Descriptions of the Different Basketball Positions

An organized basketball game is played with 5 players on each side. And each player has his own task to do during the game both on offense and on defense. Here are those:

Point Guard.

The point guard is usually (but should not necessarily) the smallest player on the floor since size is often equated to quickness and agility. The point guard brings the ball down the court and creates play for every possession. For this reason, he is referred to as the extension of the court on the floor. Other characteristics that a point guard should have are: good ball handling and dribbling skills, good passing skills, good defender, and good outside shooter. Some of the popular point guards on the NBA today are Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, and Tony Parker.

Off Guard

Off guard is also referred to as the shooting guard since he is the one who is expected to score the most. Shooting guards must know how to complete the offense, have the skill to shoot the ball from all points on the floor, know how to read his teammates movements, and know how to move without the ball being open and receive a pass. Off guards are often the most popular players on the team. Some of the most popular NBA off guards include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Reggie Miller, and Tracy McGrady.

Small Forward

Small forward or the number 3 player is often considered as the most versatile position in the game since they show quickness and must posses considerable side. Forward equates to power and small with speed and shooting ability. NBA's best small forwards are LeBron James, Grant Hill, Scottie Pippen, Shawn Marion, Tayshaun Prince, Larry Bird and Julius Erving.

Power Forward

Power forwards are often good defenders since they are expected to come up with the ball off the bounce. They possess size and power which give them the advantage to defend their territory or give picks to their point guards to make better play. The power forward position has been revolutionized recently and has been more acknowledged as an offensive threat with NBA players such Carl Malone, Ben Wallace, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk Nowitzki.

Center

A usual NBA center stands on the average of 7 feet tall, the tallest player on the team. The center defends part of the court close to the basket and is expected to come up with the ball off the rebound. NBA centers include Yao Ming, Shaquille O'Neal, and Brad Miller.