Basketball Positions: Power Forward, Point Guard, Shooting Guard & Small Forward

Basketball

basketball positions

Basketball Positions: Basketball is a fascinating game where there are two teams with each team having five players. The players win points by shooting the ball inside the opponent’s hoop. At the same time, they try to prevent their opposing teams from putting the ball into their own hoop. The players can score either two points or three points depending on the position in which they put the ball. The team which attain the maximum number of points wins the game. The most important organisation which is involved in the administration of various international basketball events is the International Basketball Association which is popularly known as FIBA. But the most

The most important advantage of basketball is that it can be played both indoor and outdoor. It is also played as a part of the Olympic and Paralympics games.

To become well-versed in this game, one should know the basketball positions thoroughly. It is easy to comprehend the positions compared to any other games. The various basketball positions are:

  • Centre
  • Small Forward
  • Power Forward
  • Point Guard
  • Shooting Guard

# Centre

The centre is termed as the pivot as they occupy the most important position in the team. The player, who is the tallest and the strongest in the team, plays in this position. The centre will be occupying the position close to the basket.  These players play in both defensive and offensive side. On the offensive side, their goal is mainly to open for a pass and to shoot. They are majorly involved in blocking the defenders and passing the ball to help their teammates to secure the goals. The centre should also have capabilities to make hook shots, quick jump shots etc. Defensively, their main responsibility is to block the opponent’s shots and get more rebounds.

Players such as Marc Gasol, DeAndre Jordan, Joakim Noah, and Hassan Whiteside all come to mind as the top centres in the NBA today. So do the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns, Brook Lopez, DeMarcus Cousins, and Al Horford.

 

# Small Forward

Small Forward

This Basketball position is also termed as the three. They are considered to be the most flexible of all the positions. They are generally the shorter of the two forwards. They should have good skills for accurate foul shooting and shooting from the long-range. They should be quick in their moves. Though they play both offensive and defensive, their role in the defensive assumes more importance. Sometimes, they play like the centres and the guards. They are also the second or third best shooters on the team.

Players such as LeBron James, Kwahi Leonard, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler and Luka Donic all come to mind as the top small forwards in the NBA today.

 

# Power Forward

GIANNIS

They are generally the second tallest player.  They are commonly known as four. Apart from playing under the hoop, they also operate in the wings and the corner areas. They must be an effective rebounder and an effective inside shooter.  Power Forward should be strong and they should have a good experience in basketball. They should also have the capability to shoot from farther distances than the centre.

Players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Draymond Green, Jayson Tatum, and Blake Griffin all come to mind as the top power forwards in the NBA today.

 

# Point Guard

kyrie-irving-nets

The player who is selected as a point guard should be the best to handle the ball and the pass as he takes care of the ball the maximum in the team. He is the person who initiates the offensive plays. We can also select the shortest player in the team as the point guard as their main work is to use their intelligence and helps in the coordination of the team members. Hence they consider as the floor general. It will be good if they have a good long-distance shooting. Sometimes, they handle as many shots as shooting guards.

Players such as Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, James Harden and John wall all come to mind as the top point guards in the NBA today.

 

# Shooting Guards

He is the shortest player on the team. He should have the capacity to dribble fast and pass. He should also have a perfect court vision. He also takes most shots. Compared to the point guards, shooting guards are taller. They are the good shooters from the three-point range.

Players such as Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, Victor Oladipo and Jrue Holiday all come to mind as the top point guards in the NBA today.

 

How to Play the Basketball Game?

Basketball

The game begins when the ball is thrown into the air by the referee. One of the players from any of the team grabs it and passes it to his team member. Now, the ball is dribbled and passed among the teammates to protect the ball until the goal is made. Both the teams try to protect the ball and make a goal into the hoop of the opponent team.  Each team tries to snatch the ball from the other team and try to stop them from scoring the goal.

If one of the teams commits a foul, the other team gets an opportunity for a free throw. The teams will get one point for the free throw and two points for the goal. The team with the highest number of points will win the game. The team can also ask for substitutes.

In the international games, there will be four games each with 10 minutes period. In case of a tie, there will be an extra-play of 5 minutes. There will be a break of 2 minutes after the first period and the third period. There will be a break of 15 minutes after the second period.

The player who was playing in the last will resume once the break is over. Two things are allowed even after the time-lapse. If the foul is committed a moment before the time-lapse, a free throw is allowed.  The goal is still given if the ball is thrown before the time-lapse and it is fallen into the hoop on after the time-lapse.

 

Also Check: Basketball Rules, types of equipment and Positions

 

In professional basketball games, the following rules are observed.

  • The ball should not be handled by any player while it is passing through the hoop.
  • One player should not obstruct the opponent player if he is trying to pass the ball or secure a goal but he can make a short contact with him.
  • Those players who are making more than 5 fouls are eliminated from the game.
  • The players are not allowed to carry the ball with them and walk or run.
  • No one is allowed to throw the ball before the game begins.
  • Players holding the ball in the restricted area of the opposing team for more than seconds.
  • If the player is encircled by the members of the rival team within the one-metre radius, he should pass the ball after 5 seconds.
  • Coaches around the league will be given one challenge per game to utilize when they disagree with a call from an official.
  • Coaches around the league will be given one challenge per game to utilize when they disagree with a call from an official.

  • Coaches must call a timeout to use the challenge, and they only get one throughout the contest regardless of the final ruling. If the challenge is won, the team that initiated the review receives its timeout back.

  • The challenge can only be made for three different plays: when the challenging team’s player is called for a foul, on an out-of-bounds decision or on a goaltending/basket interference ruling against the challenging team.

These Basketball rules seem to be simple but the game is challenging to play. Take the basketball and have an awesome game.

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