Being a basketball lover do you know about the importance of a center in basketball? Well, in this article I will guide you about the role of a center in basketball. One of the basic pillars of the game considers this position. People do not know the Center by only one name; in fact, they also refer to the center as the five, the pivot, or the big man. A center’s responsibilities are not as challenging as those of the center point because centers typically position themselves near the baseline or in close proximity to the basket. Get all information about what is a center in basketball.
Centers normally score near the closest area of the basket which is the low post: however, most of the centers tend to be good perimeter shooters as well. The centers are mastered in rim protection, pulling down rebounds, setting screens on players, and contesting shots. The center player’s height gives them an advantage in hitting layups, close shots, and dunking.
The center is considered to be the tallest and most physically strong player among all five positions. The center position player’s height is close to 7 feet which gives them superiority over other players. Basketball centers are the assets of the team due to their good shooting ability outside the three-point line. The center position player’s height gives them an extensive advantage as they are better at focusing on rebounding and shot-blocking.
Recommended to read: Point vs Shooting Guard
Want to know more about the center position? Let’s have a look at the below details to know more about the role of a center.
1. Role of Center Position Player
Being a tall player the center is a valuable asset for defense and offense. The center’s role is different in both offense and defense that’s why their role is crucial in making a team successful. Centers in defense are responsible to protect their own goal from high-percentage close attempts but on offense, they are responsible for scoring and rebounding. But player should be better rebounder for this position.
The center performs the following role as an offense;
The center’s role in the offense is to get offensive rebounds and also block defensive players. The center player’s height gives them an opportunity to perform easy layups and dunk the ball.
- Easy Layups
- Getting Offensive Rebounds
- Dunking
- Setting Screens on Players
The center performs the following role as a Defense;
In a defensive position, a center’s role is to get defensive rebounds and prevent offensive players to score baskets. The tall height gives the center defensive player an advantage to stop offensive players from shooting by blocking shots.
- Collect Defensive Rebounds
- Guard and Block Offensive Players
- Avoid Foul
2. Skills Required to Be an Exceptional Center Player
What skills are necessary to be an exceptional center player? The center position player must be mastered in following skills to become a valuable asset to the team.
- Shot blocking
- Rebounding
- Posting Up
- Passing
- Strength and Conditioning
- Footwork and Positioning
The center player excels as the best shot blocker due to their tall height and strong body, which grant them superiority over shorter players. They play close to the basket and got opportunities to rebound the ball therefore a center needs to be skillful at rebounding. Posting up and passing plays a crucial role in a center player position. The above skills prove beneficial for a center player.
3. The Best Center Players
Coaches and analysts consider the center position to be a vital component of a successful team. Many famous players have excelled in the center position and achieved legendary status in the game. You can learn and improve your game by watching their matches.
George Mikan:
The center position players were typically not tall before the 1940s but then a player George Mikan comes into the game with an exceptional height of 6 ft 10 in. He was the exceptionally tall center who developed the agility and coordination to play the game well. In his professional career, Mikan wins seven National Basketball League and several Basketball Association of America and NBA Championships. The hook shot and shot block were introduced by Mikan. The NBA decision to widen the foul lane is known as the Mikan rule.
Bill Russell:
Bill Russell revolutionized the basketball game as a central player in the 1960 era by combining height and superior athleticism, showcasing qualities that previous centers had never shown. Bill won five MVP awards, 12-time NBA All-Star, and also holds the record for top eighteen season averages for rebounds. Russell brings changes in defensive strategy with the help of shot-blocking, rebounding, and physical man-to-man defense.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the greatest players in basketball and undoubtedly one of the best center-position players. ESPN awarded him the title of the greatest center of all time in 2007. Abdul-Jabbar earned six regular-season MVP awards and became famous for his trademark shot, the ‘Skyhook’. Kareem is the inspiration of many new players who want to be an exceptional center player.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who’s the best center of all time?
If we talk about the best centers in basketball history then you cannot miss the below names.
- George Mikan
- Bill Russell
- Wilt Chamberlain
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Hakeem Olajuwon
- David Robinson
- Shaquille O’Neal
What is the center called in basketball?
A center is known by different names in basketball such as 5, Pivot, Big man, and C. The center is also known by these names in the game.
Are centers usually big?
The center players are considered to be big as compared to the other position players. The centers are normally tall in height and physical strength to dominate the opponent players. The center normally plays close to the basket therefore their big height gives them an advantage in shot-blocking, rebounding, and man-to-man defense.
Conclusion:
Want to be a legendary center player then take inspiration from George Mikan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Hakeem Olajuwon games. You can improve your skills to be an outstanding player. I have mentioned all the details that will help you to enhance your knowledge about centers in the game. If you have good height and center skills then no one can beat you in the game. masterclass.com wrote fantastic about it too and its really easy to understand guide but short. So long guide explained above for short visit that site.