cen*ter
What Is The Definition Of A Center In Basketball?
1. A center in basketball traditionally plays close to the rim and often acts as the anchor of the offense and defense. The center is typically the tallest player on the team.
On a basketball court, centers often occupy an area known as the low post or block. This is an area on the outside edge of the free throw lane that’s close to the goal and is denoted by a large rectangle on the court.
Why Is The Center Position In Basketball Called A 5?
Each position on a basketball team is assigned a number, one through five:
- 1 – Point guard
- 2 – Shooting guard
- 3 – Small forward
- 4 – Power forward
- 5 – Center
What Does The Center Do On Offense In Basketball?
On offense, a center typically stands near the basket and plays with their “back to the basket” facing the other offensive players. In a move called posting up, the center stands in a position to catch a pass from another player and then tries to score on their own or pass the ball back to another player.
Since the center in basketball is often the largest player on the team, they are also mainly responsible for offensive rebounds.
What Does The Center Do On Defense In Basketball?
On defense, a center stays close to the basketball goal to prevent players on the other team from being able to score. A center is often the last line of defense and acts as a barrier between the offensive player and the basketball goal. A center is also expected to get defensive rebounds.
Example Of How Center Is Used In Commentary
1. After such a dominant performance on both the offensive and defensive ends, you can tell why Shaquille O’Neal is widely considered one of the best centers in the NBA.
Sports The Term Is Used
1. Basketball
2. Football
3. Hockey
4. Soccer
Also See:
1. Point guard
2. Shooting guard
3. Small forward
4. Power forward