Basketball is not just a great sport. It’s one of the most popular sports… actually. This game is not just for professionals. Even if you don’t know much about basketball, you can still play it as a form of exercise or recreation. You don’t have to know everything a professional basketball player knows. You just have to know the basics.
Similarly, if you are new to the game and want to try playing, you just need to know the basic information such as the teams used, the basic rules, and the basic basketball positions.
Basically, when playing basketball, there are two teams. And each team that plays on the court is made up of five players. Each of these players has specific positions. The coach or team captain usually assigns the positions according to the size, ability and abilities of each player. Along with the positions came different responsibilities. What are they? These are the following;
o Center – This is usually the largest player on the court who plays for each team. It is the responsibility of the centers to pose as a force near the basket. And since centers are often used to score, they’re not required to go very far from the basket. The rebound is also among the main tasks of the centers.
o Forwards: This is the next largest basketball position to center. The responsibilities of this position often vary depending on the abilities of the players on the team.
There are two types of strikers;
o Power Forwards – This position is usually filled by the second largest player on the team. Power forwards are expected to rebound and score for the team, but unlike centers, they can play away from the basket.
o Forwards: These are mostly the goalscorers and playmakers of the team. They play further from the basket. Small forward responsibilities require going down and rebounding, dribbling and shooting the ball outside. These positions need versatile players, as well as those who are sharp in the three-point perimeter.
Guards – There are also two types of guards;
o The guards: the responsibilities of these positions are similar to those of a small forward. In fact, the responsibilities of the two positions can be exchanged or carried out by the same player; either the small forward or the shooting guard. Although he isn’t expected to rebound much, the shooting guard is also focused on scoring.
o Bases: This is considered the most important position. It is because these positions require the player to run the team’s offense and distribute the ball to his teammates. As the smallest players on the court, point guards tend to be fast, great passers, and playmakers. Most point guards are also good shooters; making them almost a jack of all trades.
The information listed here is just basic information about the different basketball positions. If you need an in-depth analysis and more information on these positions, there are books available on basketball. You can study each position according to the data given in the books. Figures and drawings illustrating the executions for each position are also included in most of these books.
The Internet is also a way to find additional information and tips on the different basketball positions. Famous basketball players can also be found for each position on some websites.