This week we will continue the discussion of basketball positions by focusing 
on the man (woman) in the middle, the Center. If your son or daughter is tall then guess what? The coach of the team is most likely going to put them at the Center position. The Center position is mainly played near the basket, inside the what is called the lane. The Center’s primary role is to use his or her size to score and defend from a position close to the basket. Although the role of the Center is evolving you typically won’t see them shooting three pointers or bringing the ball up the court. The Center will be close to the basket, blocking shots, dunking and working to develop what is called a “presence in the lane.” Notable Centers include, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Here are three tips on how to improve as a Center:
1. Free Throws -Work on your free throws. Inside players get fouled more than most players because they end up shooting so many shots close to the basket. If you’re not able to hit your free throws you are a big handicap to your team.
2. Pivoting – Pivoting and footwork are two fundamentals that many inside players are too casual about. It’s hard to get excited about going to the gym and practicing pivoting but if you’re going to be great it’s a must. Most inside players are fine pivoting with one foot but aren’t so good with the other foot. Don’t give the defense an advantage by letting them force you in one direction.
3. During the Game – Always crash the boards, stay active, and keep your hands up. So many great centers get most or all of their points from offensive rebounds, tip-ins, and lay-ups.
As always, check back in with Mother and Son Sports for more on basketball positions!
by Stacey Atkinson
Source: www.hoopskills.com