Andrew Pace
In basketball, players have assigned positions, each with distinct roles and skills. Forwards, also known as the traditional 3 and 4 positions, are named so because they start closer to the basket. Forwards include small forwards and power forwards. Small forwards are responsible for spacing the floor and are often involved in setting up offensive plays, while power forwards are strong rebounders and are used as scoring options in the post.
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What You'll Learn
Forwards are the traditional 3 and 4 positions
Small forwards are often responsible for setting up plays and passing the ball, much like point guards. They are also expected to score in a number of ways, such as by shooting from beyond the arc, driving to the basket, or hitting mid-range jumpers.
Power forwards, on the other hand, are strong rebounders, pulling down offensive and defensive rebounds. They are often used as scoring options in the post, utilising their size and strength to score near the basket. They may also be used as pick-and-roll partners, setting screens for the guards and then rolling to the basket for a pass or shot. Some power forwards may also have the ability to stretch the floor and shoot from beyond the three-point line.
In modern basketball, the traditional positions and their roles are evolving. For example, in positionless basketball, the focus is on finding players who can contribute as ball handlers, wings, and bigs, rather than adhering strictly to the legacy 1-5 positional structure. As such, some players who traditionally would have been 3s or 4s may now take on more versatile roles as wings or ball handlers.
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Small forwards are on the wings
In traditional basketball, the small forward is the third position on the basketball court, with the power forward and centre being the fourth and fifth positions respectively. Small forwards are usually positioned between the power forward and the point guard in an offensive formation.
Small forwards are often used on the wings, where they can utilise their quickness, speed, and dribbling skills to penetrate through the defence. They also contribute to the offence by shooting from the outside. According to NBA statistics, the average shooting percentage for small forwards in the NBA is around 45%, and their three-point shooting percentage is around 35%. Small forwards are required to excel in multiple areas and be versatile, able to switch between defensive and attacking formations.
The distinction between forward and wing positions has become blurred in modern basketball, with many players able to be classified as either a wing or a forward. Wings are usually shooting guards or small forwards, while forwards are small forwards or power forwards. However, some sources suggest that small forwards are more commonly wings, as wings traditionally play further from the basket than forwards, and small forwards are named as such because they started closer to the basket (forward to the ball handler).
Small forwards who are classified as wings are often more perimeter-oriented, with better ball-handling skills. They typically catch the ball from outside or near the 3-point line. In contrast, power forwards tend to post up or catch the ball inside the arc or in the paint.
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Power forwards are strong rebounders
In basketball, players have assigned positions, such as center or power forward. Forwards are the traditional 3 and 4 positions (small forward and power forward). These positions are so named because they start closer to the basket (forward of the ball handler).
Power forwards are frequently the best offensive rebounders on their teams. Traditionally, the power forward was the team's second-biggest player—only the center was taller. They are usually muscular and tough, with the strength to box out effectively. They must have strong hands so they can hold onto the basketball, as opponents will try to steal it.
Because power forwards play close to the basket, they need to be able to make mid-range shots, usually over a defender. They usually score off offensive rebounds more than their teammates, and most of their scoring happens close to the basket. The modern power forward has expanded their range to include mid-range jumpers and even three-point shots, making them more versatile and challenging to defend.
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Point forwards have the size of a forward but the skills of a point guard
In basketball, there are five players on the court per team, each assigned to different positions defined by the strategic role they play. The three main categories are guards, forwards, and centers, with the standard team featuring two guards, two forwards, and a center. Forwards are the traditional 3 and 4 positions (small forward and power forward). They are named so because they start closer to the basket (forward of the ball handler).
Point forwards are an unorthodox offensive position in basketball where a forward, usually a small forward, takes on the responsibilities of a point guard. In rarer cases, a power forward can also assume the position. The point forward position is typically used when a team's best playmaker is a forward rather than a guard. Point forwards need to have the size of a forward but the skills of a point guard, such as court vision, basketball IQ, passing, dribbling, and ball handling.
Point forwards are generally responsible for bringing the ball up the court and being the primary facilitator on offense to generate assists. They may also merely direct play once a guard brings the ball up-court. Point forwards can use their athleticism and dribbling skills to create separation from the on-ball defender. They can then throw a kick pass to teammates near the perimeter areas of the court, which can lead to open jump shots or further dribble penetration.
Point forwards can also collect defensive rebounds in the backcourt and then pass to open teammates near the perimeter or basket. They can also use their speed to get past defenders and score at the basket. Examples of notable point forwards include LeBron James, Scottie Pippen, Larry Bird, and Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
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Stretch fours are power forwards with excellent outside shooting ability
Forwards are integral to basketball, and one unique type of forward is the "stretch four."
Stretch fours, or "stretch power forwards," are a modern iteration of the traditional power forward position. These players are typically taller, often around 6'8'' to 6'11'', and possess exceptional outside shooting ability, especially from the three-point range. Their skill set expands beyond the traditional power forward role, which typically involves physical play close to the basket, with an emphasis on rebounding and defense. Stretch fours bring a unique dynamic to the court by providing an outside shooting threat, thus "stretching" the defense and creating more offensive options for their team.
The primary role of a stretch four is still to provide an inside presence, battling for rebounds and providing an option for high-percentage shots close to the basket. However, their ability to step outside and consistently make mid-range and three-point shots is what sets them apart. This skill forces the opposing team's defenders to guard them beyond the three-point line, creating more space in the paint for drives and opening up scoring opportunities for their teammates.
A key benefit of having a stretch four on the court is that it can create mismatches. Their height and size can be a challenge for smaller defenders, especially if they are guarded by traditional guards. This can create favorable offensive situations, as the stretch four can use their size advantage to post up or drive to the basket, or simply shoot over smaller defenders. On the other hand, if the defense assigns a bigger player to guard the stretch four, this can create openings for quicker players to exploit the potentially slower defense.
Some of the all-time great stretch fours include Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony, who have all demonstrated exceptional scoring abilities from both inside and outside the three-point line. Their unique skill sets have helped revolutionize the game, showcasing the value of versatile forwards who can stretch the defense and create advantageous scoring opportunities for their teams.
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Frequently asked questions
Forwards are players who play either of the two traditional basketball positions: small forward or power forward.
Small forwards are players who start closer to the basket and are on the wings during the game. They are usually the team's best scorers and are responsible for bringing the ball up the court and facilitating plays.
Power forwards are strong rebounders who pull down offensive and defensive rebounds. They are often used as scoring options and may also be used as pick-and-roll partners.
Guards are responsible for setting up and facilitating plays, while forwards are usually the team's best scorers and are closer to the basket during the game.
