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The five tactical basketball positions normally employed by organized basketball teams are: point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. The rules of basketball do not mandate them, and in informal games they are sometimes not used. They are grouped into two conceptual units: the backcourt and frontcourt.

The point guard, or the "one", is the team's floor general and the best ballhandler on the team. They are generally the quickest, or one of the quickest players on the floor. They are given the task of controlling the game's speed and possession of the ball at all times. A good point guard looks to get the rest of the team involved before they think about shooting, resulting in usually leading the team in assists. However, they are always ready to create shots and score points if necessary. Point guards run the team and are usually one of the shorter players on the court.

The shooting guard (also called the "two") is usually the team's best shooter. A quality shooting guard should be able to consistently hit 20-foot/6-meter jump shots. Besides being able to shoot the ball, shooting guards must also have good ball-handling skills because they have to be able to create their own shot off the dribble. Finally, they should also be able to come off of any pick and roll and still make a shot without the ball touching the ground.

The small forward, or the "three", is the most versatile of the five starters, simply because they can do it all: handle the ball, play in the post, and score whenever needed. They are not as physical as power forwards and centers. Rather, they generally take more outside shots but can move inside when they need to. Small forwards can often play at the 2 spot in which they are then known as a "swingman".

The power forward, also referred to as the "four", usually plays on the opposite side of the key from the center, and is frequently able to double as a center. Power forwards are a little more mobile than centers, which helps them set many plays up on the court. Most power forwards are able to shoot mid range shots, ranging no more than ten to 15 feet away from the basket. Power forwards usually tend to be robustly built.

Often called the "five", the center usually plays in or around the free-throw lane near the basket (referred to as the "bottom of the key" or the "post"). Typically, the center is physically the strongest player on the team. The center most often scores "down low in the paint" (i.e., near the basket in the free throw lane). Centers, usually the largest players on the court, contribute to winning basketball games by driving to the basket, gathering offensive and defensive rebounds, and "setting the pick" in pick and roll plays. This position is also involved in attacking, both offensively and defensively.

• Starting lineup

• "Shooting Guard Tips" from HoopsU.com
• "Point Guard Tips" from HoopsU.com
• "How to Play Basketball Offense - Description of Team Positions" at guidetocoachingbasketball.com
• "Offensive & Defensive Basketball Plays For Various Positions" at basketball-drills-and-plays.com
• "How Basketball Works" at howstuffworks.com
• "Basketball players" at BBC Sport Academy