Five positions, quick version.
Point guard (1). Usually the smallest and fastest kid on the floor. Brings the ball up, runs the offense, and is the kid with the ball in their hands the most. At 8-10, this is often just “whoever dribbles best.”
Shooting guard (2). Catches and shoots from the outside, drives the lane, and often guards the other team’s best scorer. The kid who likes to take shots when they’re open.
Small forward (3). Versatile. Can play near the basket or on the perimeter. Often a longer kid who can defend multiple spots. At rec level this age, coaches fill this spot with whoever is athletic but not quite a guard or a center.
Power forward (4). Plays near the basket, gets rebounds, sets screens. Usually one of the bigger kids who is physical and willing to bang around inside.
Center (5). The tallest kid. Plays at the rim, boxes out, and finishes close to the basket. At ages 8-10 this is basically the tallest kid in the gym.
One note: at this age, good coaches rotate kids through multiple spots so they develop a full game. If your kid plays three different positions in a season, that’s a good sign, not a sign they don’t have a position.