At any one time during a game, there are five different players on the court in five different and unique positions. The positions are determined by a player’s height, weight, and special abilities. Those are only a few of the criteria that go towards deciding what position is right for a player. No one position is more important than the other as all five positions form a well oiled machine if they have the proper players in them that understand their functions. All five positions when working together in unison become an impressive thing to watch.
Center is where you will find some of the largest players in the game. This position is designed for the tall, larger people that can become an annoying presence around the basket and cause troubles where they need to set up shop. Usually this location is centered around the basket area, and not often very far away from it. It gives the other four players a target for a pass, or gives them a hope for rebounds on missed shots. Having a shorter person there might cause unnecessary turnovers and is why the taller people get the nod here.
The next position is one that is split into two positions, the first of which contains a player in similar stature to the center, being the second biggest person in the team and that shares some of the same responsibilities. This position is power forward. It serves to shore up rebounds, but occasionally play a little farther away from the net to ensure that mid range rebounds and shots are tended to.
The other type of forward, small forward is one that is typically more of a scoring type. Players in this position tend to be all around scorers. They have the ability to go up and get rebounds converted into points, and they have the abilities to dribble the ball around and go farther out for potential three point shots. These players are essential especially when either the net is too crowded, or certain players are well defended. They are very flexible and are frequently out in the open as an option for whoever has the ball.
The next position that is split into two different types is the guard. Point guard is the first type of guard and serves a very similar role to that of the small forward. Occasionally the same player will play both positions over the course of a game as they are very similar in their purpose. Shooting guards are not expected to rebound near as often as a small forward is, but is expected to have the ability to do so if the situation calls for it.
Point guard is the other guard position and is often considered one of the most important and crucial positions in the game. Point guards are the brains behind the team machine; they are responsible for offensive play calling, and ball distribution. They must have the ability to transition from offense to defence rapidly, and often are called upon to do so at a moment’s notice. While they may be the smallest players on the team, they are definitely no less important.
All of these players come together to form a basketball team. While some teams will vary on size, and skill, the above listed positions are the barebones and regular requirements of a team along with their functions.
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