What is a swingman in basketball
A swingman is a hybrid basketball position that comprises notable attributes of a shooting guard such as scoring capability alongside certain talents of a small forward such as rebounding ability.
Essentially, a player in the role of a swingman has the skill to play either basketball positions of shooting guard or small forward.
What are typical abilities of a swingman
Scoring points
Via close-range or perimeter shots
The swingman is typically capable of scoring points via close-range shots or perimeter shots.
In terms of close-range shots, the swingman is usually adept at scoring by way of layups or floaters in the lane.
Furthermore, the swingman can sometimes utilize a series of post moves such as hook shots or post fadeaway shots to score points as well.
In terms of shots near the perimeter areas of the court, the swingman is usually able to consistently make mid-range jump shots.
Additionally, the swingman is typically an adequate three-point shooter, especially when left open by the opposing defense.
Via basketball cuts
The swingman is also typically capable of scoring points via different types of basketball cuts to get open near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
For example, let’s say the swingman wants to receive the basketball from a teammate while initially located near a wing of the court.
However, let’s also say that a defender who is guarding the swingman executes denial defense to inhibit the swingman’s ability to easily receive the ball from the teammate.
When that occurs, the swingman could utilize the backdoor cut to get open and score points near the basket.
Moreover, the swingman could execute other types of basketball cuts such as the or V-cut or zipper cut to get open near the perimeter, which could then lead to a potential scoring opportunity by way of a jump shot.
Via basketball screens
The swingman can typically utilize various basketball screens to create potential scoring opportunities near the rim or near perimeter areas of the court.
As an example, the swingman can use a variety of on-ball screens such as the step-up screen to attack the rim or generally create separation from on-ball defenders.
The swingman could also use multiple off-ball screens such as the down screen to create space from defenders, which could then lead to open jump shots near perimeter areas of the court.
Via dribbling moves
The swingman can generally execute a series of dribbling moves to produce scoring opportunities.
For example, the swingman can perform the crossover dribble to create separation from a defender.
Afterwards, the swingman could continue to dribble towards the basket and score around the rim or the swingman could possibly raise up for a jump shot if that is a feasible option.
This can even be more beneficial if the swingman possesses a speed and quickness advantage against slower defenders who are not able to perform lateral defensive slides in an efficient manner.
Generating assists
The swingman is typically capable of generating assists, mainly by passing the ball to other teammates, who are then able to score points themselves.
As an example, let’s say that the swingman has possession of the basketball near the wing and is currently being guarded by a slower on-ball defender.
From there, let’s say that the swingman utilizes an explosive first step to blow by that defender and slash to the rim.
Afterwards, let’s also say that a helping defender who is off the ball collapses toward the lane area to inhibit the swingman’s own scoring opportunity.
When that happens, the swingman could swiftly pass the ball to a potentially open teammate who was initially being guarded by the defender who is currently providing help.
Next, that teammate who received the ball from the swingman could take and possibly make a field goal, which would result in an assist for the swingman.
It should be noted that there are other ways that a swingman can generate assists as well.
For example, a swingman could throw a chest pass to a teammate who is open for a jump shot after using an off-ball screen.
A swingman could also throw a bounce pass to a teammate cutting to the basket or throw a lob pass to a teammate for an alley-oop scoring opportunity.
Collecting rebounds
A swingman is usually adept at collecting rebounds primarily by boxing out between the basket and an adjacent opposing player.
When that happens, the swingman could potentially increase their chances of gaining an offensive rebound or defensive rebound.
Furthermore, by boxing out, the swingman is able to potentially decrease the rebound gathering probability for that same opposing player, particularly during a field goal attempt.
The swingman can also use their height, arm length, and/or vertical jumping ability to grab rebounds, especially over smaller players.
Defending opponents
The swingman is typically capable of defending multiple opponents near the perimeter or near the low post areas.
For example, the swingman is usually able to slide their feet effectively to stay in front of a offensive player in possession of the ball.
Moreover, the swingman is generally proficient in executing defensive closeouts near the perimeter areas of the court to limit or prevent wide open jump shot opportunities as well as possible dribble penetration.
Furthermore, the swingman generally possesses enough speed and quickness to effectively execute the tactic of defensive switching.
Essentially, the swingman could possibly switch defensively onto a point guard, shooting guard, or small forward, particularly as a counter to offensive ball screen action.
What’s more, a swingman who possesses enough strength, height and/or length could potentially guard certain types of post players, especially the power forward.