The most popular numbers in basketball. Positions (roles) of players in basketball

As in football, there are three groups of players on the playing field in basketball: defenders, midfielders, and forwards. However, if in the "game of millions" you can detail about 15 roles, then in basketball there will be only five of them, and they will be more simplified. Why? Yes, because the game takes place on a relatively small area and is characterized by high dynamics and the need for constant movement, so positions in basketball and their meanings are a very conditional issue.

About personnel

Cadres decide everything - these words, once uttered by the great leader and subsequently became winged, are most revealingly applicable to basketball. There are players who, by their nature (speed, height, court vision and out of the box thinking) are created for a particular position, but there are universal players. The latter are rarer shots, and therefore more valuable, both for the manager and for the team as a whole. They feel confident both in the center of the court and under the ring, they just play basketball. The positions of players with such shots are a common convention for a coach, a team and a real one. headache- for the enemy.

Nuances and formalities

So, a few words about the classical arrangement. None of the current rules regulates what positions there are in basketball, who and where should be located and “with whom to play”. Everything is purely conditional, and the choice of one or another tactic, and, accordingly, the arrangement depends on the presence of performers in the team and how the opponent is supposed to play. If you look very superficially, then all players can be divided into front and back lines.

Basketball: position numbers and location on the court

Number 1 is the point guard, he is the dispatcher, who starts the team's attack from his ring.

Number 2 is an attacking defender. On the site is located in the support zone.

Numbers 3, 4 are light forward and heavy forward, respectively. Location - near the enemy's ring (sometimes they share the flanks).

Number 5 - center. Zonal location - under the enemy's ring.

point guard

The point guard position in basketball is a kind of control room or, if you like, a starting point. As a rule, basketball players playing in this role have good speed and excellent ball possession. The main task of the point guard is to create conditions for partners under which each of them can be as useful as possible for the team. If, for example, in football, the outcome of a game can be decided by a single accurate shot by a particular performer, then in basketball, the result consists of hundreds of little things, each of which can give a certain advantage over an opponent. After the match, all positions in basketball are subjected to a thorough analysis, TTA statistics are kept, and adjustments are made to the organization of the game.

In addition, how to realize the strengths of his team, the point guard must see the enemy’s weak points and “press” there in time. He starts the combinations of the team, insures in defense, especially in case of sharp counterattacks of opponents. As a rule, the players in this position are the shortest in the team - the average height is about 190 cm.

Legendary NBA point guard players include Magic Johnson, Steve Nash, and now-defensive Cleveland Cavaliers Kyrie Irving.

Attacking defender

For a person who is not very knowledgeable in basketball, the name of this role may seem a little paradoxical, because the positions in basketball are logically named according to the functions performed, while the main task of the attacking defender is to break through to the ring and earn points. To be a sniper, in other words.

As a rule, these are athletes with good athletic abilities, but at the same time they have good dribbling and the ability to go to the dribble. Some coaches require shooting guards to work hard with rebounds, especially on rebounds.

A high level of passing is another important quality, thanks to which players of this role can “raise their price”. A good sniper easily pulls 2-3 opponents on himself, so a high-quality and timely pass to a partner can give the latter time to prepare a throw.

The height of the classic number two, as a rule, reaches 200 cm. Due to anthropometry and good speed, the attacking defender can equally well withstand both the sniper and the center forward of the opposing team. Some NBA teams with a strong second number often build a game around the latter.

Well-known NBA players who played at different times in the position of shooting guard are Kobe Bryant, who recently retired from his career and, of course, the legendary Michael Jordan.

small forward

The functions of a small forward on the court are usually similar to those of an attacking defender, however, the players of the offensive line are usually taller (up to 210 cm) and positioned closer to the opponent's basket. They are indispensable when playing rebounds and often block shots from opposing team players.

Among the main qualities of a light forward, we note a high percentage of shots made from any distance. A competent trio use their agility advantage over the power forward and center opponents, and their height advantage over the point guard and defender. Compared to a shooting guard, the small forward is more focused on rebounding, thereby helping his center.

The light forward position in basketball is the most versatile. Growth and jumping ability, combined with dynamism, allow them to fight near the ring, block the shots of the opponent's forwards, and also insure their own defenders.

Of the well-known basketball players who played number three, we note the current leader of Cleveland, LeBron James, as well as Dirk Nowitzki, who has been playing for the same club, Dallas Mavericks, for nineteen years.

Power forward

The main function of a power forward is to fight for rebounds at his own and someone else's ring, therefore, to play in the “four” position, not only high growth (usually more than 200 cm) is required, but also an outstanding physical strength. Some power forwards in the NBA and European national leagues, who are over 210 cm tall, have no problem performing the slam dunks that spectators in the stands love so much.

Especially a lot of work falls on the share of heavy forward at the end of the fight, when the game begins on fouls. At this point, the 4th number often "falls" closer to his own ring, not allowing the opponent's light players to get close to the target within throwing distance. In the history of basketball, for example, there were and are power forwards for whom 10 points per game is something supernatural, because most of the time they are defending.

One of the brightest heavy forwards of our time is Blake Griffin, who defends the colors of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Center

The fifth number is usually the highest on the floor (often - more than 210 cm). Like a power forward, the center must fight for rebounds and also defend his own three-point zone during the attack of the opponent. Basketball players of this role, who, in addition to anthropometry, have athleticism and speed, are valuable personnel for any club. As a rule, a player with such a set of qualities is a rarity. In general, all positions in basketball related to the attacking line can be called universal, but to a greater extent this applies to just the fifth number.

There is a kind of strategy that teams usually use at the end of the game. It is directed against the centers, who have a low percentage of free throws. The idea is to foul on number five, after which he could theoretically miss a free kick and the ball goes to the opposing team. By the way, there is an opinion that this strategy was born as one of the options for confronting the legend of American basketball - Shaquille O'Neal. The latter was the undisputed leader under the basket, but to the same extent almost useless as a free throw player.

Non-standard positions in basketball

In addition to the main conditionally accepted positions, there are also modified roles in basketball. As a rule, universal athletes play in such positions, who, thanks to their individual skills, are able to work out "both here and there."

A combo guard is a player who combines the qualities of the first and second number, but does not have a complete list of characteristics to fully close one of the two positions. Comboguard is a rare guest of the starting lineup, most often he is a substitute for a point guard or attacking defender in a team.

Swingman is a basketball player with skills as a shooting guard and small forward. Unlike a comboguard, on the contrary, it can benefit from its universalism. With a height of up to 200 cm, the swingman has good speed and dribbling, therefore, depending on the situation, he can both work out in defense against undersized players and attack the ring.

Point forward is probably the most unusual of non-standard positions. A point forward is usually called a player who has a vision of the point guard's field, as well as the power and pressure of a forward. With proper use of such a basketball player, this combination can turn out to be an explosive mixture.

Combo forward - a player with the skills of a light and heavy forward.

In basketball, for an effective game, the coach thinks about tactics in each individual case, therefore, in order to achieve a result, he we need players who are diverse in their specifics and who will take their positions on the court.

The role that this or that athlete will get is called Role and depends on the set of skills and abilities of the basketball player.

How many people play basketball

In basketball, there are two teams on the court. of five field participants, the rest are in stock, and no more than 7 people per team.

In general, the game is announced 12 athletes, the number of substitutions is not limited during the game. The main player becomes a substitute after a characteristic gesture of inviting the referee of the player from the bench.

What are the values ​​of the positions, functions and names of the players on the court in the game 5 by 5 people

Basketball is a team game where each player contributes equally to final result, on the site, each team member has his own clear role or role. Depending on the physical parameters (height, weight, limb length), t technical development(strength and height of the jump, speed), tactical literacy(the ability to see the game) the athlete takes a certain position in the game.

Total emit two positions for beginners - back and front lines players, for fans of the pool role to choose from is expanding up to five positions, while in professional basketball the choice starts with ten different functions on the field.

Back line, number of players in it

The players' back line consists of of those who protect the ring from enemy attacks, and starts attacking his own team. Tactical formations and drawings imply a different number of players in the lines, however, the standard two roles play in the back line: point guard and attacking (throwing) defenders.

Photo 1. Players on the back line. Basketball players defend their ring from the attack of rivals.

Point guard - 1 number

It is a kind of "brain" of the team, it is this function on the court that is responsible for organizing the game of the entire team. The primary responsibilities of the playmaker include:

• instant decision making, based on a correct reading of the game, the location of own and other players on the court (to whom to give the ball, whether to start the attack yourself or throw it forward / sideways / backwards);
• reliable defense of the ring, interceptions, insurance of partners in protection and communication with them;
• organization of team activities both in defense and in defense, tips for partners in combination;
• competent creation of opportunities for accurate shots front line players, as well as their own ability to bring points to the team from medium and long distances;
• aggravation of the game situation near the opponent's basket, the fight for the rebound.

point guard monitors the practical implementation of the tactical plan of the coach, calms or "inflates" the game, prompts partners in case of deviation from the concept for the game or its change.

It follows from this that the basketball player has authority in the team, possesses sports intelligence more than others, since it is this role that allows you to see the entire court as a whole, the overall picture of tactical formations, and the physical readiness of the participants in the game.

Based on the game situation, declarer determines the direction of his team's attack, feels which of the partners will most successfully cope with its completion in this or that case.

Its main function should be considered creating opportunities for your team to hit the basket. An attacking point guard must have excellent shooting accuracy, skillful dribble and dribbling skills, lead the team while keeping an eye on the opposing team's breakthroughs.

The point guard's possession of the ball (changing direction, deceptive movements, sharp passes) has been brought to perfection, since it is the passing game that is the key tool for an athlete with such a function on the court. Undoubtedly, The defender also plays an important role in defense: he needs to meet the enemy hard, play to intercept.

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Attacking defender - number 2

On the back line, the point guard is assisted by an attacking defender, from the name of the function of which it is clear that his role is directed more forward. The difference lies in the guardianship of larger opponent players, he meets the opponent's attacks hard, fights for the rebound of the ball under the shield.

Photo 2. An attacking defender (in white) is trying to prevent an opponent from throwing the ball into the basket.

The attacking defender's special skill is a high percentage of hits from the three-point zone, which implies the ability to free yourself from the opponent’s control, take a competent position and make a productive throw. That is why often top scorer team becomes a defense player with an attack function. Player responsibilities for this plan include:

• neutralization of attacks on your own basket, the fight for all rebounds, the selection of the ball;
• long distance shots, interaction with partners in attack;
• pulling down the enemy's defense, distracting opponent players, providing free zones to partners.

By virtue of his duties, the athlete must be very athletic, physically strong, and also have a high starting speed, mobility for a lightning-fast transition from defense to attack. Even the attacking defender should not go on the attack for a long time, as he knows how to work in the numerical superiority of the opponent's attack, quickly navigate the game situation, tactically build the game correctly.

Important! Despite everything, the main role defender - organization, so reading the game, mindfulness, prudence, rationality will be the main qualities of the attacker.

comboguard

The site may also contain a comboguard that combines the qualities of an attacking and playing defender, but inferior to both positions.

The comboguard may not be tall enough to fight under the shield with tough opponents and fight for the ball, but score points through more effective attack and mobility.

Perhaps he does not see the pattern of the game so perfectly, he is too slow to make decisions to match the point guard.

The combo guard is often released in the absence of team members playing in position.

The line of defense as a whole is characterized by coherence, dispatching and organizational work, intellectual vision of the game, and reliability. It is most effective to release players of different roles on the court with differential strengths(e.g. tackling power under the shield and scoring three-point hits).

Front line, features of the placement of athletes

attack line focused solely on team performance, work ahead, maneuverability and sophistication of delivering the ball to the basket, but nevertheless, if necessary, they come to the rescue in defense.

Photo 3. A front row player throws the ball into the opponent's basket. Nearby is a defender from the opposite team.

Small forward - number 3

Small forward position in many ways is interchangeable with the shooting guard function: players are focused on creating a chance to shoot from a long distance. Both roles bring points to the team, hitting the opponent's basket with great accuracy. Differences in positions lie in the position of the athlete during the game: if the small forward spends most of the game under the opponent’s shield, then the attacking defender is under his own, always ready to interrupt the opponent’s attack.

The small forward's special skill is highly valued in his position, as he has to work hard under the opponent's shield by picking up balls and turning them into points. Dribbling, coordination, throw accuracy determine the equipment of a light forward.

Growth is not the most important indicator, however, muscle mass should be sufficient to set up the body, free up space for yourself or partners, fight for the ball. The small forward runs from rim to rim as his body skills are also very useful in defense.

Heavy forward - number 4

His role designed for the most enduring and athletic athletes. These "ram-type" attackers have the energy to finish their attacks.

The key role of the power forward is playing under the shield in attack. Strength and general physical development mean a lot, because no one will be better than him to fight for a rebound from the move or counteract the throws of opponents.

In addition, after a powerful pass, the power forward must be able to complete the attack qualitatively either independently or by giving to the center.

Interaction with the center player determines the coherence of the attack, so it is important to be maneuverable, dexterous and flexible, see a partner, act according to the situation. The center changes functions with a heavy forward, because in essence it doesn’t matter who scores the ball. The penalty area under both shields is the zone of strength of the heavy and center, they control the shots, rebounds, block shots, screens.

Success is determined by choosing the right position under the basket in offense or defense in order to win the rebound. In addition to the attack under the shield, a plus is mastering the technique of throws from medium and long distances, however, this is not a key task.

Attention! The complete dominance of the forwards under the basket is a setting for the game, so power forwards must use both hands equally skillfully, clearly and accurately give the transfer (since there is always a struggle under the ring, and millimeters decide the fate of the ball).

As a rule, the performance of a power forward depends on throws after a rebound from close range, finishing. To achieve this goal, the attackers master the “hook” throw, tactically make the right decision to start or continue the attack, position themselves competently, from the point of view of a possible development of events, masterfully play both with their back and face.

sniper scope, tenacity, jumping ability, courage and aggressiveness distinguish heavy forwards. On the verge of violation, there is a confrontation for the ball among strong and determined attackers.

In defense, heavy forwards with their build and orientation fight for a rebound under the opposite shield, go into confrontation with the opponent's high throws, and neutralize their attack. It is especially important to win air from opponents in a jump..

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Center - number 5

Tallest player on the team- the center is the heart of the whole team, since a regular set of points depends on his work. He plays under the basket, gaining almost all effective shots from close range. Often the opponent breaks the rules precisely on the center in order to prevent scoring from a convenient position, and he performs free kicks much worse. Coaches often say that the easiest way to build a game is through the strengths of the team's sniper than any other player.

center lead the team in rebounding and blocked shots. Their main goal is to choose a comfortable and most effective position for the throw. To do this, the center always sees or knows the location of the ball, the players and anticipates the further development of events.

Photo 4. Center next to the players on the team. He is noticeably taller than all the other athletes.

The postman fights with the defense for the best position to attack, while not engaging in strong collisions to avoid violations. To accomplish his mission, he uses dribbling, an arsenal of deceptive movements, even the psychology of the enemy, working with his eyes.

The center player acts according to the situation, therefore, being in a weak position for him, it is preferable to give a pass than to throw himself. Picking a “strong” zone is the key to success, so getting a pass in an awkward position may not suit the post.

Often teams can "hide" the post, who then one/two long jumps jumps out from behind the opponents and throws the ball into the ring. The sniper, knowing his strengths, positions himself in the best position to the left or right of the shield, waits for the pass, and acts instantly.

In connection with the specifics of the center's game, it is understood that he takes advantage of the weaknesses of the opponent's defenders, skillfully placing a screen. By cunning, the "heart" of the team hides its plans for the attack, orienting itself on the site only due to the drawn lines and zones. You can't see the look and raise of the head, so it's difficult for the opponent to "read" the center's intentions. Of course, such a player takes with his height and power of the jump, usually athletes get into the team with a lower threshold of 210 cm.

center forward

If combine power forward and center player, you get a center forward with great skills under the shield, in the three-second zone. He fights for rebounds and rebounds, scores from close range, attacks with his face and back to the ring. The advantage over the heavy forward is higher height, and in front of the center maneuverability and flexibility.

comboforward

Combination of light and heavy forward They call it a combo forward who can score from small, medium and long distances.

In this type of player, speed, strength and height are combined, he can perfectly see the pattern of the game, make quick and effective decisions, open up well under the ball, move quickly, confusing opponents.

Excellent footwork and choice of position are a help to fight under the basket. A quick first step is beneficial for scoring passes. Comboforward - a great mix for a "jack of all trades".

point forward

Another prodigy in basketball can be considered the point forward position. In such talented athletes the qualities of point guard and forward are concluded. The position of the point forward includes the skills of defenders, game organizers and impeccable snipers, both under the basket and from the three-point zone. Such qualities include passing skills, passing accuracy and contact fighting skills.

The point forward player is the prototype of an ideal basketball player without weaknesses, such as there are only a few in the world ( LeBron James, Kevin Durant).

Photo 5. Basketball player LeBron James. He is one of the world's most famous point forwards in basketball.

swingman

The last known position combination is the swingman − sportsman with small forward and shooting guard skills. The golden mean between defense and attack is capable of both defending and attacking. Swingmen throw balls well from all distances, often surpass rivals in athleticism and growth, due to which they beat more technical opponents.

Substitutions during the game

Any substitute player can become the main player, one has only to ask the referee for a replacement, and if possible, he will give time to perform the action. in basketball the number of substitutions is unlimited, players can be changed several times, but you should remember the procedure and rules. According to them, can't be changed players 2 minutes before the end of the last quarter, in overtime, the team that scored a field goal. Only a substitute has the right to ask for a replacement by making a characteristic gesture.

Photo 6. The gesture of the referee, indicating the replacement of a player in basketball. Represents arms crossed on the chest.

Features of numbering on jerseys of athletes, why there are no numbers 1, 2 and 3

Player uniforms are numbered from number 4, because 1,2 and 3 are used by the referee when communicating with the players using gestures. For example, the referee may point fingers at the number of free throws or indicate a violation of the rule " three seconds". Confusion can occur when the referee shows the offending player's number on his fingers. To troubleshoot, it was decided to abolish the first three digits. . The strengths of an athlete are processed by the coach and embodied in a game function with a specific setting for each specific game.

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To date, three of the most popular team sports stand out from the team sports. Football is in the first place without question, and basketball and hockey share the second with the third. At the same time, it is worth paying attention that the first kind of sport is more common in Europe, while the other two are on the American continent. However, basketball has a wide popularity everywhere, even if the strongest is located in the USA. Millions of people are watching basketball games and get incredible pleasure from it. And even more fun can be obtained if you know all the positions in basketball. If for you so far there were just five players from each team on the field, then this article is intended just for you. Here you can find out what each of the five positions is called, what functions each player performs, and how these positions are divided along the lines.

Lines in basketball

If you want to know everything about positions in basketball, then you need to start small, or rather, from the general. The first thing you need to deal with is the lines into which all players are divided. There are only two of them - front and back. It is easy to guess what each of them is responsible for. The back line is the players who protect their ring from enemy attacks, and also start the attacks of their own team. Accordingly, the front line is the players who attack the opponent's ring. They may also try to prevent the enemy from going on a counterattack. In fact, there is nothing complicated about this: different formations involve a different number of players in the lines, but the standard scheme involves two players in the back line and three players in the front line. Now that you understand the basics of lines, you can take a look at basic basketball positions.

Basic positions

Each player has his own positions in basketball, but about them we will talk a little bit later. There are only five of them, and each of them will be described in detail. But first you need to consider the basic positions, of which there are only three: defender, center and striker. Again, there is absolutely nothing complicated here, since the roles of the players in their positions can be understood instantly. Defenders protect the ring, attackers attack the opponent's ring, and the center is the link between attack and defense. However, it is impossible to single out any of the three basic positions as the most important, because each of them is incredibly important. But these are just general concepts. Now you should take a closer look at the positions in basketball in English and Russian, as well as the tasks of each of the five players.

five positions

So, it's time to break down the five basic positions of basketball. In the back line, these are point guards and attacking defenders, and in the front line, there are heavy and light forwards, as well as a center.

point guard

So, it’s worth starting with an analysis of the abbreviations that are used in basketball to indicate specific positions on the field. For example, SF is a position in basketball that denotes a small forward who is usually closest to the opponent's basket. But you should start with your ring, so the first player to consider is the point guard. In English, it is called either combo guard or point guard, and its abbreviation looks like PG (in the Russian version, respectively, RZ). What functions does this player perform? In fact, he has a very large amount of work, since he sees almost the entire site, respectively, it depends on him how effectively the whole team will play. He is a dispatcher, a passer, from which the team's attacks begin. In defensive actions, he serves as the last line of defense, so he must be tall in order to be able to remove enemy throws. But do not think that this position is more important than other basketball positions. Freestyle 2 and other basketball games also prove that every position counts.

Attacking defender

The next back row player who is a little further from his ring is the shooting guard. As you can see, it is not so easy to understand basketball, the positions of the players are very diverse. In English, this position can be called both swingman and shooting guard, the abbreviation looks, respectively, like SG (or AZ in Russian). As for the role on the field, this defender, as you could already understand from the name of the position, is more focused on attack than on defense. Usually this is the best sniper of the team, who can score more than other points, as well as pull the enemy’s defense onto himself, untying the hands of his partners. In defense, this player's task is to patronize the most dangerous attacking opponents.

Now you know what positions there are in basketball in the back line. It's time to move to the front line, which has three more players.

small forward

The first player of the attacking line, which is worth talking about, is a light forward, which has already been mentioned a little earlier. In English, this position is called pitch forward, that is, SF. Accordingly, the Russian abbreviation for this position is LF. But much more important is what role this player performs on the field. This position is a place for a mobile attack player. He acts immediately on all fronts, and can also spend a lot of time under the ring, gaining points there. A lot of people have played in this position or in the mixed position of point forward. The latter combines the features of both a small forward and a point guard. As you can see, absolutely all positions in basketball are of great importance. The description of each of them once again proves this.

Power forward

This is a rather interesting position that allows the player to work both in attack and defense at once. What's more, some famous power forwards are almost always defensively focused, but there are those who manage to earn a quarter or even a third of their team's points. On English language this position is called a power forward and, accordingly, is designated as PF, but in Russian its abbreviation, of course, is designated as TF. It should be said right away that the main responsibility of this player, who does not play as close to the opponent's basket as a light forward, is to pick up the ball both in defense and in attack. Accordingly, the player must have high physical strength, powerful complexion, because otherwise it will be very difficult to cope with such a task. As with the small forward, this position can be combined with the duties of a point guard (or play a combo forward who doubles as both forwards). However, this is rarely practiced, since the workload of a power forward is already impressive. Accordingly, such mixtures are rare.

Center

And of course, you definitely need to tell more about the center, which is actually the center of the whole team. In English, it is called that - the center - and therefore is designated accordingly - Ts. As you could already understand, in Russian the abbreviation will be exactly the same, therefore, in all languages, this position is designated as Ts.

As for the playing role of this player, everything is rather complicated here. It would seem that this player should play in the center of the field and connect the attack with the defense - by analogy with football. But in reality, everything is completely different here, because the center in basketball defines his center with a field not along, but across. And this means that this player is always focused on the opponent's ring. As a matter of fact, his task is to play under the ring and get points. Of course, for the tallest player on the team, so most often in this position you can find players over 210 centimeters tall, up to 225 centimeters. Note that the center may take on additional power forward duties so that he can play point forward or combo forward, thereby moving away from the ring and playing a little further, which changes his functions. As you can see, the five main positions of the players may not be clearly assigned to them, there are intermediate ones.

One of the best players LeBron James, returning to Cleveland, took the jersey with the number "23", which made the legendary Michael Jordan. This event gave Sportbox.ru a reason to remember the most famous and lucky numbers in NBA history.

Choosing a number for an athlete is far from a routine process, and the number on a jersey is not just a serial number. For many, this is a charm, a ritual, a symbol of good luck, and sometimes even an indispensable condition for physical comfort. Take the well-known story when Dennis Rodman moved from the Lakers to the Mavericks. One of the indispensable conditions of the "worm" was the issue of the 69th number to him, since it was this combination of numbers that directly correlated with the basketball player's favorite intimate position.

What can I say, a statement in the style of Rodman, heavily mixed with shocking and generously seasoned with a desire to attract attention. But then natural cheese-boron flared up from this. NBA commissioner David Stern categorically forbade the club to agree to Rodman's condition. In the end, the player moved with a creak to Dallas, where he played only 12 matches in a jersey with the 70th number, after which he went on strike and was expelled from the team.

Or else, the famous Gilbert Arenas, took a “0” for himself in spite of one, especially zealous forecaster, who said that that was how many minutes he would spend on the court in NBA matches. After Gilbert became the most improved player in the league and went to the All-Star Games three times, the chiseled saying - From Zero to Hero, became his creed. It's a pity that then he pretty soon rushed in the opposite direction - From Hero to Zero, along the way putting feces in his partners' sneakers, changing clubs, game numbers, and losing the respect of colleagues and fans.

In a word, everyone has their own cockroaches in their head, and anyone wants to personify their choice, and not just poke a finger at the first digit that comes across. Some strive to be like their idols, others manage to encrypt the grandmother's year of birth in the numbers on the T-shirt. I knew a guy who, with maniacal pedantry, chose only single digits just because he physically felt that it was easier for him to run with a one on his back than with a bulky twenty.

And yet, despite all these confusing meanings and many options, basketball has its own sacred numbers that cause awe and reverence. Those that are most often taken for luck, believing that they will bring good luck, like their past eminent owners. Sportbox.ru counted up to five and chose the most popular, sought-after, and finally lucky numbers in the NBA.

№ 23

Facts: The brightest star in the sky, Sirius, is 23 times brighter than the sun. Arnold Schwarzenegger won his first Mr. Olympia title at the age of 23.

There are 23 joints in the human hand. And we all know the person and his hand very well, thanks to which this number is considered one of the most popular not only in basketball, but also in sports in general. Michael Jordan, with his career, life and achievements, has ensured that the mention of this figure evokes the image of a black, stately athlete who, sticking out his tongue, despite any obstacles, ignores any obstacles and makes the very last effort that leads his team to final success.

LeBron James, who moved to Miami at one time, retracted the number 23, saying that only one person can wear it, and everyone who respects and understands basketball should be aware of this. True, James himself is a changeable person and, having returned to Cleveland, he decided to provoke the fans by arranging a vote on the topic, whether he should play under the 6th or 23rd number. It turned out that according to James himself, Cavaliers fans do not understand basketball very well, and from the new season LeBron will pursue the Jordan legend, copying his number.

Who knows, maybe it will come to the manner of the game, it’s not for nothing that American newspapers focus so much on the fact that James has lost a lot of weight, refused carbohydrate diet and hopes to give his style more plasticity. Long before Jordan and James, famed Rockets point guard Calvin Murphy used this number. The kid, 175 centimeters tall, although he did not win the championship, he became the shortest player inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame. Last week, similarly honored shooter Mitch Richmond furthered the number's popularity by playing under it for the Golden State Warriors, in conjunction with Tim Hardaway and Chris Mullen.

In the early 2000s, as part of the same club, Jason Richardson made me remember Jordan, and he did this not only through analogies with the number. Like "His Air", he impressed with his anti-gravity abilities, winning the overhead throw tournament twice. Now the new history of the NBA in the New Orleans Pelicans under the old numbering is being written by center Anthony Davis. And yet, no matter how many surnames are named, the cumulative achievements of the players are not listed, the magic sequence "23" will always be considered as such thanks to only one person.

№ 1

Facts: The atomic number of hydrogen, the main chemical element in the universe. In ancient China, the number 1 was a symbol of masculinity. The number 1 is the head of the family of numbers.

In fact, this meager unity is the main principle of the sport. The thing for which all these efforts, restrictions, hard work is to be the first. That which is the essence of sport in its original form. All other meanings like the beauty of the game, the justice of the result, the triumph of the vanquished have stuck over the years. First of all, you are number one and you are the best. And this sniper accurately reflects the fact that Oscar Robertson, who played in the distant 60s, though not the first, but definitely the best of the basketball players who wore this number.

Mr. triple-double himself, in the 1961/62 season, Robertson reached 30 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists per game. In 79 games, Robertson recorded 41 triple-doubles. For the entire career 181. He is still the only one who succeeded. And it is very likely that these two records will never be broken. It was "Big O" who became the mentor of Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. when he entered the league. Together they won the only championship in Milwaukee Bucks history, and after that the rookie became one of the benchmarks for centers, already playing under the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

NBA Hall of Famer and one of the best point guards of the 70s, Nate Archibald, changed numbers during his career, but it was the unit that was retired by the Sacramento Kings, in which he spent his best years. Point guards are instructed to wear a unit, just at least based on the position number. Everyone's favorite Muggsy Boggs and often underestimated Rod Strickland painstakingly confirmed this in the 90s. And yet they could not compete in popularity with those who were called point guards of the new formation - Anferny Hardaway.

It was to him that the concepts of point forward and comboguard were first applied. With a two-meter height, he perfectly saw the court, and passed no worse and more spectacular than his point guard Darrel Armstrong. Penny failed to materialize to the end, as did Tracy McGrady, who took the number one in honor of him. Same No. 1, same Orlando Magic, and same plethora of career-breaking injuries. It is not easy to be the first, and the examples of Derrick Rose and Amar'e Stoudmeier confirm the sad trend today, but if it were otherwise, the very concept of victory, for which many are ready to give everything, would be distorted.

№ 32

Facts: 32 teeth in an adult. 32 in the Pythagorean tradition is a symbol of justice. May 32 is a fictitious date from the movie "The Same Munchausen".

As in the case of Jordan, in basketball, the belonging of the thirty-second number is obvious. Magic Johnson was the only one who at one time could compete with Jordan in popularity. His game was original, his manner was recognizable, and the results were phenomenal. Unlike Michael, the Lakers point guard has never changed his number in his career.

As well as one of the sworn enemies of all of California, the representative of the hated Celtics, Kevin McHale. The uncompromising power forward had one of the widest arsenals of moves. It was impossible to predict what he would do in the next second. Slightly less variable, but by no means less effective was another heavy. The honored postman of all the Marmons, Karl Malone, spent most of his career under the marking "32", under which he also opposed the HIV-infected Magic, and in his old age he ended up in the Lakers, where, due to Johnson's retired number, he was forced to be content with paired units.

Today, other times, other morals, especially in Los Angeles, and now in the Clippers, again, Blake Griffin shines in the position of number four, who, in addition to those already mentioned, continues the work of Billy Cunningham of the Sixers, Jerry Lucas when he was a Knicks , and Shaquille O'Neal in Orlando.

№ 13

Facts: The number 13, the devil's dozen, is considered unlucky in European culture. The US originally consisted of 13 states. In the Russian military aviation, there are no aircraft with tail number 13, as well as call signs with this number. However, during the Great Patriotic War pilot-hero Pokryshkin fought under number 13 with the call sign 13.

In general, even at the level of facts, it is clear that this number is different for everyone. Someone is afraid of him like fire, others, on the contrary, believe that by challenging prejudices, they themselves take the threads of fate into their hands. But no matter how you treat the number 13, all the same, from time to time it throws up reasons to think.

Paul George, at the end of a great season with Indiana, decided, out of respect for Kobe Bryant, to drop No. 24 and trade it for No. 13. George will miss next season due to a horrendous injury sustained in the national team's training camp. But athletes are inherently gamblers and like to tickle their nerves. Therefore, judge for yourself, the great past Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone passed on their disdain for superstitious ditties to Mark Jackson, Sarunas Marciulionis, and those, in turn, to Steve Nash, Joaquim Noah, James Harden.

Wilt and Moses became champions and will forever be part of the pantheon of the best big men in basketball history. Jackson and Nash are some of the best passers in the NBA, Marciulionis revolutionized the concept of a legionnaire in American basketball. Noah and Harden are stars current generation. So, in the case of number 13, either even or odd, as in the case of luck, without which, as you know, not a single victory can do.

№ 33

Facts: 33 is the age at which Jesus Christ was crucified. The Hindu Vedas list 33 major demigods. 33 cows.

If we decide to collect the symbolic top five players in the history of the NBA, from basketball players who played under No. 33, then it will not differ much from some others that are not limited by such a condition. Problems will arise except with the point guard. With all due respect to Sarunas Jasikevicius, it is difficult to list him among those who enchanted in the NBA. Otherwise, front line: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning. Backline: Larry Bird, David Thompson, Scottie Pippen, Grant Hill. In terms of the number of great players who wear a repeating three jersey, only No. 32 can compete, and then with difficulty.

During the 90s, this was the most popular number in the NBA, but now players take it less willingly. Either they are afraid not to withstand comparisons with the giants, or they are trying to bend their line. Of the more or less noticeable, now playing under the 33rd number, one can only name Marc Gasol, and even with a stretch of Ryan Anderson. Otherwise, duplicate triples are the domain of giants who forever inscribed their name in the history of the NBA.

Depending on the technical arsenal, physical condition and growth, each player occupies a well-defined position on the court. When playing at a beginner level, two main positions should be distinguished based on the location of the player on the court - the back or front line. There are five such positions in modern amateur basketball. Whereas in professional basketball ten items can be identified. We offer you to get acquainted with the basic description of the role of players in basketball. If after reading you still have questions, then come to training and the coach will determine your position on the playground.

Number one or point guard

A prime example in the NBA is Stephen Curry. In Russia - Denis Zakharov. The average height of a professional player is 183-195 centimeters. Weight 75-90 kilograms. The point guard or playmaker is the brains of the team. He handles the ball with ease. Looking at the game of the exemplary first number, it seems that basketball is an extension of his hand. All movements are smooth and controlled, but at any moment the smoothness of the move is replaced by a sharp jerk. Which combination to start, which way to go and how to build an attack - this is the task of the first number. This player must not only see teammates, but also calculate the situation on the court. During defensive actions, the player insures the team from a quick breakaway of the opposing team. Not so long ago, the main role of the point guard was to take the ball out of his zone and pass it to the attack. But that time has passed. In modern professional basketball, priority is given to versatile players who combine qualities that allow a player to play in adjacent positions. This is how the Combo Guard position stands out. Based on the name, it can be determined that the player combines the combination of qualities necessary for defense and attack. So the player performs the functions of point guard and attacking defender. In the old interpretation of basketball, combo guards were considered as players who did not know how to fully realize themselves on the playing field. Over time, this attitude towards the players has changed and now you can meet well-known and successful representatives of the komboguards.

Second number or attacking defender

A prime example in the NBA is Kobe Bryant. In Russia - Sergey Babkov. The average height of a professional player is 190-200 centimeters. Weight 85-100 kilograms. The shooting guard is in most cases the main sniper of the team. His specialization is an accurate shot from any distance, including three-point and free throw. It is the second number that is largely responsible for the performance of the team. Apart from accurate throw, the player of this role has good dribbling. He easily breaks through the opponent's defense and enters the "paint". The athletic qualities of the player allow him to make jump shots after high-speed dribbling. In defense, the player takes care of the most dangerous snipers of the opposing team and is the main ball interceptor. Lightning break - this is exactly the quality that the second number has. A versatile second player who can play adjacent positions is called a swingman. This role implies a combination of the positions of the second and third numbers. The athlete's athleticism and speed allow him to effectively play both against large players, using speed, and against less athletic opponents. This position is one of the most versatile, because its representative can carry out both attack and defense equally well.

Third number or light forward

A prime example in the NBA is LeBron James. In Russia, Andrey Kirilenko. The average height of a professional player is 195-210 centimeters. Weight 95-110 kilograms. Small Forward - a player with the main function of scoring for the team. Despite his belonging to the perimeter players, the small forward is a good helper for big players in rebounding the ball, both under the opponent's basket and under his own. And this is successfully achieved by the players of this role, because they have more tall than the first and second numbers. Height, mobility and good coordination allow you to block opponent's shots and beat them. Due to high growth, many representatives of this role are gaining weight and moving into representatives of heavy forwards. In modern basketball, there is the concept of a point forward (English Point Forward). The player combines the positions of the first and third numbers. With such a player in the arsenal, the team can count on a combination of playing and attacking qualities in one person. Excellent court vision and accurate passes, coupled with the player's height, allow him to beat less tall players on the opposing team and pass to attack under the basket.

Fourth number or power forward

A prime example in the NBA is Dirk Nowitzki. In Russia - Viktor Khryapa. The average height of a professional player is 200-215 centimeters. Weight 105-115 kilograms. Of course, the position of a heavy forward (Eng. Power Forward) implies not only height, but also power. In the struggle for rebounding, which is the main task of this role, you have to confront the big players. Working mostly under the basket, the players come into close contact, where every centimeter of the court won is not so easy. In the 3-second zone, the contact reaches its climax, because it is in this zone that the judges record fouls only with obvious violations. If a player of the first or second number enters this zone, then a demonstrative fall, as a gesture of rough play, will most likely not be noticed by the judge. The intensity of the fight under the ring and correct position bodies make it necessary for the player to have excellent physical training coupled with endurance. Like any player on the court, a power forward must confidently control the ball. Of course, in the player’s technical arsenal, one cannot meet that variety in dribbling, but nevertheless, he must, if necessary, take the ball out of his zone, being under team pressure. In this regard, the position of the player has changed quite a lot over time. Previously, the main task of the fourth number was the ability to work in defense. The attack remained a priority for players of other roles. An adjacent position that combines the skills of the third and fourth numbers is the Comboforward position.

Number five or center in basketball

A prime example in the NBA is Shaquille O'Neal. In Russia - Alexey Savrasenko. The average height of a professional player is 210-220 centimeters. Weight 110-125 kilograms. Center (English Center) is a player whose task is to play under the basket and fight for rebounds. The height and dimensions of the fifth number perfectly allow him to cope with this task. Everyone knows that a good and tight defense in your area is the key to success on the playing field. It is the center that does not give a chance to continue the attack after an unsuccessful throw by the attacking side. Due in large part to their size, many center players do poorly on free throws. But modern basketball makes new demands on the players of this position. Every year there are fewer players on the field above 220 centimeters. Priority is given to less massive and more mobile players, who also have an excellent shot from under the basket and can effectively break free kicks in the last minutes of the match. It is the fifth numbers that are the team leaders in terms of the number of rebounds under the shield and the number of block shots. The player with the speed of number four and the strength of number five is called a center forward. This player fights both for the rebound and confidently attacks on the border of the three-second zone with his face or back to the ring. Unlike typical centers, the centre's speed allows him to maintain a fast break.