ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE
COLLEGE
Tagudin
Campus
MODUL
POSITIONS IN BASKETBALL
At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:
identify and discuss different positioning in basketball
demonstrate positions in basketball
value the importance of position in basketball game
POSITIONS IN BASKETBALL
A good basketball team is like a well-oiled machine. Five players step onto the court, each filling a
specific role, working toward the ultimate goal: victory.
But what does each of these positions entail?
A basketball player generally falls into one of five positions: point guard, shooting guard, small
forward, power forward and center. Pro Tips is here with a breakdown of these five positions. Take a look at
the abilities, skills and qualities needed to be successful at each position.
#1 POINT GUARD (PG)
The point guard plays a pivotal role in their team’s tempo and execution. This position requires a high
basketball IQ, as the point guard acts as the on-court coach by setting up plays. Point guards bring the ball up
court, direct traffic and make the decisions that ideally result in high-percentage shots.
Point guards must have solid passing and ball-handling skills. As the floor general, point guards need to
be vocal. Gyms can get loud. Point guards must be able to overcome the noise to set up plays.
Course Code: PE 104 Instructor: ANGELIKA MAE J.
Descriptive Title: TEAM SPORTS CARINO
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE
COLLEGE
Tagudin
Campus
MODUL
On offense, point guards need the ability to drive the lane. They also need a solid jump shot and 3-
pointer. On defense, they can focus on guarding the other team’s best ball handler and getting into the passing
lane for a steal.
The point guard is often the shortest player on the court. However, that isn’t always the case. Any
player with the necessary skills can play the position, no matter how tall they are.
Skills and attributes needed to play point guard include:
On Offense:
Represents the coach on the floor
Provides strong, positive leadership as team leader
Runs the offense
Excellent ball handler who brings the ball down the court
Handles defensive pressure without turning the ball over
Good passer who can find the open player to set the offense in motion
Sees the whole floor and recognizes what the defense is doing
Good outside shooter
Assertive and confident communicator who can call out the plays
Controls the pace of the game
Aware of situations and circumstances like the time on the clock, score, timeouts, fouls, etc.
Exhibits self-confidence in pressure situations
Demonstrates self-control, recognizing the team follows their lead
Leads the fastbreak
Wants the ball
On Defense:
Usually guards the opposing point guard
Good defender on the ball
Aggressive and scrappy
Willing to hustle after loose balls
Usually, the safety and the first person back on defense to stop the opponent's fast break
#2 SHOOTING GUARD (SG)
As the name suggests, shooting guards need to be able to put the ball in the hoop. This position is
often reserved for the team’s best outside shooters.
But the shooting guard — also known as the two-guard — needs more than a good 3-point shot to be
successful. They also need to have strong off-ball movement like running through screens and finding open
spaces.
While they don’t need to be as skilled as point guards, solid ball handling is important for two-guards.
Shooting guards are typically the secondary ball handler. This skill also allows them to attempt their own shots
off the dribble.
Additionally, shooting guards need to have strong defensive skills. The size of a shooting guard can
vary. Some will be the same size as the point guard, while others can be as tall as some of the forwards on the
team.
Course Code: PE 104 Instructor: ANGELIKA MAE J.
Descriptive Title: TEAM SPORTS CARINO
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE
COLLEGE
Tagudin
Campus
MODUL
Skills and attributes needed to play shooting guard include:
On Offense:
Usually, the best outside shooter
Scores consistently from the wings and the 3-point line to open up scoring opportunities for the posts
down low
Good ball handler to help the point guard bring the ball down the court when there is a lot of pressure
Good passer
Gets the ball into the post players
Creates scoring opportunities by driving to the basket
Moves without the ball to keep the offense flowing
On Defense:
Typically, taller and slower than the point guard
Usually guards the slowest guard on the other team
Covers out and denies to keep wing players from receiving the pass from the point guard
Applies tough on-the-ball pressure to perimeter players to make it hard for them to pass freely into the
post from the wing or reverse the ball to the top of the key
Keeps opponent from driving to the basket
#3 SMALL FORWARD (SF)
Don’t let the name fool you – the small forward plays a huge role. Also known as the three, this is
possibly the most versatile player on the court.
Playing small forward requires a blend of skills that shooting guards and power forwards possess.
Small forwards need to be strong and scrappy enough to box out and haul in rebounds. However, they must
also have the agility to elude defenders, slash to the rim and hit jump shots.
On offense, a solid mid-range shot, along with the ability to drive and cut toward the basket, can help a
small forward stand out. Quickness and strength inside are both assets when playing small forward.
Most small forwards fall in between the shooting guard and power forwards when it comes to height.
Skills and attributes needed to play small forward include:
On Offense:
Usually, the most athletic player on the team; quick and able to jump!
Shoots from the outside
Good ball handler
Creates scoring opportunities off the drive
Good rebounder; ready to crash the boards after every shot
Good passer with the ability to pass the ball down low to the posts
Moves effectively without the ball by cutting to get open
Knows how to use screens
Is in excellent physical shape and helps lead the fast break by running hard down the court every time
Very skilled, strong, and versatile player. Shoots from the outside as well as from the lane against the
larger, more physical players
On Defense:
Typically guards the best athlete on the opposing team (usually the #3 player)
Has the same responsibilities as the #2 player with an extra focus on crashing the boards hard
Course Code: PE 104 Instructor: ANGELIKA MAE J.
Descriptive Title: TEAM SPORTS CARINO
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE
COLLEGE
Tagudin
Campus
MODUL
Knows how to play post defense. At times, the offensive wing players cut through the lane and post up
#4 POWER FORWARD (PF)
The closer to the hoop you go, the tougher things get. The power forward lives close to the rim,
muscling out buckets and fighting for rebounds. This position is also known as the four.
The position requires a blend of strength and size. A power forward needs to work on their skills in the
paint, like boxing out and posting up defenders. They also need to be able to set screens to help teammates get
open.
To be successful on offense, power forwards need to use an array of shots. Putbacks, short jumpers
and baseline fades can make a power forward an effective offensive threat. They should also be proficient at
shooting a mid-range jumper.
Skills and attributes needed to play power forward include:
On Offense:
Usually, one of the tallest players on the team and often the smaller and more athletic of the post
players
Makes quick, strong cuts across the lane
Sinks short jumpers from free throw distance and within
Executes a variety of post moves
Comfortable using either hand to handle the ball
Shoots facing the basket and from post moves with back to the basket
Has strong hands that can catch passes while being banged around and closely guarded
Physically and mentally strong to deal with the tough physical contact in the lane
Recognizes when the defense is collapsing. Finds an open teammate either by kicking the ball back out
to the wing or dumping it down to the open #5 player
Critical in helping the offense reverse the ball around the floor
Good screener who sets picks for players to cut toward the basket
Strong rebounder with a desire to crash the boards after every shot
On Defense:
Blocks out and rebounds every time a shot goes up
Physically strong to play good post defense
Good help-side defender. Stops cutters from receiving the ball in the lane and helps stop any drives
toward the basket
#5 CENTER (C)
Usually, the tallest person on the team, a center defends the rim on one end and is a constant threat
beneath it on the other. The center position is also known as the five. While size is a major part of being a
center, this player also needs to be athletic.
On offense, a center needs to be able to create their own shot in cramped spaces and snag rebounds
out of the hands of others. Centers also need to be proficient on offense, playing with their back to the basket.
Course Code: PE 104 Instructor: ANGELIKA MAE J.
Descriptive Title: TEAM SPORTS CARINO
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE
COLLEGE
Tagudin
Campus
MODUL
Footwork is key to scoring inside the paint. Centers must also be able to work with teammates by setting up
screens.
On defense, the center is usually the best shot blocker and a solid rebounder to eliminate opponent’s
second-chance baskets.
Skills and attributes needed to play center include:
On Offense:
Has many of the same responsibilities as the #4 player
Shoots short jumpers from free throw distance and around the lane
Performs all of the post moves
Confident using both hands to handle the ball
Scores facing the basket and working off post moves with back to the basket
Has strong hands. Catches passes and holds onto the ball while being banged around and closely
guarded
Physical and mental toughness is a must because of the constant contact in the key
Recognizes when the defense sinks in. Finds an open teammate by passing the ball back out to the
perimeter or finding the open #4 player
Critical in helping the offense reverse the ball around the floor
Good screener who sets picks for players to cut through the lane
Strong rebounder who hits the boards hard after every shot
Usually the trailer, or the last one down the floor, on the fast break
On Defense:
Blocks out and rebounds every time a shot is taken
Strong enough to play good post defense against big, strong players
Good help-side defender who can help teammates stop the drive
Takes advantage of her large body by being an intimidating presence in the middle. Blocks passing and
driving lanes and contests every shot
HYBRID POSITIONS
Basketball is a sport that has evolved throughout the years. While there are five traditional positions,
sometimes a player doesn’t fit into those roles. Instead, they play in a hybrid or non-traditional position. These
players often combine the skills needed to play two separate positions. These hybrid positions typically start at
the high school level.
Examples include:
Point Forward: This is usually a small forward that takes on the role of a point guard. They will need
the skills required to play small forward with the added responsibility of initiating the offense.
Combo Guard: This player can fill either the point guard or shooting guard positions. They will need
strong ball-handling and shooting skills.
Swingman: This is a player who can play small forward or shooting guard. They tend to be taller than a
typical shooting guard, so they are not overmatched at either position.
Course Code: PE 104 Instructor: ANGELIKA MAE J.
Descriptive Title: TEAM SPORTS CARINO
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE
COLLEGE
Tagudin
Campus
MODUL
Stretch 4: This is a power forward with the ability to make shots from 3-point range. The threat of
hitting a shot from beyond the arc “stretches” the defense and can open driving lanes for guards.
Each position on a team has its own skillset, physical attributes and competitive nuances. By gaining this
understanding, you can get better at predicting where players are going to be and what they’re going to do
when they get there.
BASKETBALL POSITION NUMERALS
The following are the numbers and numerals used to describe each position.
Point Guard = 1 or PG
Shooting Guard = 2 or SG
Small Forward = 3 or SF
Power Forward = 4 or PF
Center = 5 or C
Course Code: PE 104 Instructor: ANGELIKA MAE J.
Descriptive Title: TEAM SPORTS CARINO
