Positions & roles
The positions and roles players take on across sports — their responsibilities and where they fit in the team.
Browse positions
Each entry is cross-linked to the sports it belongs to and the terms around it.
Center
The center is usually the tallest player on a basketball team, playing near the basket to score inside, rebound, and protect the rim.
Central midfielder
A central midfielder operates in the middle of the pitch, linking defence and attack while contributing to both.
Centre (netball)
The centre is netball’s link between attack and defence, the only player allowed in every third except the two goal circles, and the player who takes the centre pass.
Centre-back
A centre-back is a central defender in football whose main job is to stop opposing attackers and clear the ball from dangerous areas.
Defensive midfielder
A defensive midfielder sits in front of the defence, breaking up opposition attacks and shielding the back line.
Fly-half
The fly-half is rugby’s chief decision-maker and tactical kicker, directing the backline and controlling how the team attacks.
Full-back
A full-back is a defender who plays on the left or right side of the defence, defending the flank while also supporting attacks down the wing.
Goal attack
The goal attack is a versatile netball attacker who both feeds the shooter and scores goals, moving through the centre and attacking thirds.
Goal shooter
The goal shooter is a netball attacker who scores goals and is one of only two players allowed to shoot, working within the attacking goal third and circle.
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
Hooker
The hooker is a front-row forward in rugby who wins the ball in the scrum and typically throws the ball into the line-out.
Libero
The libero is a defensive volleyball specialist who wears a contrasting shirt, plays only in the back row, and cannot attack the ball above the height of the net.
Middle blocker
The middle blocker plays in the centre of the net, leading the team’s blocking and attacking with fast, quick sets.
Opposite
The opposite is a volleyball attacker who plays on the right side of the net, opposite the setter in the rotation, and is often a key scorer.
Outside hitter
The outside hitter attacks from the left side of the net and is often a volleyball team’s main scoring option.
Pivot
The pivot is a handball attacker who plays close to the opposition defence, setting screens and looking for chances near the goal area.
Point guard
The point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
Power forward
The power forward plays near the basket in basketball, using strength to rebound, score inside, and defend the paint.
Scrum-half
The scrum-half is rugby’s link between forwards and backs, feeding the scrum and delivering quick, accurate passes to launch attacks.
Setter
The setter is volleyball’s playmaker, taking the team’s second contact and delivering accurate sets for hitters to attack.
Shooting guard
The shooting guard is a perimeter player whose main role is to score, especially from mid-range and beyond the three-point line.
Small forward
The small forward is a versatile wing player in basketball who can score inside and outside while also defending multiple positions.
Striker
A striker is the main attacking player in football, positioned furthest forward with the primary job of scoring goals.
Wing (handball)
The handball wing plays wide on the left or right of the attack, using speed to finish fast breaks and shoot from tight angles near the sideline.
Wing attack
The wing attack is a netball playmaker who feeds the ball into the shooting circle, moving through the centre and attacking thirds but not entering the goal circle.
Winger
A winger is an attacking player who operates in the wide areas of the pitch, using pace and dribbling to beat defenders and create chances.
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