On successful teams, everyone has a specific role. Your coach will assign you to the appropriate position. Try to get familiar with every spot on the floor as you never know when you may be needed to play a position you have not played before.

The Point Guard
This player handles the ball as the team moves up the court and into its offensive plays. The point guard is much like the quarterback of a football team. Point guards must be excellent ballhandlers who are able to see the whole court — that means being able to dribble without looking at the ball. A talented point guard who can also make a jump shot and drive to the basket is essential to a team’s success.

The Shooting Guard
While this player has solid ball-handling skills, he or she is usually the team’s best shooter and top scorer. This player is also referred to at times as the “off guard.” The shooting guard is normally the team’s most athletic player on the floor.

The Small Forward
The small forward is usually the most versatile player on the court. This person plays both an “inside” and “outside” game. He or she must have the skills to shoot and dribble the ball well, while using his or her size and strength to battle near the basket for rebounds. Don’t be fooled by the name: Small forwards need to be big.

The Power Forward
This player normally is the team’s primary rebounder at both ends of the court. On defense, power forwards can start a fast break by grabbing a rebound and making a quick outlet pass to one of the guards. Big and strong, the power forward may not be the most graceful player on the team, but his or her presence is always felt.

The Center
To be successful at any level, a team usually needs a talented big man in the middle. Traditionally, the center is the tallest player on the team. The center’s job is to anchor the team’s defense and rebound the ball at both ends of the court. Additionally, the center is the team’s primary low post scorer.

Table of Contents

•
 Player's Guide: Introduction


•
 Player's Guide: Section 1
PLAY HARD HAVE FUN


•
 Player's Guide: Section 2
Interacting With Your COACH


•
 Player's Guide: Section 3
Understanding Your PARENTS’ Expectations


•
 Player's Guide: Section 4
Practice, Practice, PRACTICE


•
 Player's Guide: Section 5
WHO PLAYS WHERE


•
 Player's Guide: Section 6
The Importance of TEAM PLAY


•
 Player's Guide: Section 7
Practicing Good SPORTSMANSHIP


•
 Player's Guide: Section 8
HEALTH AND FITNESS


•
 Player's Guide: Section 9
HOME TRAINING


•
 Player's Guide: Section 10
WARMING UP


•
 Player's Guide: Section 11
GETTING YOUR MIND READY FOR THE GAME