Basketball Offense (part 2)
Having an effective basketball offense is one of the best ways to have a successful basketball team. In order to have a great basketball offense, every player needs to know their position and the special skills each requires. Here are some of the most important features of each offensive position in basketball:
Basketball Offense Positions: The Point Guard
The Point Guard is one of the most responsible offensive positions on the court. Here's what you need to do to be most effective in this position:
- Be a great ball handler - Be able to dribble well with either hand - Be an accurate passer - Be quick on your feet, alert and agile - Play good defense as well as offense - Be a really good shooter, especially on outside shots - Be prepared and able to dish-off and penetrate - Have good instincts about your opponent's defensive play - Always stay humble and remember you are part of a team
Basketball Offense Positions: The Off-Guard
The Off-Guard is also called the Shooting Guard or the #2 Guard, and is usually a better at shooting than the other guard, hence the names.
- Be a great ball handler as well as an accurate passer - Be able to dribble well with either hand - Be quick on your feet, alert and agile - Play good defense as well as offense - Be a good shooter, obviously, and especially excel at the 15-20 foot shot - Be prepared and able to dish-off and penetrate - Have good instincts about your opponent's defensive play - Stand out on the court, and have good moves even if you don't have the ball - Always stay humble and remember you are part of a team
Basketball Offense Positions: The Center
The Center is one of the most valuable basketball players on the court. The Center is responsible for protecting the inner court and is usually the tallest player out there. Here are the most important skills of a Center:
- Be quick on your feet - Be forceful when it comes to rebounding and blocking your opponent - Should excel at short-range scoring chances - Exhibit top-notch ability to perform power lay-ups - Be able to sink shots from either side of the basket - Be good at on-court communication and be a leader on defense - Skill-wise, you have to be a good jumper and ball handler - Physically, you must have above average upper body strength and good hands - Be able to succeed during defensive play - Can't be shy. Should display an intimidation factor when in position on the court
Basketball Offense Positions: The Small Forward
The Small Forward is often considered to be the player with the most natural skill and ability. Here are their qualities:
- Be super quick - Be effective at rebounding - Have excellent passing and ball handling skills - Always be in a defensive mode no matter where on the court you happen to be - Must be one of the best at scoring and on fast breaks
Basketball Offense Positions: The Power Forward
The Power Forward is also called "The Enforcer" and can sometimes be a dirty player. This position helps protect the inside court and they are important whenever the team is on offense. The most important qualities are:
- Be an excellent rebounder, both on offense and defense - Have to excel at scoring, passing and dribbling - Must be super fast and go all out on a fast break - Be the hardest driver on the court.