How to Understand Player Positions in Basketball

It's often a whirlwind of catch phrases when sports commentators are announcing basketball games. Some refer to certain players by their team positions and call others by their court placement. Here's how to sort it out.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Understand Court Placement

1. Know the "corner" ' the two corners on a court, formed by the sidelines and baseline.

2. Know the "wing" ' the two shoulders of a court. This area rests just inside the three-point line, halfway between the corner and the free-throw line.

3. Recognize the "point" ' the spot at the top of the key, stretching back almost to the center circle.

4. Be familiar with the "pivot" ' a small area on either side of the free-throw line.

5. Recognize the "high post" ' the area that surrounds either end of the free-throw line where it intersect the foul line.

6. Be familiar with the "low post" ' the two areas on either side of the foul line that are even with the hoop.

7. Understand "in the paint" ' the area inside the key, which is a solid color of paint.

Understand Basic Player Positions

8. Recognize the "center" ' usually the tallest player on a team. The center tips off at the beginning of the game, and you can almost always find him or her dancing in and out of the paint on offense. On defense, the center camps out in the key. The Knicks' Patrick Ewing is a good example.

9. Know the "forwards" ' usually the next two tallest players. Forwards usually play the wings and corners and can be found driving along the baseline.

10. Know the "guards" ' often the shortest players on the team (though this is not always true in the pros - Michael Jordan was a guard). Guards should have excellent dribbling skills, and usually play at point and on the wings.

Know the Lingo: Specific Terms for General Positions

11. Understand that, because the majority of his or her time is spent in one of the four post positions, the center is often called a "post man." Don't get this confused with the "mailman" Karl Malone, who always delivers at power forward.

12. Know that "power forward" refers to a forward who often drives to the hoop.

13. Be aware that a "shooting forward" is a forward who usually hangs in the corner or on a wing. Think Larry Bird here ' one of the best outside shooters of all time.

14. Understand that the "point guard" is the guard who brings the ball up court to the point, then sets up the play. Utah's John Stockton, with his record assists, is one of the best point guards in the NBA.

15. Know that the "off guard" is the guard who plays off the point, usually in the wings. Earvin "Magic" Johnson was usually an off guard, although the guy could play anywhere he wanted, including center at one point.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 8/8/2006 Don't run alongside your player, that's just like giving them an easy pathway to the basket! Get in front and use an arm bar if you need to, it's not against the rules to do so.

on 6/30/2006 Shooting forward is often called small forward, and off guard is often called shooting guard.

on 6/30/2006 Make sure you jump up and thrust the ball at the rim, but not that hard, it could bounce off. This is also known as a jumper.

on 2/16/2006 Be sure that you know all the positions, because your coach may put you in a different position each time. If you don't know the different positions you will be clueless.

on 11/22/2005 Wear high-top basketball shoes so you don't roll your ankles and sprain or injure them.