What position should I play in basketball? This is a common question that every basketball learner asks himself. Through the game fundamentals, players will learn their weaknesses and strengths. All basketball players have their own preferences on the game floor. Some likes lurking around the baseline for sleeping defenders for making a cut or some likes to wait in the corner for shooting a wide-open three-pointer. Others want to handle the basketball, setting up plays, and organizing the teams.
So, what basketball position should I play? To answer this question, you have to discover what kind of a player you are. After discovering the different aspects of this game, you will know which position suits you the best. In the basketball game, there are five players on both teams. All players have their responsibilities and roles.
Traditionally, players used to stick to their positions and focus solely on their tasks. However, this game has advanced very much since then. That’s why every player needs to play two or more positions at a time. It is because of this sport’s nature, where every player moves around and plays flexibly after sensing what the situation demands. So, let’s know about the different basketball positions here!
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Who are Your Role Models in Basketball?
Before you even begin playing basketball, there must be something that attracts you towards this game. For lots of people, it occurs usually when they watch a basketball player in full action. For instance, Michael Jordon. He is the most amazing and popular basketball player of all time. After him, lots of great players turned towards this game, such as Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Tracy McGrady, and many more.
Once you have found your idol, you will begin doing everything to become like them. You start watching their games, memorize their moves, and try to repeat their moves on the court. So, discovering the role model is the first step towards ‘what basketball position should I play.’ Watch this video to know about different basketball positions along with NBA examples from well-renowned players.
Different Positions in Basketball
If you have become aware of your role models, weak spots, and qualities, you are all set for the next big step. This is about learning the different positions in basketball. In basketball, there are mainly five positions for the players on the court – Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Power Forward, Small Forward, and Center. Every position needs different roles and different skill sets.
One thing that you have to keep in mind is that the game is evolving constantly. Everything here changes including the basketball positions. Here are some features for all the five positions, which are ever-present. So, let’s know each of them in detail!
Point Guard (PG)
Guard position in basketball demands various things from a player. As point guards, players act as the coach’s extension on the court. While coaches cannot play this game, they play a crucial role in creating the team, stating the team’s philosophy and directing that philosophy to all. For controlling the play, you have to be vocal. That’s why a point guard should constantly communicate. If you are fine with talking, screaming, or shouting at your teammates, you should not ask ‘what position should I play in basketball’ anymore. Otherwise, look for other positions if you do not like talking much.
Also, point guards have to move, where you could not maintain the same spot for over some seconds. This is because you have to create plays. So, it is better if you move faster. This position demands quickness and continuous movement, which require to be your strong moves. Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Stephen Curry are some of the remarkable point guards.
Shooting Guard (SG)
This is another position if you are wondering ‘what basketball position should I play’. As the shooting guard, you need to shoot your ball in a well-mannered way from all parts of the basketball court. The main role of a shooting guard is to score points for their team. This basketball position demands more size and strength than the above-mentioned position. Sometimes, shooting guards need to fight stronger and bigger players through screens. Here, they have to participate continuously in the rebounding of the team.
Also, a shooting guard must have good basketball handling skills as they sometimes have to make deciding moments in the game. Modern shooting guards can lean towards point guarding skills and thus, this basketball position is called combo guard. They organize offenses better and are experts when it comes to the ball.
Furthermore, shooting guards who are taller like 6’7” share the small forwards’ characteristics. These players are called swingmen who can simply interchange among these positions when operating on wings. Bradley Beal, Klay Thompson, and James Harden are some of the remarkable shooting guards.
7 Habits of Successful Basketball’s Shooting Guards:
- Recognize your best moves
- Fast food theory
- Simplify your shots
- Know about reading space
- Recognize the art of scoring with no dribbling
- Master the mid-range
- Be good at the opposite
So, you have to work on these skills to become a successful shooting guard for your basketball team.
Small Forward (SF)
Another answer to your question ‘what should I play in basketball’ could be small forward. These players remain all over the playfield. They help in protecting the paint and in rebounding. As small forwards, players have to wait for knocking down open three-pointers, in the corner, and on the perimeter.
A small forward is usually a great defender, who is capable of guarding all positions in the game, except centers. Modern players keep the basketball more than other teammates in their hands. Thus, they are called point forwards, a hybrid of the forward position and point guards. Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and Lebron James are some of the notable players of this position.
Power Forward (PF)
If you are taller having a height somewhere around 6’8” and 7’, then do not think more about the basketball position, power forward is what you are. This position features more variety than the other ones. Usually, this position has a history of possessing a countless number of diverse characteristics.
In this position, you have to protect the paint and require having the strength to guard powerful players in your post. Along with that, you should challenge invaders from the perimeter. This mobility is what makes power forwards different from the centers. Modern basketball players are known as stretch fours. These players dominate the power forward position and spend more time as the stretch four on the perimeter. As power forwards, players participate more in setting screen for the guard teammates, pick and roll actions, and creating scoring opportunities for all. Some popular power forwards are Paul Millsap, Draymond Green, and Anthony Davis.
Center (C)
In case, you are the strongest and tallest player in the team then the center is the basketball position for you. Here, you have to block shots and catch a rebound whenever you feel like. Centers play the dominant role in this game. Being the tallest player, your primary job is to secure the paint and act as the last defense standpoint. Centers need to fight for aggressive rebounds and secure defensive boards, which lead to many scoring opportunities.
More often, centers have to face the basket’s opposite direction. However, you will definitely have lots of fun in this basketball position. Some of the notable centers are Rudy Gobert, DeMarcus Cousins, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Know About Different Basketball Drills for Centers and Power Forwards
Crab Dribbling Drill
Dribbling is effective and very simple. Here, you have to take two back-down dribbles, exchange hands when spinning, and angle toward another direction. Essentially, it’s a movement that a crab takes from one point to another. One significant tip about this drill is that you need to ensure reaching with your foot. In this way, you will stay stable and balanced while getting past a player when you can simply shift all the weight to the advanced foot.
In case, you have a crash pad, then ask your buddy to push during this crab dribbling drill. After handling the basketball ball in the post, it’s time to know about finishing drills. There are lots of variations present for them However, the significant aspect of the drills is repetitions. If you like to go for a variation, and find a move that you can incorporate into the game, ensure to put repetitions for mastering that move.
Classic Finishing Drill
After tossing off the ball, you have to jump up for grabbing the board and put in the ball. It sounds easy, right? As you might have seen players missing wide-open put-backs as they do not have the constitution for stomaching this drill. For the finishing drill, you have to maintain your ball high on the put-back.
First Variation: Crab Dribble Opposite
It’s the same finishing drill to begin, but here you have to employ a crab dribble instead of jumping up after the rebound and finish on another side. The suggested makes for this drill are ten on both sides.
Second Variation: Hook Shot
It’s the same finishing drill to begin, but taking a hook shot. Perform this action on each side using both hands. For small post players, it could be there go-to move for scoring over tall defenders. They can use their body for shielding the ball to float up safely. Also, they can shoot various hook shots just like a three-pointer shooter. The suggested makes for this drill are ten on both sides.
Third Variation:
The last two variations are difficult as compared to the previous ones. You have to follow the same starting drill and step back a bit. During that time, cross-step, make a spin move and finish inside. If you are mixing up the dribbling, ensure repping the Drab Dribbling or just the dribbling told here. In that case, your handling remains tight for scoring off. The suggested makes for this drill are ten on both sides.
Fourth Variation:
Firstly, you have to follow the same thing as the cross-step, but do a shot-fake and a step-through rather than a cross-step. Here, you don’t have to drag your pivot after this step-through. Ensure you get the distance for scoring, but remember not to fudge up your footwork. The suggested makes for this drill are ten on both sides.
Post Feed, Fade-Away Drill
In this feed-away drill, a partner from the wing feeds you passes while you are posting up. You have to lean into the defender, take that space, and do a controlled fade-away instead of a usual post-move like drop-step for your shot. You have to perform this drill on both sides.
Conclusion
So, what position should I play in basketball? This is the most defining thing for a player. That’s why you should select the position, which will highlight your strong moves and cover your weak spots. For accomplishing this, you need to further know yourself as a basketball player. So, practice all aspects of this game and find where you feel the most comfortable.
Here, we mentioned the significant fundamentals of all basketball positions. Read them and try to discover which position tells your favorite game the perfect way. After discovering ‘what basketball position should I play’, study the famous players in that position. Now, steal the great moves, keep on practicing them, and come up with your own. Hopefully, we have answered the ‘what position should I play in basketball’ question very clearly. Now, choose your position and ignite the love for this incredible game.
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