can be more aggressive in their approach and almost serve a similar function to point guards. Shooting guards are mainly brought in to score points. A few key stats for shooting guards are points, rebounds, and assists. Top shooting guards in NBA history include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and Klay Thompson.

Small Forward

The small forward is arguably the most versatile position in basketball. They have the height advantages that most big men have while also being athletic enough to handle the ball similar to a point guard. Most small forwards are strong enough to make shots inside the paint while also excelling from beyond the three point line. Due to their versatility, many small forwards will be able to combine all aspects of the game to emulate the skills of every other position. Some small forwards will specifically excel in three point shooting and defense and are known as 3-and-D players. Small forwards are most commonly the third tallest player on the team, but many regard them as the most important. Small forwards will usually be able to provide a benefit in every key statistical category. All-time great small forwards in the NBA include LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Larry Bird.

Power Forward

Similar to small forwards, power forwards are usually able to score from all three levels of the court. The power forward is a post player that likes to make shots inside the paint. However, with the evolution of modern basketball, many power forwards are also skilled three point shooters. They are often a mix between a center and small forward. Power forwards will typically be able to dominate inside while also having some of the ball handling and shooting skills of a small forward. Power forwards are usually the second largest player on the court, and have a unique mix of height, strength, and athleticism. Key stats for power forwards include points and rebounds. Some of the best NBA power forwards of all time include Charles Barkley, Kevin Garnett, and Tim Duncan.

Center

The center is typically the tallest and strongest player on the team. Centers usually take jump balls in the center circle at the start of the game. Most centers will thrive inside the paint, mostly scoring from layups, dunks, and short hook shots. As they are usually not great ball handlers, centers often rely on other players to create shots for them. However, most centers will be excellent defenders around the basket and will be able to secure possessions with rebounds. A dominant center will also often draw double teams in the paint, which frees up perimeter shots for teammates. As is the case with power forwards, some centers have evolved their game and developed a prowess in three-point shooting. For most centers, key stats include rebounds and blocks. Notable centers in NBA history include Shaquille O’Neal, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russel, and Nikola Jokić.

Hybrid Positions

Hybrid positions in basketball are players that play one of the five positions on the court described above but in a way that doesn’t necessarily reflect the typical playstyle of that position. These players can prove tremendously valuable through both their versatility and their ability to create mismatches on the court. The four main types of hybrid positions in basketball are combo guard, point forward, stretch 4, and swingman.

Combo Guard

Combo guards are essentially a mix between a point guard and shooting guard.  They will typically possess good ball handling and passing skills while also being able to consistently knock down jump shots. Due to their skillset, most combo guards can play alongside point guards or shooting guards on any given team. A few notable combo guards in NBA history include James Harden, Dwyane Wade, and Devin Booker.

Point Forward

A point forward is one of the taller players on the court that typically plays small forward or power forward. However, unlike typical forwards who rely on their point guards to facilitate scoring opportunities, point forwards act as facilitators and often take the ball up the court on their own. These players are equipped with the size of a forward but the offensive skillset of a point guard, hence the name “point forward.” Some legendary point forwards in NBA history include LeBron James, Larry Bird, and Scottie Pippen.

Stretch 4

A stretch 4 is a power forward that will shoot and make a lot of three-pointers. They have the ability to post up and play inside like a regular power forward, but will also hang around the perimeter to open up the paint. This allows the team to have an extra shooter while also opening up space for other players to drive and make layups. Some of the most famous NBA stretch 4’s include Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Love, and Kristaps Porzingis.

Swingman

A swingman is a mix between a shooting guard and small forward. They are usually bigger and stronger than most shooting guards and possess good ball handling and inside scoring. They can also shoot very well and play either position. With positionless basketball becoming more common, many shooting guards are considered swingmen. Some of the greatest swingmen in NBA history include Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Jerry West.

Basketball Position Numerals

The following are the numbers and numerals used to describe each position.

  • Point Guard = 1 or PG
  • Shooting Guard = 2 or SG
  • Small Forward = 3 or SF
  • Power Forward = 4 or PF
  • Center = 5 or C

FAQ

What are the five positions in basketball?

The five positions in basketball are the point guard (PG), shooting guard (SG), small forward (SF), power forward (PF), and center (C). Each position has a different responsibility on the court, and the best basketball teams feature phenomenal chemistry between each position.

What position scores the most in basketball?

While it can vary depending on the setup of any given team, most often the small forward and shooting guard score the most out of any position in basketball. These players’ roles are less centered on facilitating for their teammates, and more so on being the ones who get the ball in the basket. Shooting guards are typically strong three point shooters, and will take their fair share of shots from distance. Meanwhile, small forwards can be a bit more hybrid in their scoring by both hitting long-range shots and driving to the hoop to score dunks and layups.

What is the most important position in basketball?

While certainly up for debate, most people believe that the point guard is the most important position in basketball. As the team’s floor general, point guards are tasked with maintaining the flow of the offense facilitating scoring opportunities for teammates. Without a capable and skilled point guard, a team’s offense will often look lost or disjointed.

What are the numbers assigned to each basketball position?

While watching a basketball game you may hear commentators make references such as “the two” or “the five.” These remarks are made based on the numbers assigned to different positions on the court. The point guard is labeled “1,” shooting guard “2,” small forward “3,” power forward “4,” and the center is the “5.” These number assignments have nothing to do with a player’s jersey number, and players are allowed to wear any number from 1-99 regardless of their position.

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Positions in basketball in English.

Basketball: positions of players

Today, three of the most popular team sports stand out among team sports. Football is in first place without question, and basketball and hockey are in second and third place. At the same time, it is worth paying attention that the first kind of sport is more common in Europe, while the other two are on the American continent. However, basketball has a wide popularity everywhere, even if the strongest NBA league is located in the USA. Millions of people watch basketball games and get incredible pleasure from it. And even more fun can be obtained if you know all the positions in basketball. If for you so far there were just five players from each team on the field, then this article is intended just for you. Here you can find out what each of the five positions is called, what functions each player performs, and how these positions are divided along the lines.

Basketball lines

If you want to know everything about positions in basketball, then you need to start small, or rather, from the general. The first thing you need to deal with is the lines into which all players are divided. There are only two of them - front and back. It is easy to guess what each of them is responsible for. The back line is the players who protect their ring from enemy attacks, and also start the attacks of their own team. Accordingly, the front line is the players who attack the opponent's ring. They may also try to prevent the enemy from going on a counterattack. In fact, there is nothing complicated about this: different formations involve a different number of players in the lines, but the standard scheme involves two players in the back line and three players in the front line. Now that you understand the basics of lines, you can take a look at basic basketball positions.

Basic positions

Each player has his own positions in basketball, but we will talk about them a little later. There are only five of them, and each of them will be described in detail. But first you need to consider the basic positions, of which there are only three: defender, center and striker. Again, there is absolutely nothing complicated here, since the roles of the players in their positions can be understood instantly. Defenders protect the ring, attackers attack the opponent's ring, and the center is the link between attack and defense. However, it is impossible to single out any of the three basic positions as the most important, because each of them is incredibly important. But these are just general concepts. Now you should take a closer look at basketball concepts, positions in basketball in English and Russian, as well as the tasks of each of the five players.

Five positions

So, it's time to break down the five basic positions of basketball. In the back line, these are point guards and attacking defenders, and in the front line, there are heavy and light forwards, as well as a center.

Point guard

So, it's worth starting with the analysis of the abbreviations that are used in basketball to indicate specific positions on the field. For example, SF is a position in basketball that denotes a small forward who is usually closest to the opponent's basket. But you should start with your ring, so the first player to consider is the point guard. In English, it is called either combo guard or point guard, and its abbreviation looks like PG (in the Russian version, respectively, RZ). What functions does this player perform? In fact, he has a very large amount of work, since he sees almost the entire site, respectively, it depends on him how effectively the whole team will play. He is a dispatcher, a passer, from which the team's attacks begin. In defensive actions, he serves as the last line of defense, so he must be tall in order to be able to remove enemy throws. But do not think that this position is more important than other basketball positions. Freestyle 2 and other basketball games also prove that every position counts.

Shooting defender

The next back row player who is a little further from his ring is the attacking defender. As you can see, it is not so easy to understand basketball, the positions of the players are very diverse. In English, this position can be called both swingman and shooting guard, the abbreviation looks, respectively, like SG (or AZ in Russian). As for the role on the field, this defender, as you could already understand from the name of the position, is more focused on attack than on defense. Usually this is the best sniper of the team, who can score more than other points, as well as pull the enemy’s defense onto himself, untying the hands of his partners. In defense, this player's task is to patronize the most dangerous attacking opponents.

Now you know what positions are in basketball in the back row. It's time to move to the front line, which has three more players.

Small Forward

The first attacking player worth talking about is the small forward, which has already been mentioned a little earlier. In English, this position is called pitch forward, that is, SF. Accordingly, the Russian abbreviation for this position is LF. But much more important is what role this player performs on the field. This position is a place for a mobile attack player. He acts immediately on all fronts, and can also spend a lot of time under the ring, gaining points there. A lot of famous basketball players have played in this position or in the mixed position of point forward. The latter combines the features of both a small forward and a point guard. As you can see, absolutely all positions in basketball are of great importance. The description of each of them once again proves this.

Power forward

This is quite an interesting position that allows the player to work both in attack and defense at the same time. What's more, some famous power forwards are almost always defensively focused, but there are those who manage to earn a quarter or even a third of their team's points. In English, this position is called a power forward and, accordingly, is designated as PF, but in Russian, its abbreviation, of course, is designated as TF. It should be said right away that the main responsibility of this player, who does not play as close to the opponent's basket as a light forward, is to pick up the ball both in defense and in attack. Accordingly, the player must have high physical strength, powerful complexion, because otherwise it will be very difficult to cope with such a task. As with the small forward, this position can be combined with the duties of a point guard (or play a combo forward who doubles as both forwards). However, this is rarely practiced, since the workload of a power forward is already impressive. Accordingly, such mixtures are rare.

Center

And, of course, we need to tell you more about the center, which is actually the center of the whole team. In English, it is called that - the center - and therefore it is designated accordingly - Ts. As you could already understand, in Russian the abbreviation will be exactly the same, therefore in all languages ​​this position is designated as Ts.

As for the playing role of this player , then everything is quite complicated here. It would seem that this player should play in the center of the field and connect the attack with the defense - by analogy with football. But in reality, everything is completely different here, because the center in basketball defines his center with a field not along, but across. And this means that this player is always focused on the opponent's ring. As a matter of fact, his task is to play under the ring and get points. Of course, this is a task for the tallest player on the team, so most often in this position you can find players over 210 centimeters tall, up to 225 centimeters. Note that the center may take on the additional duties of a power forward so that he can play a point forward or combo forward, thereby moving away from the ring and playing a little further, which changes his functions. As you can see, the five main positions of the players may not be clearly assigned to them, there are intermediate ones.

positions of players Numbers in basketball and their meanings

Today, three of the most popular team sports stand out among team sports. Football is in first place without question, and basketball and hockey are in second and third place. At the same time, it is worth paying attention that the first kind of sport is more common in Europe, while the other two are on the American continent. However, basketball has a wide popularity everywhere, even if the strongest is located in the USA. Millions of people watch basketball games and get incredible pleasure from it. And even more fun can be obtained if you know all the positions in basketball. If for you so far there were just five players from each team on the field, then this article is intended just for you. Here you can find out what each of the five positions is called, what functions each player performs, and how these positions are divided along the lines.

Lines in Basketball

If you want to know everything about positions in basketball, then you need to start small, or rather, from the general. The first thing you need to deal with is the lines into which all players are divided. There are only two of them - front and back. It is easy to guess what each of them is responsible for. The back line is the players who protect their ring from enemy attacks, and also start the attacks of their own team. Accordingly, the front line is the players who attack the opponent's ring. They may also try to prevent the enemy from going on a counterattack. In fact, there is nothing complicated about this: different formations involve a different number of players in the lines, but the standard scheme involves two players in the back line and three players in the front line. Now that you understand the basics of lines, you can take a look at basic basketball positions.

Basic positions

Each player has his own positions in basketball, but we will talk about them a little later. There are only five of them, and each of them will be described in detail. But first you need to consider the basic positions, of which there are only three: defender, center and striker. Again, there is absolutely nothing complicated here, since the roles of the players in their positions can be understood instantly. Defenders protect the ring, attackers attack the opponent's ring, and the center is the link between attack and defense. However, it is impossible to single out any of the three basic positions as the most important, because each of them is incredibly important. But these are just general concepts. Now you should take a closer look at the positions in basketball in English and Russian, as well as the tasks of each of the five players.

Five positions

So, it's time to break down the five basic positions of basketball. In the back line, these are point guards and attacking defenders, and in the front line, there are heavy and light forwards, as well as a center.

Point guard

So, it's worth starting with the analysis of the abbreviations that are used in basketball to indicate specific positions on the field. For example, SF is a position in basketball that denotes a small forward who is usually closest to the opponent's basket. But you should start with your ring, so the first player to consider is the point guard. In English, it is called either combo guard or point guard, and its abbreviation looks like PG (in the Russian version, respectively, RZ). What functions does this player perform? In fact, he has a very large amount of work, since he sees almost the entire site, respectively, it depends on him how effectively the whole team will play. He is a dispatcher, a passer, from which the team's attacks begin. In defensive actions, he serves as the last line of defense, so he must be tall in order to be able to remove enemy throws. But do not think that this position is more important than other basketball positions. Freestyle 2 and other basketball games also prove that every position counts.

Shooting defender

The next back row player who is a little further from his ring is the attacking defender. As you can see, it is not so easy to understand basketball, the positions of the players are very diverse. In English, this position can be called both swingman and shooting guard, the abbreviation looks, respectively, like SG (or AZ in Russian). As for the role on the field, this defender, as you could already understand from the name of the position, is more focused on attack than on defense. Usually this is the best sniper of the team, who can score more than other points, as well as pull the enemy’s defense onto himself, untying the hands of his partners. In defense, this player's task is to patronize the most dangerous attacking opponents.

Now you know what positions are in basketball in the back row. It's time to move to the front line, which has three more players.

Small Forward

The first attacking player worth talking about is the small forward, which has already been mentioned a little earlier. In English, this position is called pitch forward, that is, SF. Accordingly, the Russian abbreviation for this position is LF. But much more important is what role this player performs on the field. This position is a place for a mobile attack player. He acts immediately on all fronts, and can also spend a lot of time under the ring, gaining points there. A lot of people have played in this position or in the mixed position of point forward. The latter combines the features of both a small forward and a point guard. As you can see, absolutely all positions in basketball are of great importance. The description of each of them once again proves this.

Power forward

This is quite an interesting position that allows the player to work both in attack and defense at the same time. What's more, some famous power forwards are almost always defensively focused, but there are those who manage to earn a quarter or even a third of their team's points. In English, this position is called a power forward and, accordingly, is designated as PF, but in Russian, its abbreviation, of course, is designated as TF. It should be said right away that the main responsibility of this player, who does not play as close to the opponent's basket as a light forward, is to pick up the ball both in defense and in attack. Accordingly, the player must have high physical strength, powerful complexion, because otherwise it will be very difficult to cope with such a task. As with the small forward, this position can be combined with the duties of a point guard (or play a combo forward who doubles as both forwards). However, this is rarely practiced, since the workload of a power forward is already impressive. Accordingly, such mixtures are rare.

Center

And, of course, we need to tell you more about the center, which is actually the center of the whole team. In English, it is called that - the center - and therefore it is designated accordingly - Ts. As you could already understand, in Russian the abbreviation will be exactly the same, therefore in all languages ​​this position is designated as Ts.

As for the playing role of this player , then everything is quite complicated here. It would seem that this player should play in the center of the field and connect the attack with the defense - by analogy with football. But in reality, everything is completely different here, because the center in basketball defines his center with a field not along, but across. And this means that this player is always focused on the opponent's ring. As a matter of fact, his task is to play under the ring and get points. Of course, for the tallest player on the team, so most often in this position you can find players over 210 centimeters tall, up to 225 centimeters. Note that the center may take on the additional duties of a power forward so that he can play a point forward or combo forward, thereby moving away from the ring and playing a little further, which changes his functions. As you can see, the five main positions of the players may not be clearly assigned to them, there are intermediate ones.

Basketball uniform numbers are subject to the following requirements:

The player must have a clearly visible jersey number. To do this, the number on the back and front should contrast with the color of the shirt itself.

  • The number on the back must be at least 20 cm high.
  • The number on the chest must be at least 10 cm high. 4 to 15 .
  • Players on the same team are not required to have similar numbers.
  • Numbers 1, 2, 3 cannot be used on a basketball uniform for the following reasons:

    according to the FIBA ​​rules, in official competitions, players act under the numbers from 4 to 15. The numbers "1", "2" and "3" are not currently used as numbers. Among the special gestures used by referees during the match, there are gestures with these numbers: for example, when the referee indicates a violation of the “3-second rule” or indicates how many free throws a player of the injured team should perform. In the same way, on the fingers, the referee indicates to the match secretary the number of the player who is penalized by an individual remark. To avoid confusion, it was decided to abolish numbers 1, 2 and 3.

    Sources :

  • Official Basketball Rules (13. 2.4) from Pro-sports.net: Basketball Rules
  • Basketball Rules (4.3.2) from the official website of the Kyiv Basketball Fan Club
  • Referee gestures from Pro-sports.net: Rules of Basketball website
  • Referee gestures from Slamdunk.ru All Basketball website
  • Basketball rules from the World of Basketball website
    • What numbers are allowed on basketball uniforms?

      Basketball uniform numbers are subject to the following requirements: the player must have a clearly visible jersey number. To do this, the number on the back and front should contrast with the color of the shirt itself. The number on the back must be at least 20 cm high. The number on the chest must be at least 10 cm high. The width of the numbers must be more than...

    distinguish three groups of players: defenders, midfield players and forwards. However, if in the "game of millions" you can detail about 15 roles, then in basketball there will be only five of them, and they will be more simplified. Why? Yes, because the game takes place on a relatively small area and is characterized by high dynamics and the need for constant movement, so positions in basketball and their meanings are a very conditional issue.

    About personnel

    Personnel decides everything - these words, once uttered by the great leader and later became winged, can be more revealingly applicable to basketball. There are players who by their nature (speed, height, vision of the court and out-of-the-box thinking) are created for one position or another, and there are universal players. The latter are rarer shots, and therefore more valuable, both for the manager and for the team as a whole. They feel confident both in the center of the court and under the ring, they just play basketball. The positions of the players with such shots are a common convention for the team coach and a real headache for the opponent.

    Nuances and formalities

    So, a few words about the classical constellation. None of the current rules regulates what positions there are in basketball, who and where should be located and “with whom to play”. Everything is purely conditional, and the choice of one or another tactic, and, accordingly, the arrangement depends on the presence of performers in the team and how the opponent is supposed to play. If you look very superficially, then all players can be divided into front and back lines.

    Basketball: position numbers and location on the court

    Number 1 - point guard, also known as the dispatcher, who starts the team's attack from his basket.

    Number 2 - shooting guard. On the site is located in the support zone.

    Numbers 3, 4 - light forward and heavy forward, respectively. Location - near the enemy's ring (sometimes they share the flanks).

    Number 5 - center. Zonal location - under the enemy's ring.

    Point guard

    The point guard position in basketball is a kind of control room or, if you like, a starting point. As a rule, basketball players playing in this role have good speed and excellent ball possession. The main task of the point guard is to create conditions for partners under which each of them can be as useful as possible for the team. If, for example, in football, the outcome of a game can be decided by a single accurate shot by a particular performer, then in basketball, the result consists of hundreds of little things, each of which can give a certain advantage over an opponent. After the match, all positions in basketball are subjected to a thorough analysis, TTA statistics are kept, and adjustments are made to the organization of the game.

    In addition to how to realize the strengths of his team, the point guard must see the opponent's weaknesses and “press” there in time. He starts the combinations of the team, insures in defense, especially in case of sharp counterattacks of opponents. As a rule, players in this position are the shortest on the team - the average height is about 190 cm. .

    Attacking guard

    For a person who is not too versed in basketball, the name of this role may seem a little paradoxical, because the positions in basketball are logically named according to the functions performed, while the main task of the attacking defense is to break through to the basket and earn points. To be a sniper, in other words.

    As a rule, these are athletes with good athletic abilities, but at the same time they have good dribbling and the ability to go to the dribble. Some coaches require shooting guards to work hard with rebounds, especially on rebounds.

    A high level of passing is another important quality, thanks to which players of this role can "raise their price". A good sniper easily pulls 2-3 opponents on himself, so a high-quality and timely pass to a partner can give the latter time to prepare a throw.

    The height of the classic number two, as a rule, reaches 200 cm. Due to anthropometry and good speed, the attacking defender can equally well withstand both the sniper and the center forward of the opposing team. Some NBA teams with a strong second number often build a game around the latter.

    Notable NBA players who have played shooting guard at different times are Kobe Bryant, who recently retired from his career and, of course, the legendary Michael Jordan.

    Small forward

    The functions of a small forward on the court are usually similar to those of a shooting guard, however, the forward line players are usually taller (up to 210 cm) and positioned closer to the opponent's basket. They are indispensable when playing rebounds and often block shots from opposing team players.

    Among the main qualities of a light forward, we note a high percentage of shots made from any distance. A competent trio use their agility advantage over the power forward and center opponents, and their height advantage over the point guard and defender. Compared to an attacking defenseman, the small forward is more focused on rebounding, thereby helping his center.

    The light forward position in basketball is the most versatile. Growth and jumping ability, combined with dynamism, allow them to fight near the ring, block the shots of the opponent's forwards, and also insure their own defenders.

    Of the well-known basketball players who played number three, we note the current leader of Cleveland - LeBron James, as well as Dirk Nowitzki, who has been playing for the same club - Dallas Mavericks for nineteen years.

    Power forward

    The main function of a power forward is to fight for rebounds near his own and other people's rings, therefore, to play in the position of the "four" requires not only high growth (usually more than 200 cm), but also outstanding physical strength. Some power forwards in the NBA and European national leagues, who are over 210 cm tall, have no problem performing the slam dunks that spectators in the stands love so much.

    The power forward has a lot of work to do at the end of the match, when foul play begins. At this point, the 4th number often "falls" closer to his own ring, not allowing the opponent's light players to get close to the target within throwing distance. In the history of basketball, for example, there were and are power forwards for whom 10 points per game is something supernatural, because most of the time they are defending.

    One of the brightest power forwards of our time is Blake Griffin, defending the colors of the Los Angeles Clippers.

    Center

    The fifth number is usually the highest on the floor (often over 210 cm). Like a power forward, the center must fight for rebounds and also defend his own three-point zone during the attack of the opponent. Basketball players of this role, who, in addition to anthropometry, have athleticism and speed, are valuable personnel for any club. As a rule, a player with such a set of qualities is a rarity. In general, all positions in basketball related to the attacking line can be called universal, but to a greater extent this applies to just the fifth number.

    There is a kind of strategy that teams usually use at the end of the game. It is directed against the centers, who have a low percentage of free throws. The idea is to foul on number five, after which he could theoretically miss a free kick and the ball goes to the opposing team. By the way, there is an opinion that this strategy was born as one of the options for confronting the legend of American basketball - Shaquille O'Neal. The latter was the undisputed leader under the rim, but equally useless as a free-throw shooter.

    Non-standard positions in basketball

    In addition to the main conditionally accepted positions, there are also modified roles in basketball. As a rule, universal athletes play in such positions, who, thanks to their individual skills, are able to work out "both here and there."

    Komboguard - a player who combines the qualities of the first and second numbers, but does not have a complete list of characteristics for a full-fledged closing of one of the two positions. Comboguard is a rare guest of the starting lineup, most often he is a substitute for a point guard or attacking defender in a team.

    Swingman is a basketball player with shooting guard and small forward skills. Unlike a comboguard, on the contrary, it can benefit from its universalism. With a height of up to 200 cm, the swingman has good speed and dribbling, therefore, depending on the situation, he can both work out in defense against undersized players and attack the ring.

    Point forward is probably the most unusual of non-standard positions. A point forward is usually called a player who has a vision of the point guard's field, as well as the power and pressure of a forward. With proper use of such a basketball player, this combination can turn out to be an explosive mixture.

    Combo forward - a player with the skills of a light and heavy forward.

    Depending on the technical arsenal, physical condition and height, each player has a clearly defined position on the court. When playing at the beginner level, two main positions should be distinguished, based on the location of the player on the court - back or front line. There are five such positions in modern amateur basketball. Whereas in professional basketball there are ten positions. We offer get acquainted with the basic description of the role of players in basketball. If after reading you still have questions, then come to the training and the coach will determine your position on the playground.

    Number one or point guard

    A prime example in the NBA is Stephen Curry. In Russia - Denis Zakharov. The average height of a professional player is 183-195 centimeters. Weight 75-90 kilograms. The point guard or playmaker is the brains of the team. He handles the ball with ease. Looking to play exemplary first numbers, it seems that the basketball is an extension of his hand. All movements are smooth and controlled, but at any moment the smoothness of the move is replaced by a sharp jerk. Which combination to start, which way to go and how to build an attack - this is the task of the first number. This player not only needs to see teammates, but also calculate the situation on the site. During defensive actions, the player insures the team from a quick breakaway of the opposing team. Not so long ago, the main role of the point guard was to take the ball out of his zone and pass it to the attack. But that time has passed. In the modern professional basketball, priority is given to versatile players who combine qualities that allow the player to play in adjacent positions. This is how the position stands out comboguard (eng. Combo Guard). Based on the name, it can be determined that the player combines the combination of qualities necessary for defense and attack. So player performs the functions of point guard and attacking defender. In the old interpretation of basketball, combo guards were considered as players who did not know how to fully realize yourself on the playground. Over time, this attitude towards players has changed and now you can meet famous and successful representatives comboguards.

    Second number or shooting guard

    A prime example in the NBA is Kobe Bryant. In Russia - Sergey Babkov. The average height of a professional player is 190-200 centimeters. Weight 85-100 kilograms. The shooting guard is in most cases the main sniper of the team. His specialty is an accurate throw from any distance, including three-pointer and free throw. It is the second number that is largely responsible for the performance of the team. In addition to an accurate throw, a player of this role has good dribbling. He easily breaks through the opponent's defense and enters the "paint". The athletic quality of the player allows him to make jump shots after speed dribbling. In defense, the player takes care of the most dangerous snipers of the opposing team and is the main ball interceptor. Lightning break - that's it the quality possessed by the second number. A universal second player who can play adjacent positions is called swingman (English Swingman). This role implies a combination of the positions of the second and third numbers. Athleticism and speed of an athlete allow him to play effectively both against large players, using speed, and against less athletic opponents. This position is one of the most universal, because it a representative can equally well carry out both an attack and a defense.

    Third number or small forward

    A prime example in the NBA is LeBron James. In Russia, Andrey Kirilenko. The average height of a professional player is 195-210 centimeters. Weight 95-110 kilograms. Small Forward - a player with the main function of scoring for the team. Despite being a perimeter player, the small forward is a good helper for big players when picking up the ball, both under the opponent's basket and under their own. And this is successfully obtained by the players of this role, because they are taller than the first and second numbers. Height, mobility and good coordination allow you to block opponent's shots and beat them. AT due to high growth, many representatives of this role are gaining weight and moving into representatives of heavy forwards. In modern basketball there is a concept point forward (English Point Forward). The player combines the positions of the first and third numbers. With such a player in the arsenal, the team can count on a combination playing and attacking qualities in one person. Excellent vision of the court and accurate passes, coupled with the growth of the player, allow him to beat smaller players on the opposing team and get under the basket to attack.

    Number four or power forward

    A prime example in the NBA is Dirk Nowitzki. In Russia - Viktor Khryapa. The average height of a professional player is 200-215 centimeters. Weight 105-115 kilograms. Of course, the position of a heavy forward (Eng. Power Forward) implies not only height, but also power. In the struggle for selection, which is the main task of this role, you have to confront the big players. Working mostly under the basket, the players come into close contact, where every centimeter won sites are not easy. In the 3-second zone, the contact reaches its climax, because it is in this zone that the judges record fouls only with obvious violations. If a player of the first or second number enters this zone, then a demonstrative fall, as a gesture of rough play, will most likely not be noticed by the judge. The intensity of the fight under the ring and the correct position of the body make it necessary for the player to have excellent physical fitness, coupled with stamina. Like any player on the court is powerful The striker must confidently control the ball. Of course, in the technical arsenal of a player, one cannot meet that variety in dribbling, but nevertheless, he must the need to take the ball out of his zone, being under team pressure. In this regard, the position of the player has changed quite a lot over time. Before The main task of the fourth number was the ability to work in defense. The attack remained a priority for players of other roles. Adjacent position combining skills the third and fourth numbers is the position of the combo forward (eng. Comboforward).

    Number five or center in basketball

    A prime example in the NBA is Shaquille O'Neal. In Russia - Alexey Savrasenko. The average height of a professional player is 210-220 centimeters. Weight 110-125 kilograms. Center (English Center) is a player whose task is to play under the basket and fight for rebounds. The height and dimensions of the fifth number perfectly allow him to cope with this task. Everyone knows that a good and tight defense in your area is the key to success on the playing field. It is the center that does not give a chance to continue the attack after an unsuccessful throw by the attacking side. Due in large part to their size, many center players do poorly on free throws. But modern basketball makes players this position all the new requirements. Every year there are fewer players on the field above 220 centimeters. Priority is given to less massive and more mobile players, who also have an excellent shot from under the ring and can effectively break free kicks in the last minutes of the match. It is the fifth numbers that are team leaders in the number of rebounds under the shield and the number of blocked shots. A player who has the speed of the fourth number and the strength of the fifth is called center forward This player fights both for the rebound and confidently attacks on the border of the three-second zone with his face or back to the ring. Unlike typical centers, the centre-forward's speed allows him to maintain a fast break.

    One of the best players on the planet, LeBron James, returned to Cleveland and took the jersey number 23 that made Michael Jordan legendary. This event gave Sportbox.ru a reason to remember the most famous and happiest numbers in the history of the NBA.

    Choosing a number for an athlete is far from a routine process, and the number on a jersey is not just a serial number. For many, this is a charm, a ritual, a symbol of good luck, and sometimes even an indispensable condition for physical comfort. Take the well-known story when Dennis Rodman moved from the Lakers to the Mavericks. One of the indispensable conditions of the "worm" was the issuance of 69th number, since it was this combination of numbers that directly correlated with the basketball player's favorite intimate position.

    What can I say, a statement in the style of Rodman, heavily mixed with shocking and generously seasoned with a desire to attract attention. But then natural cheese-boron flared up from this. NBA commissioner David Stern categorically forbade the club to agree to Rodman's condition. In the end, the player moved with a creak to Dallas, where he played only 12 matches in a jersey with the 70th number, after which he went on strike and was expelled from the team.

    Or else, the famous Gilbert Arinas, took a "0" to spite one, especially zealous forecaster, who said that this is how many minutes he will spend on the court in NBA matches. After Gilbert became the most improved player in the league and went to the All-Star Games three times, the chiseled saying - From Zero to Hero, became his credo. It's a pity that then he pretty soon rushed in the opposite direction - From Hero to Zero, along the way putting feces in his partners' sneakers, changing clubs, game numbers, and losing the respect of colleagues and fans.

    In a word, everyone has their own cockroaches in their heads, and everyone wants to personalize their choice, and not just point a finger at the first digit that comes across. Some strive to be like their idols, others manage to encrypt the grandmother's year of birth in the numbers on the T-shirt. I knew a guy who, with maniacal pedantry, chose only single digits just because he physically felt that it was easier for him to run with a one on his back than with a bulky twenty.

    And yet, despite all these confused meanings and many options, basketball has its own sacred numbers that evoke awe and reverence. Those that are most often taken for luck, believing that they will bring good luck, like their past eminent owners. Sportbox.ru counted up to five and chose the most popular, sought-after, and finally lucky numbers in the NBA.

    No. 23

    Facts: The brightest star in the sky, Sirius, is 23 times brighter than the Sun. Arnold Schwarzenegger won his first Mr. Olympia title at the age of 23.

    There are 23 joints in the human hand. And we all know the person and his hand very well, thanks to which this number is considered one of the most popular not only in basketball, but also in sports in general. Michael Jordan, with his career, life and achievements, has ensured that the mention of this figure evokes the image of a black, stately athlete who, sticking out his tongue, despite any obstacles, ignores any obstacles and makes the very last effort that leads his team to final success.

    LeBron James, a former Miami mover, has retracted number 23, saying that only one person can wear it, and anyone who respects and understands basketball should be aware of this. True, James himself is a changeable person and, having returned to Cleveland, he decided to provoke the fans by arranging a vote on the topic, whether he should play under the 6th or 23rd number. It so happened that, according to James himself, Cavaliers fans do not understand basketball very well, and from the new season, LeBron will pursue the Jordan legend, copying his number.

    Who knows, it may even come down to the style of the game, it is not for nothing that the American newspapers are so focused on the fact that James has lost a lot of weight, abandoned the carbohydrate diet and hopes to give his style more plasticity. Long before Jordan and James, famed Rockets point guard Calvin Murphy used this number. The kid, 175 centimeters tall, although he did not win the championship, he became the shortest player inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame. Last week, similarly honored shooter Mitch Richmond furthered the number's popularity by playing under it for the Golden State Warriors, in conjunction with Tim Hardaway and Chris Mullen.

    In the early 2000s, as part of the same club, Jason Richardson made me remember Jordan, and he did this not only through analogies with the number. Like "His Air", he impressed with his anti-gravity abilities, winning the overhead throw tournament twice. Now the new history of the NBA in the New Orleans Pelicans under the old numbering is being written by center Anthony Davis. And yet, no matter how many surnames are named, the cumulative achievements of the players are not listed, the magic sequence "23" will always be considered as such thanks to only one person.

    No. 1

    Facts: The atomic number of hydrogen, the main chemical element in the universe. In ancient China, the number 1 was a symbol of masculinity. The number 1 is the head of the family of numbers.

    In fact, this meager unit is the main principle of the sport. The thing for which all these efforts, restrictions, hard work is to be the first. That which is the essence of sport in its original form. All other meanings like the beauty of the game, the justice of the result, the triumph of the vanquished have stuck over the years. First of all, you are number one and you are the best. And this sniper accurately reflects the fact that Oscar Robertson, who played in the distant 60s, though not the first, but definitely the best of the basketball players who wore this number.

    Mr. triple-double himself, in the 1961/62 season, Robertson reached 30 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists per match. In 79 games, Robertson recorded 41 triple-doubles. For the entire career 181. He is still the only one who succeeded. And it is very likely that these two records will never be broken. It was "Big O" who became the mentor of Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. when he entered the league. Together they won the only championship in Milwaukee Bucks history, and after that the rookie became one of the benchmarks for centers, already playing under the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

    NBA Hall of Famer and one of the best point guards of the 70s, Nate Archibald, changed numbers during his career, but it was the one that was retired by the Sacramento Kings, in which he spent his best years. Point guards are instructed to wear a unit, at least based on the position number. Everyone's favorite Muggsy Boggs and the often underestimated Rod Strickland painstakingly confirmed this in the 90s. And yet they could not compete in popularity with those who were called point guards of the new formation - Anferny Hardaway.

    It was to him that the concepts of point forward and comboguard were first applied. With a two-meter height, he perfectly saw the court, and passed no worse and more spectacular than his point guard Darrel Armstrong. Penny didn't make it to the end, as did Tracy McGrady, who took number one in honor of him. Same No. 1, same Orlando Magic, and same plethora of career-breaking injuries. It is not easy to be the first, and the examples of Derrick Rose and Amara Stoudmeier confirm the sad trend today, but if it were otherwise, the very concept of victory, for which many are ready to give everything, would be distorted.

    No. 32

    Facts: An adult has 32 teeth. 32 in the Pythagorean tradition is a symbol of justice. May 32 is a fictitious date from the movie "The Same Munchausen".

    As in the case of Jordan, number thirty-two is obvious in basketball. Magic Johnson was the only one who at one time could compete with Jordan in popularity. His game was original, his manner was recognizable, and the results were phenomenal. Unlike Michael, the Lakers point guard has never changed his number in his career.

    As well as one of the sworn enemies of all of California, the hated Celtics representative Kevin McHale. The uncompromising power forward had one of the widest arsenals of moves. It was impossible to predict what he would do in the next second. Slightly less variable, but by no means less effective was another heavy. The honored postman of all the Marmons, Karl Malone, spent most of his career under the marking "32", under which he also opposed the HIV-infected Magic, and in his old age he ended up in the Lakers, where, due to Johnson's retired number, he was forced to be content with paired units.

    Times are different today, morals are different, especially in Los Angeles, and Blake Griffin is again shining in the position of number four in the Clippers, who, in addition to those already mentioned, continues the work of Billy Cunningham of the Sixers, being the Knicks, and Shaquille O'Neal in Orlando.

    № 13

    Facts: The number 13, the devil's dozen, is considered unlucky in European culture. The US originally consisted of 13 states. In the Russian military aviation, there are no aircraft with tail number 13, as well as call signs with this number. At the same time, during the Great Patriotic War, the pilot-hero Pokryshkin fought under number 13 with the call sign 13.

    In general, even at the level of facts, it is clear that this number is different for everyone. Someone is afraid of him like fire, others, on the contrary, believe that by challenging prejudices, they themselves take the threads of fate into their hands. But no matter how you treat the number 13, all the same, from time to time it throws up reasons to think.

    Paul George, at the end of a great season with Indiana, decided, out of respect for Kobe Bryant, to drop No. 24 and trade it for No. 13. George will miss next season due to a horrendous injury sustained in the national team's training camp. But athletes are inherently gamblers and like to tickle their nerves. Therefore, judge for yourself, the great past Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone passed on their disdain for superstitious ditties to Mark Jackson, Sarunas Marciulionis, and those, in turn, to Steve Nash, Joaquim Noah, James Harden.

    Wilt and Moses became champions and will forever be part of the pantheon of the best big men in basketball history. Jackson and Nash are some of the best passers in the NBA, Marciulionis revolutionized the concept of a legionnaire in American basketball. Noah and Harden are the stars of this generation. So, in the case of number 13, either even or odd, as in the case of luck, without which, as you know, not a single victory can do.

    № 33

    Facts: 33 years old is the age at which Jesus Christ was crucified. The Hindu Vedas list 33 major demigods. 33 cows.

    If we decide to collect the symbolic top five players in the history of the NBA, from basketball players who played under No.


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