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.
PreviousNext
Pages Related to Basketball Player Positions
Basketball Point Guard Vs. Shooting Guard
Basketball Power Forward
Basketball Guard Types
Basketball Post Player
Basketball Lockdown Defender
Basketball Glue Guy
PreviousNext
Basketball Positions and Roles - ActiveSG
In a typical game of basketball, there are usually five players on each team on the court, and each player has their roles and responsibilities.
Traditionally, players who filled these position would solely stick to their role and focus on their task, but basketball has advanced a lot since then and every player these days are required to play two or more positions at one time.
This is due to the nature of the sport where players move around and play flexibly, doing what is required in any given situation.
Here are the five basic positions and their role in basketball,
1. Centre
Embed from Getty Images
The centre is usually the team’s tallest and strongest player and is positioned under the basket. He is also required to be physically domineering with more physical strength and athleticism.
On the offensive play, most centres do not consistently score midrange or beyond the arch. Instead, most of their points should be from offensive rebounds and are also required to block defenders to open other players up for driving to the basket.
On the defence, the centre is responsible for keeping the opponent from shooting by blocking shots and passes in the vital area. They’re also expected to fight for rebounds as they’re usually taller physically.
Are you the Centre on your team? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Playing Center to find out how you can up your game?
Power Forwards are usually the second tallest in the team and are the closest to the centre in terms of physical attributes and playing style but with more speed.
They are often the most versatile player, being able to score in the paint as well as being able to shoot from midrange. It will be more effective if they’re able to land a three-point consistently.
Defensively, they are required to have the strength to guard bigger players close to the basket.
Notable Power Forwards: Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, Paul Millsap
Basketball Drills For Power Forwards and Centers:
Crab dribbling drill
Classic finishing drill
Post Feed, Fade-Away drill
Click here for more information and details of the above drills.
3. Small Forward
The Small Forward is usually the shorter of the two forwards on the team but plays the most versatile role out of the main five positions.
He must have enough height and the ability to play on the inside as well as agility to play on the outside, similar to a shooting guard. Small Forwards are usually the second or third best shooters on the team and should be able to do a little bit of everything on the court.
Developing a Small Forward’s skills:
Ball Handling
Shooting
Passing
Creating Space
Post Up game
Defense
Pick & Roll defense
Dribble moves
Finishing
Setting screens
Notable Small Forwards: Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard
4. Shooting Guard
Potentially the shortest player on the team, the Shooting Guard is the team’s best outside shooter. Besides being able to shoot well, the Shooting Guard needs to be good at dribbling fast, passing and having court vision by seeing the court.
He is also responsible for driving the ball down the court and setting up offensive plays.
A good Shooting Guard will be a threat to his opponent as he’s able to score from anywhere on the court.
7 habits of successful shooting guards:
Know where you are best
Get good at the opposite
Fast food theory
Master the mid-range
Learn how to read space
Learn to score without dribbling
Simplify your shot
Notable Shooting Guards: James Harden, Klay Thompson, Bradley Beal
5. Point Guard
The Point Guard is usually the shortest but the best ball handler on the team. Also known as the ‘coach on the floor’ or the ‘floor general’, a point guard is responsible for directing plays.
He needs to have good court vision to create open shots for the receivers as well as drive the ball down the court and initiate offensive plays.
Point Guards need to have an excellent long-distance shooting, though it’s not quite as crucial as for shooting guards, some point guards take as many shots as shooting guards.
The 6-week Point Guard workout:
Monday: Upper Body Lift No. 1 and Conditioning
Tuesday: Agilities and Lower Body Lift No. 1
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Upper Body Lift No. 2 and Conditioning
Friday: Agilities and Lower Body Lift No. 2
Notable Point Guards: Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul
To receive the latest updates on the happenings in the Singapore sports scene, or to find out more about some of the latest programmes on offer at ActiveSG, like our Facebook page here.
Are you a parent looking to have your child pick up the sport of basketball? Whether to give your child an introduction to this fun team sport or raising his/her skill level up a notch, the ActiveSG Basketball Academy is designed to do just that.
Our qualified coaches from the top level of the game in Singapore will give your child a sound grounding in the fundamentals. While more advanced players can look forward to a pathway to expand their game. To find out more details or to register, visit this link here.
Basic positions of players in the basketball team
Basketball is a team sport in which everything depends on the unique abilities of each of the team members. And while the players on today's basketball teams are multifunctional and can substitute for each other to a greater or lesser extent, each of them has a role to play.
In this article, we'll talk about the five traditional roles in basketball without which no game will take place. Why know this? To understand how the team is initially built and, accordingly, how the game itself works.
Knowing your position in the team, you will be able to successfully lead your team to victory! For fans, this knowledge will help to better analyze the course of the game and assess the complexity of each movement on the field.
So, here are the roles that will be discussed:
point guard
Attacking defender
small forward
Power forward
Center
The point guard is usually the shortest player on the team, but has highly developed ball handling skills and a high basketball IQ. Such players are usually responsible for dribbling the ball around the field. They are behind the fact that the attack was built taking into account the weaknesses and strengths of the enemy. It is no coincidence that the point guard is often referred to as the outfield general or coach on the court.
On defense, these players are responsible for holding back the other team's point guard, and their ability to analyze, predict, and disrupt the opponent's strategy is critical to the outcome of the game. Therefore, it is important that the rest of the team listens to the point guard's recommendations, and that he himself is good at communicating with others.
Attacker is the position of a player interchangeable with the point guard role as their roles are similar. However, unlike the point guard, who focuses more on building up the attack, the offensive player's goal is to score from anywhere on the court. Because of this, many offensive tactics are centered around defender throws.
This position is more focused on the offensive, and such a player implements defensive tactics around the weakest member of the opposing team. Attackers may also assist the point guard in ball play if the point guard is heavily guarded.
The small forward is the most versatile player on the team both offensively and defensively. This is due to the fact that they are usually slightly smaller than the power forward and center in height and build, but have the accuracy, ball control and basketball IQ of defensemen.
These players usually play near the edges of the three-point arc, as there is relative freedom of movement and a shot can be made from there. Small forwards usually block the best player on the opposing team because they have the ability to reach and block the shot, they have the weight to push the opponent away, and they are endowed with the speed and agility of the defenders.
The power forward is usually the second tallest player on the team and plays near the free throw circle. This player is responsible for blocking the opponent; it depends on him whether the offensive will be successful. Because the power forward plays such an important role in offense, he also needs to be able to accurately shoot the ball from medium range to score if the ball is passed to him after a screen by a defender.
In addition, the power forward is often responsible for holding the ball, allowing stronger team members to advance. With defensive tactics, such players take on the protection and blocking of those opponent's shots that the center cannot reach.
The center is the tallest and heaviest player on the team, playing under the basket. Posts dominate with weight and strength, using height and jump to get the ball over the heads of shorter players. Such players also block the opponent near the edge of the field to give space for a defender or small forward to shoot.
Traditionally, centers have not been able to shoot with high accuracy, but today everything is different: centers at least know how to make medium-range shots, and some are capable of three-point shots. Such centers are called "stretch 5".
Do you remember all the roles? Try to put them into practice: while watching the game or honing your own skills on the court!
Positions in basketball, their meanings and placement on the playing field
Basketball has always been and will always be a team sport. Such a game depends on the uniqueness and abilities of each. Despite the fact that modern teams are distinguished by the multifunctionality of each of their members and are able to replace each other to some extent, each of them has its own position in basketball and its significance. The amateur sport of this sport has five roles, and the professional one has ten. Therefore, if you plan to start playing, then it is simply necessary to get acquainted with the basic description of the roles of the players.
The versatility of sport predetermines its success. Such athletes bring a lot of benefits to the team as a whole than players with a narrow specialization. But it is important for a coach to understand that everyone has their own strengths that need to be used and developed.
How many people are playing?
There are only five positions of players in basketball. They are also called field. Usually, two teams must enter the court. The rest are considered as reserve players (no more than seven people for one team). There are twelve athletes in total in a game, substitutions during the last one are not limited. In order for the main participant to become a substitute, the second must be invited by the judge.
What are the roles of the players?
The game is considered to be a team game - here each participant is equally invested in the result, which will be the result. In other words, thanks to the formation in basketball on the court, everyone has their own role, according to which tasks are determined.
At the moment there are no rules in force that would describe exactly the presence of all roles, the location of each player and with whom he must play. All information is conditional, therefore, the coach decides which tactics and arrangement to choose, depending on the team performers and the opponent. However, there are a few basic positions that are most commonly seen at the present time.
Point guard
"PG position" in basketball refers to the shortest player with the highest ball handling and IQ in the sport. The task of such a participant is to be responsible throughout the entire gameplay for dribbling the ball across the field. He also needs to be careful to build an attack, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of the enemy. At the time of defense, the first number bears a certain responsibility - it holds back the point guard of the second team. All this thanks to the ability to analyze and prevent the implementation of the strategic plan of the enemy.
It is no coincidence that PG in basketball is called the general of the playing field. In many ways, it is he who determines the outcome of the entire game, so it is important that the team listens. Yes, and the first number should be able to communicate well with others.
His characteristic features are expressed in:
free possession of the ball;
high speed;
dexterity in working with the ring;
good jumping ability.
Earlier, when the game was still not so developed, the declarer performed combinations only at the beginning of the attack.
Shooting guard
The role of the attacking or Shooting Guard in basketball is very similar to the previous one. The roles are interchangeable. But in the first case, the participant should not be engaged in building attacking strategies. His main goal is to score from anywhere on the playing court. This allows every offensive tactic to focus on the defender's roll. A basketball player in this role is always popular, as he is often the most capable player in the league or the leader of his team. It is thanks to him that the audience enjoys exciting moments. Such participants in basketball are also called scorers, as they bring points well for the whole team and work for defense.
Usually this basketball player is focused on the offensive, but if defense is required, he carries it out near the weakest of the opponents or helps the point guard.
The basketball player is strong in:
maximum hit accuracy. This is what most often leads to the victory of the entire squad.
feed rate;
dribbling;
navigation.
Light forward
The role has another name - the third number. The main goal of Small Forward in basketball is to score points. Compared to defenders, attacking players are taller, which means they block the shot better. The third numbers can boast of a good hit in the ring from almost every distance. The area on the court where they play is called the three-point arc. The small forward is able to block one of the best players of the second team, as he easily reaches out and does not allow the opponent to make a throw. In addition, its weight allows you to push away a member of the opposite composition. They also differ in agility and speed.
Power Forward
The second tallest member of the team plays the role of Power Forward in modern basketball. He usually plays around the free throw circle. The main goal of the fourth number is the successful blocking of an incoming opponent. So he does not allow the latter to successfully attack. The power forward is also strong offensively, as he accurately hits the ball into the basket from medium distance when it is passed by the defender. In defense, he must be able to block an opponent's shot, which is difficult for the center to reach.
We also recommend reading: How useful is basketball for adults?
The basketball offensive player must also hold the ball so that the stronger ones can push forward.
Distinctive features are expressed in:
the ability to block any throws and passes;
making throws from a certain distance;
holding a basketball.
Center
The player of this basketball role plays on the field under the hoop. If you look at all the participants, you will definitely not confuse him with anyone - he will be the tallest. Also, such an athlete has athletic data and high mobility.
In the classic version, the fifth number in basketball could not boast of good throw accuracy, but now a lot has changed. Now he is able to shoot accurately from medium range with ease, and even score a three-pointer, which is why the second name of the center is “stretch 5”.
We also recommend reading: "Learning to shoot a three-pointer."
At the end of the game, a certain strategy is usually used - it is necessary to foul on number 5 so that he misses from a free kick.
The ball must then go to the opponent. Such a strategy in basketball is directed against the spreaders. The idea of its origin arose as an option to resist the legend of this sport named Shaquille O'Neal. This leader under the basket was considered almost as useless as a free-throw basketball player.
In general, number fives are considered valuable shots for any sports club. But usually basketball players with such a set of skills and abilities come across very rarely.
What indicators do positions depend on?
There are certain parameters that help distribute the roles in basketball. The position directly depends on the following indicators:
Physical data. We are talking about height, weight and length of arms / legs.
Technical development. Here the strength and height of the jump is important, as well as the speed and ability to attack / defend.
Tactical literacy is the ability of an athlete to see the game process.
Some basketball players, due to their own individual indicators and skills, are able to perform not one, but several functions on the field at once. They are considered to be a valuable asset for a coach.
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.
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.
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. 
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.
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.
Each position has a different responsibility on the court, and the best basketball teams feature phenomenal chemistry between each position.
Without a capable and skilled point guard, a team’s offense will often look lost or disjointed. 
They’re also expected to fight for rebounds as they’re usually taller physically. 
Also known as the ‘coach on the floor’ or the ‘floor general’, a point guard is responsible for directing plays. 
And while the players on today's basketball teams are multifunctional and can substitute for each other to a greater or lesser extent, each of them has a role to play. 
Such players are usually responsible for dribbling the ball around the field. They are behind the fact that the attack was built taking into account the weaknesses and strengths of the enemy. It is no coincidence that the point guard is often referred to as the outfield general or coach on the court. 
This player is responsible for blocking the opponent; it depends on him whether the offensive will be successful. Because the power forward plays such an important role in offense, he also needs to be able to accurately shoot the ball from medium range to score if the ball is passed to him after a screen by a defender. 
Such centers are called "stretch 5". 
But it is important for a coach to understand that everyone has their own strengths that need to be used and developed. 
All information is conditional, therefore, the coach decides which tactics and arrangement to choose, depending on the team performers and the opponent. However, there are a few basic positions that are most commonly seen at the present time. 
Yes, and the first number should be able to communicate well with others. 
Such participants in basketball are also called scorers, as they bring points well for the whole team and work for defense. 
In addition, its weight allows you to push away a member of the opposite composition. They also differ in agility and speed. 
This leader under the basket was considered almost as useless as a free-throw basketball player. 
