Ayrton Oneill
In basketball, effective communication between teammates is crucial for success. Each player has a specific position, such as center, power forward, small forward, point guard, or shooting guard, which comes with distinct roles and responsibilities. While the center and power forward positions focus on scoring close to the basket, small forwards and shooting guards can score from both long and close distances. Point guards, on the other hand, have a more team-oriented mindset, focusing on assisting their teammates rather than solely on putting the ball in the hoop. With the evolution of the game, the shooting guard position has witnessed the emergence of specialists, including offensive threats and defensive guards, who excel in taking perimeter jump shots, especially three-pointers. This role is commonly known as a catch-and-shoot type of player. Additionally, the power forward position has given rise to the stretch four, a player known for their ability to shoot three-pointers and midrange jump shots instead of solely relying on post play.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Position that scores the most three-pointers | Power forward, also known as the stretch four |
| Other positions that score three-pointers | Point guard, shooting guard, small forward |
| Description of power forward | The power forward is the team's most powerful and dependable scorer, able to score close to the basket and shoot mid-range jump shots |
| Description of point guard | The point guard runs the offense and is usually the team's best dribbler and passer |
| Description of shooting guard | The shooting guard's main priority is to limit or prevent the opposing team's star player, they are either an offensive threat or a defensive specialist |
| Description of small forward | The small forward is the most versatile of the main five basketball positions, able to play against small and large players and score from long and close shots |
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What You'll Learn
- Point guards: Scoring point guards can shoot from three-point range
- Power forwards: 'Stretch fours' are power forwards that shoot three-pointers
- Shooting guards: 'Catch-and-shoot' shooting guards use screens to create three-point opportunities
- Small forwards: These players are versatile and can score from long and close range
- Centres: While not known for three-point scoring, centres can shoot from distance
Point guards: Scoring point guards can shoot from three-point range
Point guards are typically the shortest players on the team and the best at dribbling and passing. They are usually quick and good at driving and short-range shots, often creating shots for themselves and their teammates. Point guards are responsible for making quick decisions that result in an outside shot, a drive through the lane, or a pass to a teammate on the perimeter.
Scoring point guards can shoot from three-point range. A notable example is Steph Curry, who is known for his ability to shoot three-pointers. Point guards can also be combo guards, who can bring the ball up the court, set up plays, and pass the ball, as well as score in a variety of ways, including shooting from beyond the three-point line.
Point guards are usually the primary ball handlers on their team, but in some cases, the shooting guard may take on this role, reducing the point guard to a backup ball handler or spot-up shooter. Shooting guards are typically taller than point guards and are the team's primary scorers, averaging 35-40% from three-point range. They are also responsible for ball handling, passing, and defence.
In recent years, the concept of the point forward has become increasingly popular. Point forwards have the size and strength of a forward but the ball-handling and passing skills of a point guard, allowing them to play multiple positions and bring more versatility to their team's lineup.
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Power forwards: 'Stretch fours' are power forwards that shoot three-pointers
In a game of basketball, there are five players on the court per team, each assigned to one of the five positions: point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. The power forward (PF), also known as the four, is one of the five traditional positions in a regulation basketball game.
Power forwards: Stretch fours are power forwards that shoot three-pointers. The power forward position is also known as the "four"; hence, "stretch four". Traditionally, power forwards play a role similar to centers and are typically the tallest or second-tallest player on the court. They play near the basket, rebounding and defending taller players, and taking longer shots than centers. Power forwards are good at rebounding, and some are great passers, particularly from the high or low post areas.
Stretch fours are known primarily for their ability to shoot three-pointers and mid-range jump shots instead of post play. They can shoot further from the basket than a conventional power forward. The term "stretch" describes the effect this has on the opposition's defense. Stretch fours can be very useful as pick-and-pop screeners, especially against drop coverage defensive techniques. For example, if a stretch four pops to the perimeter after setting a screen, their defender will likely not have enough time to close and contest the potential open jump shot.
The stretch four is a relatively recent innovation in the NBA, with an "explosion" of players since the 1999-2000 season. However, it is still becoming increasingly common, as many NBA coaches now use the "small-ball" tactical play.
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Shooting guards: 'Catch-and-shoot' shooting guards use screens to create three-point opportunities
In basketball, the shooting guard (SG), also known as the two, two guard, or off guard, is one of the five traditional positions in a regulation basketball game. A shooting guard's main objective is to score points for their team and steal the ball on defense. Shooting guards are often used as the secondary ball handler to help eliminate pressure on the point guard.
Catch-and-shoot shooting guards use screens to create three-point opportunities. The down screen is an off-ball screen commonly used by shooting guards to get open near the perimeter areas of the court. The elevator screen is another off-ball screen used by shooting guards to get open near the perimeter. The elevator screen is unique because it features two screeners who perform similar actions simultaneously, which can lead to perimeter scoring opportunities. The flare screen is a third off-ball screen that can be used to get an offensive player open, especially on the weak side of the court.
The stagger screen is a common screening action used to get a shooting guard open for a jump shot from mid-range or three-point range. The shooting guard can also perform the backdoor cut, the Iverson cut, and the V-cut. The backdoor cut can be used against denial defense to score via a layup or dunk. The shooting guard can also use the on-ball screen to score at the rim via a layup, dunk, or floater after dribble penetration.
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Small forwards: These players are versatile and can score from long and close range
Small forwards are known for their versatility and adaptability on the basketball court. They are often considered the "Jack of all trades", capable of performing a wide range of tasks and playing both on the perimeter and inside the key or paint. Small forwards are usually the middle players in height, smaller than the power forward and center but taller than the guards.
Small forwards are well-rounded players who can handle the ball, rebound, and shoot from both inside and outside the three-point line. They are typically capable scorers who can generate points in a variety of ways. They can attack the rim with quick first steps or dribbling moves, and then score with layups, dunks, or floaters. Small forwards can also utilise on-ball screens to create dribble penetration and establish themselves in the gaps of the defence, particularly near the nail area.
Some small forwards may have a more accurate jump shot from mid-range or three-point range than power forwards or centers. However, this is not always the case, as some power forwards, known as "stretch fours", may be equally or more proficient from long-range. Small forwards can also be effective playmakers, using dribbling moves to attack the defence and create scoring opportunities for their teammates.
Small forwards are also important on the defensive end. Their height and wingspan make them effective rebounders, and their athleticism allows them to guard against offensive low-post players. Some small forwards excel as defensive stoppers, while others may focus more on their offensive game. Overall, small forwards are versatile players who contribute to all aspects of the game, making them invaluable to their teams.
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Centres: While not known for three-point scoring, centres can shoot from distance
While the centre is not typically known for their three-point scoring prowess, they can still contribute to the team's long-range shooting. The centre position is usually occupied by the tallest player on the team, who plays near the basket. Their primary role on offence is to score close shots and grab offensive rebounds, while on defence, they aim to block shots and rebound misses.
However, some centres have developed their outside shooting ability, allowing them to stretch the defence and create more scoring options for their team. By stepping out beyond the three-point line, centres can draw their defenders away from the basket, creating space for drives and cuts to the basket by their teammates. Additionally, if left open, they can knock down the outside shot themselves, adding another dimension to their team's offence.
Historically, the centre position has not been associated with three-point shooting. The introduction of the three-point line in the 1960s and its subsequent adoption by the NBA in the 1979-80 season initially saw it as a gimmick or desperation tactic. It was not until the late 1980s that the three-pointer began to be valued as a legitimate offensive weapon. Even then, centres were not expected to be proficient from long range, with their scoring opportunities mostly limited to close shots near the basket.
However, the modern game has seen the emergence of more versatile centres who can step out and shoot from beyond the arc. This evolution in the centre position has added a new dynamic to the game, as defences now have to respect the outside shooting ability of even the tallest players on the court. This creates more space and scoring opportunities for the entire team, making the centre's ability to shoot from distance an increasingly valuable asset.
While centres may not score the most three-pointers compared to other positions, their ability to shoot from long range can still be a significant contribution to their team's offence. By stretching the defence and creating space, they enable their teammates to exploit gaps in the opposing team's defence, leading to higher-percentage scoring chances. Therefore, even though centres may not be known for their three-point scoring, those who possess this skill can be highly effective and valuable players.
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Frequently asked questions
The position that scores the most 3-pointers in basketball is the shooting guard. Shooting guards are typically good shooters and focus on taking perimeter jump shots, especially three-pointers.
Shooting guards are usually between 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) to 6 feet 7 inches (2 m) in height. They are either good shooters, finishers around the rim, defenders, or a combination of these.
The other positions in basketball are point guard, small forward, power forward, and center.
Point guards are typically the shortest players on the team, ranging from 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) to 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) in height. They are often the team's best dribbler and passer, increasing team efficiency and assisting in scoring.
