What is a point forward in basketball
A point forward is a hybrid basketball position that generally combines skills of a point guard alongside attributes of a small forward or power forward to potentially create certain offensive or defensive advantages for the team as a whole.
What are general traits of a typical point forward
Playmaking
Generally speaking, the point forward typically possesses a high basketball IQ and is usually adept at making plays, similar to the traditional point guard position.
Moreover, as a result of the playmaking ability, the point forward can potentially generate multiple scoring opportunities via close-range shots, mid-range shots, or three-point shots for teammates, which could result in several assists as well.
Additionally, the point forward could also create individual scoring opportunities if that is a viable option.
Create scoring opportunities for teammates via perimeter passing
In general, the point forward could utilize passing skills near perimeter areas of the court to create scoring opportunities for teammates.
For example, let’s say that the point forward is at the top or near one of the slot areas in the frontcourt.
From there, let’s also say that a teammate is able to get open near one of the wing areas of the court.
Afterwards, the point forward could throw a basic chest pass to that teammate who could potentially take an open jump shot.
As another example, let’s once again say that the point forward is at the top above the three-point line.
At the same time, let’s say that the point forward would like to pass the ball to a teammate near one of the wings but that same teammate is not able to easily receive the ball because of denial defense by the off-ball defender who is covering them.
When that occurs, the point forward could take one dribble towards that wing area and simultaneously, the teammate could execute a backdoor cut towards the basket.
From there, the point forward could throw a basic bounce pass to the cutting teammate who could catch the ball and score via a layup at the rim.
To provide yet another example, let’s say that the point forward executes a dribble entry towards one of the wing areas of the court.
As that happens, let’s also say that a teammate is open on the weak side, either in the opposite corner or wing.
Following that, the point forward could throw a cross-court skip pass to that teammate, who could potentially take an open jump shot.
The skip pass may also be highly effective, particularly if the opposing team implements a zone defense such as the 2-3 zone.
Create scoring opportunities for teammates via low post passing
The point forward could potentially create scoring opportunities for teammates while in possession of the ball near the low post area of the court.
For example, the point forward could receive a post entry pass from a teammate who immediately executes a Laker cut on the low side or high side.
Afterwards, that cutting teammate could receive the ball again from the point forward and score at the rim by way of a layup or dunk.
Create scoring opportunities for teammates via high post passing
The point forward could also potentially create scoring opportunities by passing the ball from the high post area of the court.
For example, let’s say that the point forward receives the ball near the high post and another teammate is currently located near the low post area.
From there, if that teammate ducks into the lane or utilizes a basketball screen to get open near the basket, then the point forward could throw the ball to that same teammate to execute and complete high low action.
As another example, the point forward could receive the ball in the high post and then another teammate on the weak side perimeter area could backdoor cut to the basket.
Following that, the teammate who cut to the basket could receive the ball from the point forward and score at the rim via a layup or dunk.
This could also be effective if that teammate were to backdoor cut while initially located in the slot that is opposite to the high post where the point forward is currently located.
If the cutting action occurred from the opposite slot, then that particular scenario would be very reminiscent of the blind pig action that is derived from the triangle offense strategy.
Create scoring opportunities for teammates via dribble action
Generally speaking, the point forward usually possesses at least an adequate or even above average amount of athleticism, most notably speed and quickness.
Moreover, the point forward typically is adept at dribbling the basketball, which is also similar to a standard point guard.
What this effectively means is that the point forward is generally able to use their athleticism alongside fundamental dribble moves such as the crossover dribble, between the legs dribble, and behind the back dribble to create separation, most notably from the on-ball defender.
The result of that could be dribble penetration into the lane, which influences one or more defenders to collapse towards the lane area in an attempt to prevent easy scoring opportunities, particularly layups or dunks, as the point forward attacks the rim.
Following that, the point forward could throw a kick pass to other teammates near perimeter areas of the court, which could lead to open jump shots, or even more dribble penetration from those teammates, especially in the event of poor defensive closeouts and/or general defensive breakdowns.
Moreover, if a defender on the back side who was initially protecting the basket steps up to prevent the point forward from easily scoring via a layup or dunk, then as a secondary scoring option, the point forward could potentially throw a drop pass or shovel pass to a teammate, especially a post player near the weak side low post area.
Alternatively, the point forward could execute alley-oop action with post players near the dunker spot, particularly by throwing a lob pass over the top of a back side defender who would be protecting the basket.
What’s more, if the point forward were to drive to the basket near the baseline, then that action could lead to the throwing of a drift pass to a teammate on the opposite side of the court.
From there, that teammate who would receive the ball could take the open shot or attack the rim themselves if that is a viable option.
Create scoring opportunities for teammates during transition offense
In general, the point forward could create scoring opportunities for teammates during transition offense.
For example, the point forward could gain control of the ball via a defensive rebound while in the backcourt and immediately throw an outlet pass such as a baseball pass to a teammate running towards the basket in the frontcourt.
As another example, the point forward could collect a defensive rebound in the backcourt, dribble towards the frontcourt, and then throw a pitch ahead pass to a teammate who could score by way of a three-point jump shot or possible layup.
The point forward could also collect a defensive rebound in the backcourt, dribble into the frontcourt, and then throw any type of air pass or perhaps, a bounce pass, to an open teammate near the perimeter areas of the court or near the basket.
This particular scenario could potentially be highly effective when the offensive team has a numbers advantage such as a 2 on 1 or 3 on 2 during a primary break.
Create individual scoring opportunities via perimeter basketball moves
In general, the point forward could utilize one or more perimeter basketball moves to create individual scoring opportunities, as opposed to only being proficient at passing the ball to other teammates.
These perimeter basketball moves could potentially be even more potent when the point forward is put in an isolation type of situation, which primarily features only the on-ball defender and no adjacent helping defenders.
Some of the perimeter basketball moves that could be performed by the point forward include the fake and drive, the jab step and go, and the step back.
In reference to the fake and drive action, the point forward could use a pass fake or a shot fake and then attack the rim for a scoring opportunity.
For the jab step and go, the point forward could jab step in one direction while keeping their pivot stationary and follow that action by driving to the basket.
As it relates to the step back, the point forward could use one or more dribble moves and follow that action by stepping away from the on-ball defender to create space for a potential open jump shot.
Create individual scoring opportunities via low post basketball moves
The point forward can also usually execute a variety of low post moves to create individual scoring opportunities.
Some of the low post moves that the point forward could possibly consider for scoring purposes include the up and under, the drop step, the hook shot, and the low post fadeaway shot.
Create individual scoring opportunities during transition offense
Generally speaking, the point forward is also able to create individual scoring opportunities during transition offense as opposed to only passing to teammates during the fast break action.
For example, let’s say that, while in the backcourt, the point forward grabbed a defensive rebound or received the ball from a teammate who collected that rebound.
Next, the point forward could use their speed to blow by all other defenders down the court before those same defenders are able to protect the basket or stop the ball via their transition defense.
Afterwards, the point forward could score at the basket, which in this scenario, would also be the completion of a one man fast break.
As another example, a point forward could gain possession of the basketball while in the backcourt and then utilize a drag screen during secondary break action in the frontcourt.
Following that, the point forward could then attack the rim and score via a layup or dunk.
Create individual scoring opportunities via off-ball offensive actions
The point forward generally has the capability to create individual scoring opportunities by way of off-ball offensive actions.
For example, the point forward could utilize basketball cuts such as the backdoor cut, face cut, V-cut, or the zipper cut to get open for a scoring opportunity near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court.
The point forward could also make use of certain off-ball screens such as the back screen, cross screen, down screen, elevator screen, or flare screen to get open for additional scoring possibilities.
Create individual scoring opportunities via on-ball screens and DHO action
The point forward could generally create individual scoring opportunities via the use of on-ball screens as well as dribble handoff (DHO) actions.
Within the pick and roll action, the point forward could initially make use of an on-ball screen and then pass the ball to the teammate who rolled to the basket after setting the screen.
Within the pick and pop action, the point forward could initially utilize an on-ball screen and then pass the ball to a teammate who pops to an open spot near a perimeter area of the court.
Additionally, as a side note, the pick and pop action could be implemented as a counter to defensive drop coverage as well.
In terms of short roll action, the point forward could initially use the on-ball screen, particularly near the top or within a slot.
After that, the point forward could pass the ball to the screener, who would execute a short roll, typically to the high post area.
From there, the screener who executed the short roll could take the jump shot if open or pass the ball to another teammate for another potential scoring opportunity.
It should also be noted that the short roll action could be highly effective against the blitz defense tactic.
The point forward could also execute a dribble handoff by giving the ball to a teammate or receiving the ball from a teammate, which could then lead to a possible scoring opportunity.
In addition to that, the point forward could use the on-ball screen, which could lead to an open jump shot or an option to attack the rim for a layup or dunk.
Defense
Guard multiple positions
Generally speaking, the point forward is able to guard multiple positions, particularly due to their overall athleticism as well as their height and arm length.
For example, let’s say that while on defense, the point forward gets matched-up against a perimeter-oriented offensive player.
From there, the point forward could use their speed and/or quickness alongside a proper defensive stance as well as proper defensive sliding techniques to stay in front of that offensive player.
Essentially, if the perimeter-oriented offensive player has possession of the basketball, then the point forward could usually contain them and limit potential dribble penetration by countering it with defensive athleticism.
Conversely, let’s say that the perimeter-oriented offensive player does not have possession of the ball and that same player tries to get open by way of a basketball cut or via an off-ball screen.
When that occurs, the point forward is generally able to use their athleticism to stay near that offensive player during cutting action or inhibit the effectiveness of the off-ball screen, either by going over the top or under it.
Furthermore, the point forward could use their athleticism, and more specifically, their speed, to perform effective defensive closeouts, especially against perimeter three-point shooters.
As another brief example, let’s say that the point forward is matched-up against a post-oriented offensive player.
In that instance, the point forward would typically be able to make use of their height, arm length, physical strength, and/or vertical leaping ability to hinder potential scoring opportunities for the post-oriented offensive player.
The point forward could also guard multiple positions in relation to the switch defense tactic, which is primarily utilized to mitigate the potency of on-ball or off-ball screens.
Generate steals
In general, the point forward is able to generate steals as an on-ball defender, especially without being assessed a defensive foul.
Basically, the point forward can typically take advantage of their longer arm length to poke the ball away from the offensive dribbler.
The point forward could use their arm length to create on-ball or off-ball deflections from offensive passes, which could then possibly lead to steals.
Additionally, the point forward usually has the ability to use speed, quickness, arm length, as well as great hand-eye coordination to steal the ball by stepping into passing lanes.
Moreover, if the point forward is able to generate steals in that manner, then those live-ball turnovers could lead to fast break points.
Block shots
The point forward, as an on-ball defender, could contain the offensive player in possession of the ball and eventually contest or potentially block that player’s field goal attempt.
What’s more, let’s say that one particular opponent during a fast break sequence is initially ahead of most, if not all, of the defenders, which can lead to a easy layup or dunk.
From there, the point forward could potentially use their speed to chase down the opponent and block that possible layup or dunk.
In essence, the point forward could potentially stop fast break opportunities via chase down blocks in addition to preventing scoring opportunities by way of standard defensive blocks.
Rebounding
Rebounding, sometimes referred to as crashing the boards, is another typical trait of a point forward.
The point forward is usually capable of collecting both offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds, similar to a traditional power forward or small forward.
Collect offensive rebounds
The point forward can typically make use of their arm length as well as their height to collect offensive rebounds.
The height and arm length could be even more advantageous in terms of helping the point forward to grab offensive rebounds, even while being boxed out by smaller opponents.
As long as the point forward does not make illegal contact, which could result in a personal foul, the point forward could still gather offensive rebounds over shorter perimeter players.
Conversely, let’s say that the point forward is being boxed out by a post-oriented player. When that happens, the point forward could use their athleticism, and most notably, their speed, quickness, and agility to potentially get around the opposition for the offensive rebound.
Additionally, the point forward could simply use the vertical leaping ability of their athleticism to jump higher than the post-oriented opposition for an offensive rebound.
Moreover, it should be noted that collecting offensive rebounds is not just beneficial for the point forward but for the team as a whole.
In essence, more offensive rebounds can lead to more second chance scoring opportunities for the entire team.
Collect defensive rebounds
The point forward is usually very skilled as it relates to collecting defensive rebounds.
Basically, the point forward can box out the opposition and hold that position by making use of their leg strength to stay between the opponent and the basket while at the same time, keeping the opponent away from the basket.
The point forward could also take advantage of their arm length as well as their vertical leaping ability to gather defensive rebounds as well.
What are simple basketball plays that involve the point forward
These are simple basketball plays that involve the point forward as an offensive playmaker, which includes scoring or passing the ball.
Additionally, for these diagrams, the point forward is indicated as the number 4, although that is typically the diagram number for the traditional power forward.
Furthermore, in relation to other standard basketball positions, the point guard is indicated by the number 1. The shooting guard is indicated by the number 2. The small forward is indicated by the number 3 and the center is indicated by the number 5.
1-4 High
This is an example of a very simple play that involves the point forward and it is derived from the 1-4 high offense.
To start, 5 receives the ball from 4 near the right side high post. Following that, 4 cuts to the basket by way of the back screen set by 3.
Next, 4 receives the ball from 5 and scores via a layup or dunk.
1-4 Low
This is an example of a very simple play that involves the point forward, derived from the 1-4 low offense in addition to roll and replace action.
To begin, 4 dribbles towards the basket via the on-ball screen set by 5.
Next, 5 rolls to the basket while 1 replaces at the top. From there, 4 could score at the basket or pass to any of the other open teammates who could also possibly score.
Horns
This is an example of a simple play that involves the point forward derived from the Horns offense, sometimes referred to as elbow get action.
To start, 4 receives the ball from 1 while positioned near the right side high post area.
Next, 4 dribbles toward the basket via the on-ball screen set by 5, who also rolls to the basket.
Following that, 5 could receive the ball from 4 and score via a layup or dunk.
Princeton Chin
This is an example of a play that involves the point forward derived from a very simple variation of the Chin series within the Princeton offense.
To begin, 2 receives the ball from 4 and then 3 receives the ball from 2.
Next, 4 cuts to the basket via the back screen set by 5. Afterwards, 4 could receive the ball from 3 and score via a layup or dunk at the basket.