Basketball Positions

Back court (guards)



Point guard
The point guard, also known as the "1", is the team's floor general and the best ball handler on the team. In football terminology, the point guard is a basketball team's "quarterback." The point guard is essentially the team's captain, and his/her job is to make his/her teammates better and to hand out assists. Prime examples are Tony Parker, Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash,John Stockton, Chauncey Billups, and Deron Williams. Examples of players earlier in the league's history are Oscar Robertson, Bob Cousy and Gail Goodrich. Thee point guard is typically the smallest player on his/her squad. At the NBA/WNBA level, most point guards are 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) to 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m). Of course there are a few exceptions. Examples include Earvin "Magic" Johnson of the Lakers is the NBA's tallest point guard ever to play the position, standing at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m). Many rookies start their NBA careers as point guards and then transition to other roles later. LeBron James (6'8) and Dwyane Wade (6'4) were both point guards in their rookie seasons, and though transitioned, still occasionally play point guard.

Shooting guard
The shooting guard, also known as the "2", is usually the team's best shooter. The shooting guard can also be the team captain as well. A quality shooting guard should be able to consistently hit 20-foot (6-meter) jump shots. Besides being able to shoot the ball, shooting guards must also have good ball-handling skills because they have to be able to create their own shots off the dribble. Finally, they should also be able to make good passes. The shooting guard needs to be able to take long-shots, around the three-point line. This is because there will be much tighter defense inside the key; thus, the shooting guard needs to learn how to get free for his shots. Typical NBA shooting guards are 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) to 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). However, there are exceptions. For instance; Allen Iverson is only 6 feet (1.83 m) tall.
Kobe Bryant is arguably the NBA's current top shooting guard along with Dwyane Wade and Tracy McGrady. Brandon Roy and Andre Iguodala are both rising shooting guards in the NBA. Iguodala and McGrady are large enough that they also play in the small forward position. Perhaps the best example from NBA history is Michael Jordan. Other examples may be Richard Hamilton, Ray Allen, Jason Richardson, Joe Johnson, Ben Gordon and Vince Carter.

Frontcourt (forwards)

Small forward
The small forward, also known as the "3", is typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers. Thus, in the NBA, small forwards range from 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) to 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m). The small forward position is considered to be perhaps the most versatile of the main five basketball positions, due to the nature of its role, which is sometimes similar to that of a power forward, and other times more resembles the role of a shooting guard. The small forward and shooting guard positions are often interchangeable.
Small forwards have a variety of weapons, such as quickness and strength inside. One common thread between all kinds of small forwards is an ability to "get to the line"; that is, have opposing players be called for committing shooting fouls against them, as fouls are frequently called on the defense when offensive players "take the ball hard" to the basket, that is, aggressively attempt post-up plays, lay-ups, or slam dunks. Therefore, accurate foul shooting is an imperative skill for small forwards, many of whom record a large portion of their points from the foul line. Small forwards should be able to do a little bit of everything on the court. Examples include Paul Pierce, LeBron James, Hedo Turkoglu, Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen and Carmelo Anthony.


Power forward
Also known as the "4" position and abbreviated as "PF", the power forward plays a role similar to that of the center, down in the "post" or "low blocks". On offense, he can "post up", playing with his back to the basket, or set up for mid-range jump shots. On defense, he plays under the basket in a zone defense or against the opposing power forward in man-to-man defense. Typical NBA power forwards are 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) to 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m) tall, though some power forwards, like the 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) Charles Barkley, have compensated for a lack of height with exceptional bulk and strength. The greatest power forwards of all time include Bob Pettit, Tim Duncan, Karl Malone, and Kevin Garnett. Popular All-Star power forwards today include the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki, the Utah Jazz's Carlos Boozer, the Phoenix Suns' Amar'e Stoudemire, the Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, Toronto Raptors' Chris Bosh, and the New Orleans Hornets' David West. It is very rare to find 3 point shooting power forwards but Peja Stojakovic of the New Orleans Hornets, Rashard Lewis of the Orlando Magic and Andrea Bargnani of the Toronto Raptors specilaze in the area.

Center
The center, also referred to as the "5" or the "pivot", usually plays near the baseline, close to the basket (referred to as the "bottom of the key" or the "low post"). The tallest player is most likely to be assigned to the position of center, with typical NBA centers being about 7 feet (2.13 m) in height, though Chuck Hayes filled this role at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m), and NBA Hall of Famer Wes Unseld filled this role while being 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). Few are much taller, like 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) Yao Ming. The center usually scores "down low, in the paint" (near the basket, in the key). Centers contribute to the team by using their physique and skill to score close to the basket, as well as both gather rebounds and "set the pick" in pick and roll plays. Some centers can be good perimeter shooters, which can draw a good rebounding and shot-blocking center away from the basket.
Kendrick Perkins of the Boston Celtics, Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets, Shaquille O'Neal of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies, Greg Oden of the Portland Trail Blazers, Andrew Bynum of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic are examples of current centers in the NBA. Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, Hakeem Olajuwon and George Mikan are considered all-time greats at the center position.

Basketball Games Definition

Basketball - game: Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by propelling a ball through a 10 feet (3 m) high hoop (the goal) under organized rules. Basketball is one of the most popular and widely viewed sports in the world. Points are scored by shooting the ball through the basket from above; the team with more points at the end of the game wins. The ball can be advanced on the court by bouncing it (dribbling) or passing it between teammates. Disruptive physical contact (fouls) is not permitted and there are restrictions on how the ball can be handled (violations). Through time, basketball has developed to involve common techniques of shooting, passing and dribbling, as well as players' positions, and offensive and defensive structures. Typically, the tallest members of a team will play center while often the best ball handlers are guards. While competitive basketball is carefully regulated, numerous variations of basketball have developed for casual play. In some countries, basketball is also a popular spectator sport. While competitive basketball is primarily an indoor sport, played on a basketball court, less regulated variations have become exceedingly popular as an outdoor sport among both inner city and rural groups.

How To Shoot Basketball Hoops

Overview

The most fundamental skill in basketball is being able to shoot the ball properly. Basketball uses simple mechanics to give the ball proper spin and arc as it travels toward the hoop. Many people wrongly assume that shooting a basketball is done with your arms, but most of the power is derived from the legs and wrist. The arms provide direction more than strength.

Step 1

Hold a basketball with both hands. Your dominant hand should be used as your shooting hand and should be placed directly behind the ball with your palm facing the hoop. This will be the hand that projects the ball toward the hoop. Your other hand will be placed alongside the ball as a guide. When you shoot, this hand will not move.

Step 2

Square your feet with the hoop and have them shoulder-width apart. Your body will naturally want to shoot in the direction your feet are pointed, so pointing them toward the hoop will make it more likely that your shot will travel straight.

Step 3

Bend your knees. Your knees are where the power of your shot comes from, and jumping can also give you some extra height over the outstretched arms of defenders.

Step 4

Hold the ball in front of your chest. Begin your shooting motion by raising the ball in front of and above your head and jumping. Your arms should be traveling up at about a 75-degree angle relative to the ground. This will help give your shot good arc--your wrist motion will propel the ball toward the hoop.

Step 5

Fully extend your arm as you reach the height of your jump. As the arm reaches full extension, roll the basketball off your fingertips by flicking your wrist. Hold this pose as you return to the ground and watch the ball travel toward the hoop. This will ensure proper follow-through on your form.

First Tips To Become Proffesional Player

Hello Friends!


I hope you are practicing very hard in order to become the best basketball player you can possibly be. As long as you have dedication, intensity, and confidence, there is nothing that can stop you! The right combination of skills, basketball tips, training, and equipment will also help you achieve your goal of domination...



BASKETBALL TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR GAME

IN THIS ISSUE

==> Improving Your First Step

==> The Zig Zag Drill for Lateral Cutting Ability

==> Improving Your Ball Handling

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IMPROVING YOUR FIRST STEP

Footwork involves getting your feet to the right place at the right time. Once you have proper stance, it is your first step that will allow you to move in the right direction with proper control.

Training your first step involves direction of movement, types of steps, and maintaining positive shin angles.

-Definitions and Basketball Tips:

The Negative Step: A common mistake is to take a step backwards before moving in the correct direction.

Positive Shin Angle: A Positive Shin Angle is one that allows you to apply the proper force against the ground. To achieve this, your feet should hit slightly behind your center of gravity. This puts you in the best position to use your powerful hip extensors. A Negative Shin Angle would be one that is too far from your center of gravity, causing you to pull yourself towards your foot.

-Types of First Steps:

Open Step: For short distances and quick movements, your lead foot will step out while you push off with your back foot.

Crossover Power Step: When you have to reach a great distance, this is the one to use. Your lead foot stays and your back foot crosses over it. You push off with your lead foot.

Jab Step: For quick reaction and shorter distances, your lead foot can actually move backward relative to your center of gravity, then push off with your back foot.

Drop Step: When you need to move backwards or diagonally backwards, your lead foot moves back and you push off with your back foot.

Your first step is the one that can make the move or allow the defender to anticipate your movement. Proper knowledge of your center of gravity and those defending you will help you to catch them off guard. Often a good first step is all you need to stay a step head of them and make the play. Read the basketball tips until you fully understand, it is extremely important!

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THE ZIG ZAG DRILL FOR LATERAL CUTTING ABILITY

Sure it's great to have 4.1 speed and a 40" vertical jump. However, among players with equal speed and hops, it's lateral cutting ability is what often separates the superstars from the mere journeymen. Jim Brown, Gayle Sayers, and Barry Sanders could shake free from defenders as if they had higher gear. What they had was superior lateral hip strength. You can improve your lateral hip strength dramatically with the Zig Zag Drill.

Basketball Tip: Zig-Zag Drill

Lay out two 10 yard lines of masking tape on the floor. The lines should be 24" apart. Stand on your left foot only and hop from one line to the other and back.

You should be able to do about 15 hops over the course of 10 yds. Repeat the drill off of your right foot. Now, here's where the drill gets interesting: When you've gotten used to lines 24" apart, space the lines farther apart at 36" and do the same drill. Very difficult. Try 42" apart. Super difficult!

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IMPROVING YOUR BALL CONTROL

In basketball, dribbling and controlling the ball are key aspects of the game. When defenders rush you, you have to be able to control the ball, almost as if it were part of you. Exercises like the Figure-8 Drill can help with your ball control.

The Double Figure-8 was used by Golden State's assistant coach Tom Sterner to coach Gilbert Arenas, who received the 2003 Most Improved Player Award.

Basketball Tips: Figure-8 and Double Figure-8

The Figure-8 Drill - A commonly practiced exercise. Bend your knees and rotate the ball through your knees in a figure 8. You do this by rotating the ball around your right leg with your right hand, passing it to your left hand, then rotating the ball around your left lsg. Make sure you can do it both ways, and speed up as you get better. The ball should never touch the ground.

The Double Figure-8 Drill - Now with a partner facing you, do a figure 8, then pass it to your partner, who does a figure 8 and passes it back. You should pass to the same hand, so your right will pass to his right. Switch sides and continue to speed up as you get better. The ball should never touch the ground.

Basketball Tips:

1. Try not to look down while you are doing your figure 8. Using your peripheral vision and using the muscle memory in your hands will help you improve your handles.

2. Use a 3 lb. Heavy Basketball to improve your strength! This drill will strengthen your arms and hands for better dribbling and control. Once you use the 3 lb. Heavyball, a regular basketball (1.3 lbs) will feel light and easy to handle.

Make sure to follow these two basketball tips above to get the most from your drills.