Players Position

Each basketball team has a squad of 10 players to choose from, with a maximum of five allowed

on the court at any one time. There are five main basketball positions on the court, with each

player responsible for both trying to score and preventing the opposition scoring. But each player

will be better at a particular skill whether it be shooting, playmaking or defending.

The main basketball positions are as follows:

Point guard

The guards are usually the smallest players in the team and play most of their game away from

the basket in both offensive and defensive situations. The point guard will be an excellent ball-

handler and essentially the ‘playmaker’ running most of the side’s attacking plays. They are also

known as the ‘lead guard’ or ‘one guard’.

Shooting guard

This player is a skilled long-range shooter, and shares duties in attack and defense with the point

guard, but can also play in tandem with the ‘small forward’ in a wide offensive role. They are

often referred to as the ‘two guard’ or the ‘off guard’.

Small forward

Usually the more agile of the two forwards, many attacking moves originate from this position.

A vital skill in the locker should be the ability to score with medium-range shot, but the small

forward will also be expected to get his fair share of rebounds as well as covering defensive

duties. They are also called ‘point forward’.

Power forward

The larger of the two forwards, the power forward specializes in the rebounds and defense. The

player will play on the wing like the small forward but will tend to move in towards the basket to

support the center.

Center

The center is likely to be the tallest player and will spend the majority of their time under the

basket. During an attack, the center will usually take a position under the hoop and with his back

to it, in order to receive the pass or protect a teammate in possession. The other players tend to

revolve around the center in these situations. In defense, the center will take on shot blocking and

rebound duties. They are often called the ‘big man’ or ‘post player’.

PLAYER’S POSITION IN COURT

 Players in Every Position

Position Image Name

Point Guard Stephen Curry

Shooting Guard Klay Thompson

Small Forward Lebron James

Power Forward James Johnson

Center Howard Dwight