* *Shooting guard (SG) (2)* - shooting guards generally are a little bit taller and slower than point guards. They have to make good shots from far distances (like three-point lines).
* *Small forward (SF) (3)* - small forwards are generally taller than both point guards and shooting guards. They are the team's most versatile player, doing everything from rebounding and assisting to scoring.
* *Power forward (PF) (4)* - power forwards are usually one of the strongest players who play inside the 3 point line. Their job is to receive rebounds from under the basket and score in the opposing team's basket, although it is unusual for a power forward to score most points for the team.
* *Center (C) (5)* - Centers will usually be the tallest player on the team. They score close to the basket, rebound and block shots on the defensive end. They also start the game in the tip off.
Other positions, more usual in professional basketball teams, are used in basketball.
* *Swingman* - a basketball player who can play both small forward and shooting guard positions.
* *Stretch four* (also *cornerman*) - a basketball player who can play both power forward and small forward positions. The term "stretch four" comes from the concept of a power forward ("four") capable of "stretching" a defense with outside shooting ability.
* *Point forward* - a basketball player who can play both point guard and forward (either small forward or power forward) positions.
* *Forward-center* - a basketball player who can play both forward (usually power forward) and center positions.