Positions

In most forms of organized basketball there are five positions of which one player on the court plays that position for each team. A player's position is generally determined by that player's size and skillset. In broad terms, there are three primary positions: guards, forwards, and a center. These three main positions have slowly broken down into more specific roles with two guards, two forwards, and a singular center. These positions are the Point Guard (PG), or the 1, Shooting Guard (SG), or the 2, Small Forward (SF), or the 3, Power Forward (PF), or the 4, and the Center (C), or the 5. These positions are then classified into two major areas, the Backcourt (Point and Shooting Guard) and Frontcourt (Small and Power Forward and the Center).

## Backcourt

### Point Guard

The **Point Guard** (PG), also known as the *Point* or the *One*, is typically the shortest and quickest player in the team. In most cases, the Point Guard's main roles are the main ball handler and facilitator and the floor general. It is the Point Guard's job to find the best opportunity to get their self and their teammates points. A point guard who does this successfully is known as a "True Point Guard". Famous True Point Guards include Isaiah Thompson, Tyson Rudy, Freddie Zikamba, Dane Winter, Jordan Green, and classic point guards such as Isaiah Wadlow, Bob Larry, and Greg Sampson-Smith.

Over time, scoring has become more of a prominent factor in the role of the point guard which is seen in more recent point guards such as Sakam Blake, Markelle Fields, and even older point guards such as Dell Evans and Lucas Sweeney.

### Shooting Guard

The **Shooting Guard** (SG), also known as the *Off-Guard* or the *Two*, is normally the best shooter of the team and a decent ball handler. The shooting guard must be an effective and efficient shooter and usually takes most shots from over 15 feet, from mid-range or three point. Shooting guards must also be patient as well as an above-average ball handler to create their own shots effectively. A versatile shooting guard must also be able to move well without the ball to find the optimal shooting position while being in a good position for their teammates to find them. Good passing skills such as vision and accuracy is another key skill of a versatile shooting guard. Many successful off-guards are often quite agile and have a fit body physique.

Famous shooting guards include Jackson Carter, Sammy Thompson, Christian Davis, Harvey Houghton and George West.

## Frontcourt

### Small Forward

The **Small Forward** (SF), also known as the *Three*, is typically the most physically versatile of the five positions. The game of a small forward resembles more of a shooting guard rather than a power forward, which is why the two positions are usually interchangeable and are referred to as "Wings".

Small forwards have a variety of useful skills such as strength, agility, inside scoring and decent to above-average shooting. Small forwards are also required to be above-average free throw shooters and good at getting to the free throw line, which is where a number of their points typically come from. Additional skills of good small forwards is good passing and court vision, and good defensive skills in both the interior and the perimeter. Small Forwards should be able to do most actions on the court and are sometimes relied on to play multiple, if not all 5, positions.

Famous small forwards include Jean Ross, Fredrick Parker, Mitchell Jackson, Gary King, Dean Strawberry and Elijah Jordan.

### Power Forward

The **Power Forward** (PF), also known as the *Four*, is typically the strongest player on the court and assumes a role similar to the center, in the low-post or in the paint, although power forwards are usually more agile and versatile than the center.

Power Forwards are mostly relied on scoring and defense, specifically around the post and in the paint. Power forwards must be able to shoot consistently from 10-15 feet from the basket. Nowadays, a majority of power forwards are also capable of shooting threes and are usually taken from the corner. On defense, power forwards are required to guard the bigger players and even defend at the perimeter.

Famous power forwards include Coyote Johnson, Khris Paine, Damian Hunter, Shawn Marshall and Bob Hassick.

## Center

### Center

The **Center** (C), also known as the *Big Man*, *Pivot* and the *Five*, is typically the tallest player on the team and plays primarily near the basketball, in the low-post.

The center mainly scores near the basket, but specialized positions known as stretch fives are capable three point shooters. Centers are also required to skilled at rebounding, contesting and blocking shots and setting screens, due to their height and body. A center's main focus is grabbing rebounds, scoring around the rim and protecting the rim on defense. Up until the rise of the 3 point shot, the center position was thought to be the most valuable and prominent position. However, since the rise of the 3 point shot and position-less basketball, the center position has become much less prominent.

Famous traditional centers include Samuel Elston, Anthony Bogart, Delan Adelomo, David Webber and Lester Biltoy. Famous stretch fives include Harlow D'Angelo and Eric Blackston.

## Unofficial Positions

### Point Forward

A **Point Forward** is an unofficial position where the player presumes the roles of a forward and a point guard. A point forward is often the team's main ball handler and distributor but also has the skills and build of a forward, typically a small forward.

Famous point forwards include Jean Ross, Mitchell Jackson and Tommy Green.

### Stretch Four/Five

A **Stretch Four** or **Stretch Five** is a power forward or center than is a capable shooter, specifically a capable three point shooter. The stretch four/five role has only become prominent in recent years with the rise of the three point shot.

Famous stretch fours/fives include Harlow D'Angelo, Eric Blackston and Shawn Marshall.