This is the most asking question by newbies that, What Basketball Position Should I Play? We’re substantial basketball fans here, so when we saw this question pop up on our Facebook wall, we had to answer it.
Basketball is a game of strategy and teamwork with three players on the court and four positions — point guard, shooting guard, small forward, and power forward — that you might be familiar with from sports like football or soccer. This article will give you the lowdown on which position is best for you based on your physical abilities.
Table of Contents
PLAYER POSITION BASED ON PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES
As stated before, position on a basketball team is determined by athletic ability. Instead of using the athletic ability to determine position, we’ll look at a player’s height and weight to give you an idea of where you might want to play basketball if you’re new to the game.
This will help to ensure that you’ll match up well against others in your age group and height range during games and practices.
Shooting guard
A shooting guard (SG) must shoot accurately from long distances. He should be able to knock down perimeter shots with a high percentage. He should also possess the ability to drive to the basket and finish with either layups or dunks in traffic.
A good SG would also have court vision and know-how to get his teammates involved in the offense. He’ll probably play PF if he’s tall unless he’s a solid inside shooter. He’ll probably play Point Guard (PG) or SG/PG combo if he’s short.
Point guard
A point guard (PG) is usually the smallest member of the team but must be able to run and drive the ball while making shots with either his jump shot or driving. He must also have the ability to run an offense and assist his teammates. If he’s tall, he’ll play PG/SG combo. If he’s short, he’ll probably play PG or Combo unless his height is at least 6’3″ or taller.
Shooting guard/Point Guard (SG/PG)
Generally, a shooting guard will have a great outside shot and should also drive and finish at an optimal pace. A shooting guard can also play point guard if needed. A point guard should have a great shot, be able to pass, and be able to also drive with ease.
Small forward
A small forward (SF) should have the height and ability of a shooting guard but have more strength and size than that of an SG. They must be able to shoot well from long distances; if he isn’t tall, he will probably play the SG/PG combo. If he is tall, he’ll play SF unless his shooting ability is poor.
Power forward/Center (PF)
A power forward (PF) must be athletic enough to defend more minor players in the post or other more prominent players on the court. He must be able to drive and finish at a high percentage. He’ll probably play C if he’s tall unless his post-game is poor. If he’s short, he’ll probably play PF/C combo unless his ability to guard the ball is poor.
Center
A center (C) must block shots, rebound at a high level, and have an accurate shot near the basket. A center usually can’t shoot outside very well, but if he has a good shooting range then, he will probably play PF/SF combo.
A center can also play SF if they have a terrible post-game. Most centers are usually taller than 6’8,” but exceptions exist (for example, Roy Hibbert, who is listed as 7.1 feet tall).
As outlined in the preceding section, most players possess strength, speed, and agility at a high level. Although these three traits are essential for playing basketball, height is the most prominent trait when categorizing players into positions.
characteristics of an individual’s appearance
Most people judge a person’s height by first looking at their face (up to around 2 cm of error are found between one’s perceived and actual height).
Another way to judge someone’s height is to look at their body and estimate it from that. This is why many players, particularly guards and forwards, try to make themselves appear taller.
There are some rules of thumb for a player’s height; for example, players under 6’5″ tend to be power forwards or centers.
Point guards are usually shorter than 6’0″. This is because, in the NBA, a player must be at least 6’0″ to play any of these positions. Some teams even have a point guard under 5’7″.
A shooting guard must stand at least 6 ft tall, whereas small forward and power forwards range from around 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) up to 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m).
Which Position is Right For You?
Now that you know what positions are and what they require, it’s time to determine which one is right for you.
You’ll need to write down your height and weight so you can get an idea of the position where you’ll match up best against others in your age group and height range during games and practices.
Next, please look at each position, what it requires, and some examples of NBA players who played (or currently play) that position.
determine which position is Good for you
If this is the first time you’ve played basketball or are new to the game, it may be best to play at one of these positions.
If a very tall player was your best friend in high school, and if he plays forward or centers now, then he may be a good role model for where, to begin with, games and practices.
If a short friend of yours is jumping higher than everyone else at basketball camp, it’s possible that he’s playing center and can help you to learn what you need to know.
It’s helpful to keep in mind that players at each position have different ways of playing their position.
For example, a power forward may be quick but not that tall and would need to use his hands-on defense, more so than a small forward or shooting guard would. A point guard may be tall but slow, while a shooting guard can be short but fast.
different ways to learn to play basketball
Whether you’re looking for advice about a particular position or want more information about the game.
Trying out for your school team is always a good choice, but there are other options like local basketball leagues or summer camps if you’re not having any luck there.
Getting tips and advice from friends who are taller then you can be helpful and can let you know where to start during games and practices. Learning by watching videos is another good way to understand the game because videos will help you that how each player plays their position.
Division of Basketball Court
The basketball court is usually divided into three main parts, The free-throw line, the baseline, and the key. The free-throw line marks the point where fouls are called.
The baseline is marked by two parallel lines that run from the foul line to the halfcourt; it extends from one side of each goal to the other.
You must stay at least behind it for another player to shoot a basket; if you step in front of it, you commit travel (causing an interference penalty).
The key is a series of three baskets that run along each sideline and halfcourt, ending with the basket beneath basket six. These lines, known as the “baseline” and “key,” respectively.
The innermost part of the court is known as the key, while the area in front of the key and inside both baselines is known as the “strong-side” or “weak-side,” depending on which side of the court a player is on when he obtained possession.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1.Whose team is it?
Answer. It’s the team that has possession of the ball, known as the “offensive team”. Offensive players try to pass or dribble the ball down the court and into their opponent’s goal. Defensive players try to stop them by attempting and blocking shots or getting offensive players to lose possession of the ball. The other team, which can’t score and can only defend, is called the “defensive team”.
Q2. How many players are on a team?
Answer. In general, each game consists of two teams with five players each. However, under certain circumstances (such as injuries), a game may have three or six players per team in it.
Q3. How many minutes are there in a game?
Answer. There are 2 x 20-minute halves, for a total of 40 minutes played. Timeouts can be taken at any point. However, at the referee’s discretion, two timeouts can be called within the same quarter.
Q4. What are “halves”?
Answer. “Halves” refer to every 20 minutes in a game (each half). At the end of each period, teams switch ends, and the other team takes over where they left off.
Q5. How many points do games usually have? Is it set in stone?
Answer. Points refers to how many points each team scores in a game (and also how many points they allow, more or less). However, scoring does not go on forever; the team that achieves the most points over 2 x 20-minute halves is declared the winner.
Q6. How many players are allowed on the court?
Answer. Five players at a time may enter the court. Teams switch court positions after every stoppage of play.
Q7. Is there any advantage to starting at one end of the court or another?
Answer. Yes and no. At either end of the floor, a minor player has some degree of advantage over a taller player when shooting from close range (within 3 feet) due to their closer proximity to the basket.
However, taller players may have an advantage over shorter players at the ends of the court because of their reach. At the center of the court, a player on either team can use his reach to attack or defend without having to worry about another player getting in his way.
Q8. Are there any rules regarding fouls?
Answer. Fouls are all that separates good basketball players from great ones. There will be many fouls in a game, and it is usually the team that commits the least amount of fouls that wins. However, there are some rules regarding fouls.
First, fouling an offensive player is against the rules. Second, if an offensive player commits a personal foul, free throws should be awarded to his opponent.
Q9. What are the options for a three-point shot?
Answer. The three-point line can be found directly behind each basket, going from end line to end line in each corner of the court (a half-circle). Generally speaking, it’s best to shoot from about 3 feet away from the basket.
Q10. Do point guards have to be quick?
Answer. Point guards have to be quick, so that they can get open for passes and shots. They are expected to be good ball handlers, have good court vision and be able to set up plays for their teammates.
Q11. Do you have to be tall to play center?
Answer. You don’t have to be tall to play center, but you do need to be strong. In addition, you need to be good at blocking shots and rebounding. A good center will also shoot free throws well.
If you’re still unsure of which position is right for you, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I like being a part of the action?
- Would I rather score points than pass them up?
- Am I better at passing or shooting?
Q12. Do I have to be a good shooter to play shooting guard?
Answer. No, you don’t have to be a good shooter to play shooting guard. In fact, many people who play shooting guard aren’t the best shooters on their team. This is because most teams have three players who can shoot (point guard, small forward and power forward) and one player who isn’t as good at shooting as the others (shooting guard).
The reason why most teams like having a player who isn’t great at shooting is because they need someone who can get past their defender and penetrate into the lane so they can pass it off or score themselves.
The small players on your team will often be guards—the best ones being point guards because they handle the ball more than anyone else—but if there are no other point guards available then you would choose another position for them instead of making them into a point guard yourself!
Shooting guards usually have quickness rather than strength but still have great athletic ability compared with other positions such as forwards or centers where strength matters more than speed does.”
Q13. Do I need to be good at defense to play the forward position?
Answer. You need to be able to defend, rebound, block shots and pass the ball. You also need to be able to shoot the ball well.
Q14. Can a shorter person play basketball?
Answer. No matter how tall you are, there’s a place for you on the basketball court. Height isn’t everything in basketball. The sport is about teamwork and working together as part of a team to achieve common goals.
If you’re willing to work hard and put forth effort to develop your skills and hone your technique, it will help you become an effective player even if you aren’t as tall as others around you.
Q15. Can you change basketball positions?
Answer. Yes, you can change basketball positions. You can play more than one position and even change positions over time. You should also know that your height will not determine your position on the court.
Basketball is played by people of all sizes and shapes, and each player has different skills and abilities to contribute. Just because you are tall doesn’t mean that you should be playing center or small forward; if you want to learn how to shoot a jump shot instead of dunking the ball, then it might make sense for you to switch over to shooting guard or small forward instead!
If playing center isn’t your thing but being tall makes up for not being able to dribble fast enough for point guard or handle passes well enough for shooting guard—you may want look into power forward as a possibility (or vice versa).
If moving from one end of floor space onto another doesn’t seem feasible with what little time remains before game starts–consider switching from guards (point guard/shooting guard) whose primary role involves running around lots during games into forwards who spend most time near basket area anyways.”
Conclusion
A solid understanding of the rules is the key to success in basketball. To be a good player, you need to know what you can and can’t do when on the court. If someone commits a foul, everyone must abide by the rules and start adjusting accordingly.
By putting into practice what you’ve learned so far, you’ll be on your way to becoming a better player and team member. Basketball positions are specialized roles occupied by players within a team during a game.
Each position has specific responsibilities based on different characteristics such as offensive skills, defensive strengths, shooting ability (for example, centers typically have more inside-scoring responsibilities than power forwards).