On the court, there are five basketball positions. And while a player in each of these basketball positions can assume any position on the floor, each player still maintains specific duties. Generally, a coach plays a combination of wings and posts. Wings handle the ball and typically are good outside shooters. Post players shoot inside and secure rebounds.

Within the realm of wings and posts, each player still has a specific title and game responsibilities. Here’s a breakdown of basketball positions:

• Point Guard. This player is usually the shortest and/or fastest player on the team. Point guards need strong dribbling skills since they usually bring the ball up the court while other players assume their positions. A point guard serves as the leader since he controls the speed of the game and calls plays.
• Shooting Guard. The person who fills this position on the court is generally taller than the point guard. As the name implies, a shooting guard often shoots from longer distances. And like a point guard, this position requires a person to possess strong ball handling skills. This player’s primary purpose is to create a shot or find someone who is open who can take the shot and score.
• Small Forward. Taller than a shooting guard, the small forward needs versatility. His skill set should include the ability to shoot accurately from a long range or position himself close to the basket and grab rebounds. The small forward plays near the wing or corner and should be strong enough to drive the baseline.
• Power Forward. Power forwards position themselves near the key and attempt the short jump shots or drive in for the layup. A power forward needs a high vertical jump range since he is a key rebounder.
• Center. The center is usually the tallest, strongest, and slowest player to take the court. This player should be a rebounding machine and snatch the missed shots. A strong center not only needs to be a strong inside shooter, but he also needs to block shots while on defense.

Positions may also be mentioned by number. The point guard is a 1, shooting guard is a 2, the small forward is called the 3, the power forward is the four, and the center is a five.

Even though each player needs a defined skill set to make the magic happen on the court, all five players need to work together as a team to reach a common goal.