SOULD THE CENTER PLAY ALWAYS IN THE MIDDLE

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IN THE OFFENSIVE SIDE SHOULD AN EIGHT YEAR OLD CENTER OR FIVE POSITION BE ALWAYS BACK TO THE BASKET AND IN THE MIDDLE?

OR SHOULD HE ALSO PLAY IN FRONT OF THE BASKET AND WINGS IF HE IS A GOOD SHOOTER?

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Feb 09, 2008
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Let him develop his skills…
by: Joe Waters – webmaster I think I answered this on another one of your posts…but I’ll say it again here.When players are young, it’s important for them to develop their overall basketball skills – not be labeled as a center, forward, guard, etc…

At this age, I always like an open offense where all players get the ball on the perimeter facing the basket. This allows them to develop their ballhandling, passing, shooting, catching, etc… Plus they develop their court awareness.

So, for young basketball players, regardless of their height, I would not have them playing down low with their back to the basket.

Hope this helps!

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Should the tallest player always play the five position

by ALBERTO
(PUERTO RICO)

In youth basketball should an eight year old player always play the five position because he is the tallest although he is one of the quickest players in the team and a good passer and shooter?

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Feb 09, 2008
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Not necessarily…
by: Joe Waters – webmaster Hey Alberto…thanks for the great basketball questions.With younger players, I don’t like to set them up in one specific position. I think it’s important for all players to touch the ball and work on their offensive skills facing the basket. This will help them develop their court awareness, dribbling, passing and shooting.

If this player is a good passer and shooter, don’t stick him down in the low post. I think this will be limiting his overall development as a basketball player.

Best of luck!