Also Called PG, The 1
The player who usually brings the ball up the floor and starts the offense. Point guards need strong ball handling, passing and decision-making.
Related Combo Guard · Assist-to-Turnover Ratio · Pick and Roll
ScoutIQ / Glossary / Basketball / Positions
Basketball Positions
Modern teams blur these lines, but the names still tell you what a player is asked to do.
Also Called SG, The 2
A guard whose main job is scoring, often by shooting from the perimeter and coming off screens. Shooting guards usually guard the other team's best perimeter scorer too.
Related Combo Guard · Wing · Off Screen
Also Called SF, The 3
A versatile player who can score from outside and inside and defend several positions. Small forwards are often a team's most flexible players.
Related Wing · Power Forward
Also Called PF, The 4
A frontcourt player who rebounds, defends near the basket and scores inside or from mid-range. Many modern power forwards also shoot threes.
Related Stretch Four · Center
Also Called C, The 5, Big
Usually the tallest player on the floor. Centers protect the rim, rebound and score close to the basket, and they set a lot of screens.
Related Post Up · Hook Shot · Drop Coverage
A guard who can handle the ball like a point guard and score like a shooting guard. Combo guards give a coach flexibility in the backcourt.
Related Point Guard · Shooting Guard
A player who works on the sides of the floor, usually a shooting guard or small forward. Wings are expected to shoot, drive and guard several positions.
Related Shooting Guard · Small Forward · Corner 3
Also Called Stretch Big, Stretch 4
A power forward who can shoot from three. That pulls a big defender away from the basket and opens space for drives.
Related Power Forward · Pick and Pop