Basketball Players’ Positions

1. Center- the center is the tallest player on each team, playing near the basket. On offense,
the center tries to score on close shots and rebounds. But on defense, the center tries to
block opponents’ shots and rebound their misses. Notable NBA centers include Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, and DeMarcus Cousins. Notable
WNBA centers include Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, Yolanda Griffith, and Lusia
Harris.
2. Power Forward- the power forward does many of the things a center does, playing near
the basket while rebounding and defending taller players. But power forwards also take
longer shots than centers. Notable NBA power forwards include Tim Duncan, Dennis
Rodman, Kevin Garnett, and Charles Barkley. Notable WNBA power forwards include
Breanna Stewart, Nneka Ogwumike, and A’Ja Wilson.
3. Small Forward- the small forward plays against small and large players. They roam all
over on the court. Small forwards can score from long shots and close ones. Notable
NBA small forwards include LeBron James, Scottie Pippen, Larry Bird, Kevin Durant,
and Kawhi Leonard. Notable WNBA small forwards include Elena Delle Donne, Maya
Moore, Allie Quigley, and Tamika Catchings.
4. Point Guard- the point guard runs the offense and usually is the team’s best dribbler
and passer. The point guard defends the opponent’s point guard and tries to steal the
ball. Notable NBA point guards include Stephen Curry, Magic Johnson, Chris Paul, and
Steve Nash. Notable WNBA point guards include Sue Bird, Becky Hammon, Ticha
Penicheiro, and Dawn Staley.
5. Shooting Guard- the shooting guard is usually the team’s best shooter. The shooting
guard can make shots from long distance and is a good dribbler. Notable NBA shooting
guards include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, James Harden, and Klay Thompson.
Notable WNBA shooting guards include Cynthia Cooper, Cappie Pondexter, and Diana
Taurasi.
Basketball Hybrid Positions
• Point forward: This position is typically a small forward who serves as a point guard.
They’ll need the ability to perform small forward, as well as the duty of starting the
attack.
• Combo guard: This player can play both point guard and shooting guard. They’ll need
to be able to handle the ball well and shoot accurately. George Hill of the Milwaukee
Bucks is a great example of a combo guard.
• Swingman: This player can play shooting guard and small forward. They’re not
overmatched at any position since they are taller than a standard shooting guard.
• Stretch 4: This position is a power forward who can shoot from outside the 3-point line.