SmallForward.com | Small Forward Drills, Tips, & Skills

The small forward, also known as the "3", is typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers. Thus, in the NBA, small forwards range from 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) to 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m). The small forward position is considered to be perhaps the most versatile of the main five basketball positions, due to the nature of its role, which is sometimes similar to that of a power forward, and other times more resembles the role of a shooting guard. The small forward and shooting guard positions are often interchangeable.

Small forwards have a variety of weapons, such as quickness and strength inside. One common thread between all kinds of small forwards is an ability to "get to the line"; that is, have opposing players be called for committing shooting fouls against them, as fouls are frequently called on the defense when offensive players "take the ball hard" to the basket, that is, aggressively attempt post-up plays, lay-ups, or slam dunks. Therefore, accurate foul shooting is an imperative skill for small forwards, many of whom record a large portion of their points from the foul line. Small forwards should be able to do a little bit of everything on the court. Examples include Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics, LeBron James of the Miami Heat, Danny Granger of the Indiana Pacers, Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets, Hedo Turkoglu of the Phoenix Suns, and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics and Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls are examples of earlier players who are considered the "bests" in the NBA history for this position.