Five players, one ball, and a court that under FIBA rules measures 28 by 15 metres. Basketball moves fast, and knowing the five basketball positions is the easiest way to understand what every player is trying to do when the ball is in play.

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If you are new to the game, coaching a school team or watching your child play for the first time, this guide explains each position, the rules beginners break most often, and what ball size to use.

The Five Basketball Positions at a Glance

Basketball positions are usually numbered 1 to 5. According to Wikipedia's basketball positions page:

•      1, Point guard (PG): typically the team's best ball handler and passer, who organises the attack.

•      2, Shooting guard (SG): often the best scorer from mid-range or three-point range.

•      3, Small forward (SF): described as the most versatile of the five positions.

•      4, Power forward (PF): plays a role often similar to the centre, scoring and rebounding near the basket.

•      5, Centre (C): typically the tallest player, playing close to the basket.

Each team has five players on court at a time, so every position is on the floor together. In practice, many modern teams blur these roles, and you will often hear coaches talk about "guards", "wings" and "bigs" instead.

Guards: Running the Offence

The point guard is the organiser. You bring the ball up the court, call the play and decide who gets the ball. Good point guards usually see passes before they open up, and they rarely waste possession.

The shooting guard is the main outside scorer. Your job is to get free for shots, often by moving without the ball, and to punish defences that leave you open. That said, a shooting guard who only shoots is easy to defend, so passing and defending matter too.

Here's the thing about guards: they handle the ball most, which means they also make the most mistakes. The best ones learn to protect the ball under pressure, not only to attack with it.

Forwards and the Centre

The small forward is the all-rounder. You might shoot from outside on one play and drive to the basket on the next, and you often guard the other team's best scorer.

The power forward works closer to the basket. Rebounding, setting screens and scoring from short range are typical parts of the job, and many power forwards also step out to shoot.

The centre is usually the tallest player and plays near the basket at both ends. On defence, the centre protects the rim and blocks or alters shots. On offence, you score close in and win rebounds.

This is not a fixed order of importance. A team with a strong centre and weak guards struggles to bring the ball up, while a team of great shooters without a rebounder gives away second chances.

Basic Rules Every Beginner Should Know

Basketball rules are set internationally by FIBA, and school leagues often use FIBA rules with local adjustments. These are the rules new players break most often.

Travelling. You cannot walk or run with the ball without dribbling. Taking too many steps while holding it is a violation, and the other team gets the ball.

Double dribble. Once you stop dribbling, you cannot start again. You have to pass or shoot.

Fouls. Illegal contact, such as pushing, holding or hitting an opponent's arm, is a personal foul. Players who collect too many fouls are removed from the game, but the limit depends on the competition, so check your league's rules.

Game length. Under FIBA rules, games are played in four quarters of 10 minutes, according to Wikipedia's basketball article. Junior and school games are often shorter.

The three-point line. Shots from outside the line score three points instead of two. In FIBA competitions the line is 6.75 metres from the basket, although many school courts are marked differently.

There's a catch with learning rules from TV: professional leagues such as the NBA use different timings and distances. For school and club basketball in South Africa, the FIBA-based rules are usually the ones that apply.

Ball Size and Team Kit

Ball size depends on who is playing. According to Wikipedia's basketball article, men use a size 7 ball, around 29.5 inches in circumference and 22 ounces, while women use a size 6, around 28.5 inches and 20 ounces. Younger players often use smaller balls, so check what your league specifies.

Ronex stocks the Ronex Basketball Size 7, a durable rubber practice ball, and the Ronex Volleyball/Basketball Kit RC-953, a set of 10 kits available in junior/youth and senior/adult sizes in a wide range of colour combinations. For a new school team, one set of 10 usually covers the squad, with a couple of practice balls for training.

What to Wear for Basketball

You do not need specialist kit to start, but a few things make a real difference. Court shoes with good grip and ankle support help you change direction safely. Light, breathable clothing keeps you cool, and a team that plays in matching kit is easier for referees and teammates to follow.

For school and club teams, matching sets also help with the numbers referees use to record fouls, so make sure every player has a clearly visible number.

How to Practise the Basics

You do not need a full team to improve. A few simple drills cover most of what beginners need.

•      Stationary dribbling: dribble with each hand, then switch hands without looking at the ball.

•      Lay-ups from both sides: practise the two-step approach so you learn the footwork without travelling.

•      Form shooting: shoot close to the basket with good technique before moving further out.

•      Two-on-one passing: two attackers against one defender, working on quick passes to get a free shot.

Short, focused practice usually beats long sessions where technique gets sloppy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players are on a basketball team on court?

Five players from each team are on court at a time. Squads usually include substitutes, and the number allowed depends on the competition.

Which basketball position is best for a tall player?

Tall players often start at power forward or centre, where height helps with rebounding and defending the basket. Many coaches still want tall players to learn ball handling, since the game rewards versatility.

What is travelling in basketball?

Travelling means taking too many steps while holding the ball without dribbling. The other team is awarded possession.

What size basketball should a teenager use?

Size depends on age and the competition. Men's basketball uses a size 7 and women's basketball a size 6, while younger players often use smaller balls. Check your school or league's rules.

Positions Are a Starting Point

The five positions give a team its shape, but the players who improve fastest usually learn the skills of the positions next to theirs. A guard who can rebound or a centre who can pass typically makes the whole team harder to defend.