The point guard is usually (but should not necessarily) the smallest player on the floor since size is often equated to quickness and agility. The point guard brings the ball down the court and creates play for every possession. For this reason, he is referred to as the extension of the court on the floor. Other characteristics that a point guard should have are: good ball handling and dribbling skills, good passing skills, good defender, and good outside shooter. Some of the popular point guards on the NBA today are Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, and Tony Parker.
Off Guard
Off guard is also referred to as the shooting guard since he is the one who is expected to score the most. Shooting guards must know how to complete the offense, have the skill to shoot the ball from all points on the floor, know how to read his teammates movements, and know how to move without the ball being open and receive a pass. Off guards are often the most popular players on the team. Some of the most popular NBA off guards include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Reggie Miller, and Tracy McGrady.
Small Forward
Small forward or the number 3 player is often considered as the most versatile position in the game since they show quickness and must posses considerable side. Forward equates to power and small with speed and shooting ability. NBA's best small forwards are LeBron James, Grant Hill, Scottie Pippen, Shawn Marion, Tayshaun Prince, Larry Bird and Julius Erving.
Power Forward
Power forwards are often good defenders since they are expected to come up with the ball off the bounce. They possess size and power which give them the advantage to defend their territory or give picks to their point guards to make better play. The power forward position has been revolutionized recently and has been more acknowledged as an offensive threat with NBA players such Carl Malone, Ben Wallace, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk Nowitzki.
Center
A usual NBA center stands on the average of 7 feet tall, the tallest player on the team. The center defends part of the court close to the basket and is expected to come up with the ball off the rebound. NBA centers include Yao Ming, Shaquille O'Neal, and Brad Miller.
Even though a team only has five players, each of these players has a specific position that they need to stay in. All of these will help the team to work together when the ball is in their court, or to defend the game by being on the opposing team's side. In order to make sure that everyone has an equal chance to play, you will want to have everyone in the proper position and ready to go with their responsibility as a team member.
On each of the teams of five players, you will have everyone in a position that will help to both defend the other team from making baskets as well as help your team keep the ball. The first is the point guard, which will control the ball and make sure it stays in one side of the court. Usually, a point guard will be seen further back on the court than the other players. The second is a shooting guard, which will focus on making the baskets for the team from the possible distance shots that are available.
From here, the positions that are on the team will move inwards. The first of these is a small forward which is responsible for scoring points that are closer to the basket. Defensively, the small forward will be the one that gets up closer to the members in order to steal the ball from the team. The power forward is the second position that is closer to the basket and will usually be seen waiting right under the basket in order to protect the team from taking the ball and to make closer shots. In the middle of all of this, you will have the center. This particular position is used as a connection between the outer positions and inner positions, which helps to guard the ball and shoot.
When all of these positions in a team work together, they have the ability to maneuver the ball both offensively and defensively to the position that they want. This will allow them to build strategies that are best for their team to win. By making sure everyone understands their role and positioning in the game, you can be certain to create a dynamic set of players for the right amount of teamwork.
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