Editing Small forward

{{Short description|Basketball position}}
{{Multiple image
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| image1            = Lebron 2017.jpg
| caption1          = [[LeBron James]] (left) is regarded as the greatest small forward in the history of the [[NBA]].
| image2            = Maya Moore (23) dribbles around Alex Bentley (20) in the Minnesota Lynx vs Atlanta Dream game.jpg
| caption2          = [[Maya Moore]] is regarded as one of the greatest small forwards in the history of the [[Women's National Basketball Association|WNBA]].<ref>{{cite web |date=October 11, 2023 |title=Can Chelsea Gray guide Aces to back-to-back WNBA titles?
 |url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/38624176/wnba-finals-2023-chelsea-gray-las-vegas-aces-point-gawd |access-date=June 9, 2024 |work=ESPN }}</ref>
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The '''small forward''' ('''SF'''), also known as the '''three''', is one of the five [[Basketball position|position]]s in a regulation [[basketball]] game.<ref name="SGoodsSF">{{cite web|url=https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/basketball/court-essentials-basketball-positions-explained|title=Basketball 101: Basketball Positions Explained|website=[[Dick's Sporting Goods]]|access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref> Small forwards are typically shorter, quicker, and leaner than [[Power forward (basketball)|power forwards]] and [[Center (basketball)|centers]] but taller, larger, and stronger than either of the guard positions.<ref name="SGoodsSF"/> They are strategic and are often relied upon to score, defend, create open lanes, and rebound for their team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Ultimate Guide to Playing Small Forward |url=https://www.usab.com/youth/news/2011/06/the-ultimate-guide-to-playing-small-forward.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123002551/http://www.usab.com/youth/news/2011/06/the-ultimate-guide-to-playing-small-forward.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 23, 2015 |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=www.usab.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

The small forward is considered to be perhaps the most versatile of the five main basketball positions as they contribute offensively and defensively.<ref name=VersatilityIsKey>{{cite news|last=Recruiting Nation|title=Versatility is key for small forwards|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/news/story?id=2677310|newspaper=ESPN|date=November 28, 2006}}</ref> In the [[NBA]], small forwards typically range from 6' 6" (1.98 m) to 6' 9" (2.06 m); in the [[WNBA]], they are usually between 6' 0" (1.83 m) to 6' 2" (1.88 m). This puts them at the average height of all professional basketball players because they are taller than the [[Guard (basketball)|guards]], but shorter than the [[Power forward (basketball)|power forward]] and [[Center (basketball)|center.]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basketball: The Small Forward |url=https://www.ducksters.com/sports/basketball/small_forward.php |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=www.ducksters.com}}</ref> 

Small forwards are responsible for scoring [[point (basketball)|points]] and defending, and often are secondary or tertiary [[rebound (basketball)|rebounders]] behind the power forward and center. In professional basketball, some have considerable passing responsibilities, and many are prolific scorers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/canada/Basketball_U_Players_and_Posi-Canada_Generic_Article-18037.html|title=NBA.com - Players and Positions|website=www.nba.com}}</ref>

== Style of play ==
[[File:Tayshaun Prince.jpg|thumb|Former NBA small forward [[Tayshaun Prince]], who became a crucial piece of the [[Detroit Pistons]] in the 2000s, was known for his ability to play both ends of the court.]]
The styles with which small forwards score vary widely. Some are very accurate shooters, such as [[Kevin Durant]], and some prefer to initiate physical contact with opposing players, such as [[LeBron James]]. Other small forwards are often primarily [[slasher (basketball)|slashers]] who also possess [[jump shot (basketball)|jump shots]]. In some cases, small forwards position on the baseline; in other cases, they operate as off-ball specialists. The defensive specialists among them are notably versatile, often being able to guard multiple positions using their size, speed, and strength. Having adequate footwork and a solid defensive stance contributes to why small forwards are successful.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Riches |first=Coach |date=2013-10-11 |title=Basketball Player Positions Explained: Small Forward |url=https://functionalbasketballcoaching.com/basketball-player-positions-explained-small-forward/ |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Functional Basketball Coaching |language=en-AU}}</ref> When it comes to statistics, small forwards must be all over the map and at least have stats in most categories.

There are many excellent small forwards that are well known for their contributions and versatility. Top small forwards in the history of the WNBA include: [[Maya Moore]], [[Angel McCoughtry]], [[Tamika Catchings]], [[Elena Delle Donne]], and [[DeWanna Bonner]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Who are the top five small forwards? |date=8 July 2013 |url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/9458895/wnba-wnba-top-five-small-forwards |publisher=ESPN |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref> Small forwards inducted in the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] include [[Julius Erving]], [[Larry Bird]], [[James Worthy]], [[Elgin Baylor]], [[Paul Pierce]], [[Vince Carter]], [[John Havlicek]], [[Scottie Pippen]], [[Alex English]], [[Bernard King]], [[Chris Mullin]], [[Dominique Wilkins]], [[Rick Barry]], [[Grant Hill]], [[Tamika Catchings]], [[Cheryl Miller]], and [[Sheryl Swoopes]].

==See also==
* [[Cheryl Miller Award]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Basketball Positions}}
[[Category:Basketball positions]]
[[Category:Small forwards|*]]