Basketball is such a beautiful game because everyone on the floor has a specific responsibility. In competitive basketball the game is played using one point guard, two wing players and two big-men.

Here is a look at the five positions and their responsibilities.

Point Guard: The team’s floor leader. The point guard is responsible for bringing the ball up the floor and making sure the offense is running as efficiently as possible. Players want to get the ball on the floor where they are most comfortable; it is the point guard’s duty to make sure that happens. Good point guards are good at recognizing mismatches and which players are in a good rhythm offensively and get them the ball. Normally, the point guard is the player in each unit with the best ball handling skills.

Shooting Guard: Shooting guard is normally the team’s best perimeter scorer. They can handle the ball, create their own shot, and come off of screens to get open shots. Your typical shooting guard is a long-range threat and can be relied upon to spread the defensive players around the court.

Small Forward: Commonly known as the “three.” Small forwards are a little bigger and longer than the average shooting guard. More times than not, small forwards are relied upon as secondary rebounders. If they have superb lateral quickness, then they will be relied upon as a defensive stopper. Small forwards tend to be the most versatile players. They can shoot from long range, post-up smaller players, get to the free throw line, and sometimes they can be used to defend smaller and quicker power forwards.

Power Forward: Has some of the same duties as a fulltime center, but their skills are more diverse. A power forward can shoot, block shots and run the floor, and they are typically seen playing the high post. Some power-forwards are traditional post up players while some have the ability to knock down long-range jump shots.

Center:  Most centers are relied upon to score close to the basket and use their size to protect the basket. Centers are valued in today’s game because they have the ability to create the most efficient shots while slowing the opponent’s game down. You can control the pace of the game if you have a center that frequently gets to the free throw line. A poor perimeter defense can be masked if a team has an athletic shot-blocking center that can cover a lot of ground.