Andrew Pace
The center, often referred to as the 'five, is one of the most important and demanding positions in basketball. The center is typically the tallest player on the team and is responsible for scoring near the basket, protecting the basket, and taking rebounds. A dominant center can transform a team's offense and defense, dictating the outcome of the game. While height is an advantage, a great center also requires agility, strength, and strategic skills. They need to be able to execute a variety of post moves, master footwork, and have good court vision. With the evolution of the game, centers are also expected to have shooting abilities, particularly mid-range shots, to create more space for their teammates.
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What You'll Learn
Rebounding
Centers are usually the tallest players on the court, so they are closest to the rim and have the most rebounding opportunities. A center who controls the glass can be the most valuable member of the team as more rebounds equal more shots, and more shots equal more points.
To improve your rebounding skills, you should focus on building strength, stamina, and cardiovascular endurance. Core strength is crucial for holding your ground and dominating battles under the hoop. Medicine ball throws can help simulate the power needed for rebounding and improve your ability to box out opponents.
Footwork is also important for positioning yourself for rebounds. Drills such as the drop step drill, lateral shuffle drills, and cone drills can help you improve your agility and balance, allowing you to pivot and maneuver around defenders.
Timing is another critical aspect of rebounding. Practice jumping repeatedly at regular intervals to improve your timing and reach your highest point. You can also try the 2-ball rebounding drill, where a coach throws two balls off the backboard in quick succession, and you must grab both, promoting hand-eye coordination and timing.
Overall, as a center, you should strive to be a skilled rebounder who can control the glass and provide your team with valuable scoring opportunities.
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Footwork
Centers should have a variety of post moves that they can execute with their back to the basket. A dominant center should have a go-to move, a reliable secondary move, and the ability to add counters to those moves. Basic moves include the drop step, the baby hook, up and unders, or face-ups. These moves rely on setting up your opponent, getting them to go in one direction while you go in another.
Centers should also be aware of passing lanes and move accordingly to get open. Sealing is a technique where you get the defender on your back near the basket, generally between the block and the hash mark outside the foul lane. This can help centers get open and put the ball in the hoop against a defender.
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Pick and roll
The pick and roll is an offensive play that is considered one of the most fundamental and effective strategies in basketball. It involves two offensive players: one handling the ball and the other (often a taller forward or center) setting a screen (pick). The ballhandler moves toward their teammate, who sets a screen by standing in the way of the defender, who is separated from the moving ballhandler.
The pick and roll can be used to create favourable mismatches. For example, if the taller defender switches to guard the ballhandler, the shorter guard has a speed advantage over the taller defender, while the taller forward/center has a size advantage over the shorter defender.
- The screener should create as much separation as possible between themselves and their defender before setting the on-ball screen. This reduces the ability of the defender to help guard the ballhandler.
- The ballhandler should initiate the setup by taking the correct angle and driving toward the defender. The screener should then set the pick with their knees bent and feet wider than shoulder width.
- The ballhandler must stay low to protect the ball, make firm contact with the screen, and keep their head up to scan the court for opportunities.
- Once the ballhandler has cleared the pick, the screener should open up to the ball and roll in the same direction as the drive. The screener should maintain contact with the defender as long as possible.
- The ballhandler should keep their dribble alive, recover, and attack the rim. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.
- The ballhandler should read the defense and make a decision: they can take the shot, pass to the screener if they are open, or pass to another open teammate.
Variations of the pick and roll include the pick and pop, where the screener moves for an open jump shot instead of rolling to the basket, and the pick and slip, where the screener fakes setting a screen before slipping behind the defender to accept the pass.
To counter the pick and roll, defenses may employ strategies such as the Low Drop, where the screener's defender prioritizes protecting the rim. To counter this, the offense can use off-ball movements to distract the defense and create additional opportunities.
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Free throw shooting
Free throws are unopposed attempts to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line. They are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team, or in the case of technical fouls, and when the fouling team has entered the bonus/penalty situation. Depending on the situation, a player may be awarded between one and three free throws, with each successful throw worth one point.
- Develop a pre-shot routine: Most players use a consistent routine when setting up a free throw to get into a familiar mindset. This could include dribbling the ball 2-3 times or spinning it in your hands.
- Stagger your stance: Angle your body so your dominant side is closer to the hoop. Keep your shooting foot and dominant side closer to the line, with your hips and shoulders slightly angled to the basket. This will reduce tension in your shoulders and help you feel more relaxed.
- Focus on the basket: Look at the center of the rim and visualize the ball going into the basket. Avoid looking at the ball, other players, or the crowd when you’re shooting.
- Practice your arm position: Your shooting arm should be aligned with the basket. Avoid bending your elbow too far back, as it can misalign your shot.
- Use your non-dominant hand for support: Place your non-dominant hand on the side of the ball so you're barely touching it. This will help keep your shot straight without pushing the ball forward.
- Breathe and relax: It's normal to feel nervous, so take slow breaths to help you focus and relax.
By incorporating these techniques into your free throw shooting, you can improve your accuracy and consistency, making you a more valuable player for your team.
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Shooting range
Centers are usually the tallest players on the court and play a crucial role in both offense and defense. In the past, centers were not expected to have a good shooting range. Their role was to score near the basket or inside, and they were not expected to shoot from outside the paint. However, the game has evolved, and now centers are expected to have some shooting ability.
While it is not mandatory for centers to become three-point specialists, having a good mid-range shot can greatly increase their effectiveness. This is because it can create more space for their teammates to operate, as it forces the opposing team's center to move away from the basket. Developing an outside shot can add versatility to a center's game and create matchup problems for opponents. Centers with a reliable mid-range or three-point shot can be called “stretch-fives”.
Some centers in the NBA have become known for their ability to shoot from outside, such as Dirk Nowitzki, Mehmet Okur, Andrea Bargnani, and Channing Frye. In the WNBA, Lauren Jackson of the Seattle Storm is also a very good outside shooter. Having a center who can shoot from outside can open up the game for their teammates. If it becomes too easy for opponents to score from the low post, the center will be double-teamed, creating an opportunity for open shots by perimeter players as the center will pass the ball to an open player.
To improve their shooting range, centers should focus on developing their post moves, which are essential for creating space and confusing defenders. They should also work on their agility and footwork, which will help them get into good positions for shooting. Additionally, improving their strength and physical prowess will help centers control the paint and establish dominance when rebounding and playing defense.
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Frequently asked questions
The center position requires a mix of physical prowess and strategic skills. Key skills include post moves, rebounding, defense, passing, strength, free throw shooting, and shooting range.
The center, also known as the "five", is typically the tallest player on the team and plays near the basket in the low post. They score, block shots, and rebound on both offense and defense.
The traditional role of a center has shifted from being primarily focused on height and strength to emphasizing versatility and athleticism. Modern centers need to be mobile, have good footwork, and be able to provide multiple options for their team on both offense and defense.
Specific techniques include mastering angles and timing over jumping ability, setting good ball screens, using your body to protect the basket, and focusing on perfecting your roll in the pick-and-roll play.
