There are 5 standard basketball positions.  The positions are point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center.  The responsibilities of each player can differ from team to team, but some responsibilities are typical for each basketball team.  This article will provide a brief description.

The point guard is one of the most important basketball positions.  This person calls the plays and directs the offense.  The point guard is the main ball handler and is normally the best dribbler and passer on the team.  This person is considered a “coach on the floor”.

The shooting guard  or “off guard” is known for having similar characteristics to the point guard, but does not bring the ball up the floor.  In most cases, the shooting guard is the team’s best scorer and will take the most shots of all five basketball positions.  The best shooting guards can make outside and inside shots in addition to playing the point guard position if necessary.

The small forward is not very “small” at all. This player is taller than the shooting guard, but not as tall as the power forward.  This is a well balanced player with solid skills at shooting, passing, defending, and rebounding.  Because of this player’s versatility, a small forward can defend more than one position well.

The power forward is sometimes called the “big forward”.  This is typically the team’s most tenacious defender and rebounder. This is one of two basketball positions responsible for guarding the basket.  This player does not take many long shots.  Instead, they stay close to the basket and take a lot of layups.

The center is normally the tallest player on the court.  This is the only one of the basketball positions responsible for blocking shots.  Because of this person’s height, they also have a big rebounding responsibility as well.  This player scores a lot around the basket and shoots a lot of layups.

As you can see, a basketball team consists of 5 basketball positions: two guards, two forwards and one center. Each player has their own unique set of responsibilities.  Now that you understand all 5 positions it will be much easier to understand the action on the basketball floor.

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