The Jack of All Trades
The small forward does everything on the basketball court and needs to have a wellrounded set of skills. You could call him a Jack of all trades. She handles the ball some, rebounds, shoots from the outside, the inside, and plays defense on the perimeter and inside. Usually the middle player in height, the small forward is generally smaller than the power forward and center, but taller than either of the guards.
Skills Needed
Well-rounded: The small forward needs to have a strong well-rounded basketball skill set. They have to help out with the ball handling, grab rebounds, make an open jumper, and mix it up inside on defense. Specialty: To be a great small forward you need to be good at everything, but also great at something. Some small forwards excel as defensive stoppers, others at shooting and scoring, while others are top rebounders. If you want to be a small forward, work on the total basketball skill set, but pick one skill that you are really good at and make it your personal specialty.
Important Statistics
The small forward needs to have decent stats in all areas. You should be getting rebounds, assists, and scoring. If you are especially good in one area, it really helps, but to be a strong small forward you will contribute in all aspects of the game. A great stat to shoot for is the triple double. If you can get double figures in three stats, you'll know you are doing an excellent job.
Top Small Forwards of All Time • LeBron James (Miami Heat)