High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall. The small forward position is considered to be perhaps the most versatile of the five main basketball positions, due to the nature of its role. Current NBA small forwards are between 6` 6" and 6` 10" (1.98–2.09 m) in height. The typical placement for a small forward would be between the key and three-point line. Most small forwards are highly versatile and highly essential in a line-up.