Post (basketball)

The five basketball positions normally employed by organized basketball teams are the point guard (PG or 1), the shooting guard (SG or 2), the small forward (SF or 3), the power forward (PF or 4), and the center (C or 5).

Typically, the point guard is the leader of the team when on the court. This position requires substantial ball handling skills and the ability to facilitate the team during a play. The shooting guard, as the name implies, is often the best shooter and is probably capable of shooting accurately from longer distances. Generally, they also have good ball-handling skills. The small forward often has an aggressive approach to the basket when handling the ball. The power forward and the center are usually called "low post" players, who play with their back to the basket, often acting as their team's primary rebounders or shot blockers, or receiving passes to take inside shots. The center is typically the larger of the two.

Historically, only three positions were recognized (two guards, two forwards and one center) based on where they played on the court: guards generally played outside and away from the hoop, forwards played outside and near the baseline, with the center usually positioned in the key. During the 1980s, as team strategy evolved, more specialized roles developed, resulting in the five position designations used today. Team strategy and available personnel, however, still dictate the positions used by a particular team. For example, the dribble drive motion offense and the Princeton offense use four interchangeable guards and one center. Other combinations are also prevalent.

Besides the five basic positions, some teams use non-standard or hybrid positions, such as point forward, a hybrid of a small forward and a point guard; swingman (hybrid small forward-shooting guard); the big (hybrid power forward-center); and the stretch four, a power forward with the shooting range of typical shooting guards.

The point guard (PG), also known as the one, is typically the team's best ball handler and passer. Therefore, they often lead their team in assists and steals. They are often quick and are able to hit shots either outside the three-point line or "in the paint", largely depending on the player's skill level. Point guards are looked upon as the "floor general" or the "coach on the floor". They should study the game and game film to be able to recognize the weaknesses of the defense, and the strengths of their own offense. They are responsible for directing plays, making the position equivalent to that of quarterback in American football, playmaker in Association football, center in ice hockey, or setter in volleyball. Good point guards increase team efficiency and generally have a high number of assists. They are often referred to as dribblers or play-makers. In the NBA, point guards are usually the shortest players on the team and are mostly 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) or shorter.

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