Power forward (basketball)

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Power forward is a position in the sport of basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as "the four" position. Power forwards play a role similar to that of center in what is called the "post" or "low blocks". They play offensively with their back to the basket on offense and position themselves defensively under the basket in a zone defense or against the opposing power forward on defense in man-to-man defense. In the past, power forwards were expected to have more of an impact on defense and rebounding than the center, leaving scoring to other players; however, today, with the emergence of skilled power forwards like Chris Webber, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Garnett, the power forward is asked to shoulder more of a scoring role and somewhat less of a defensive role than the center.

Typically, a power forward is one of the larger players on the court, not as tall as the center but more muscular. They are usually expected to be aggressive when pursuing rebounds and score most of their points on the low post (no more than six feet (2 m) from the basket), as opposed to taking jump shots from farther away. Power forwards can be imposing presences on defense, but they usually defer to the center in terms of blocking shots and general intimidation. In the NBA, a typical power forward is between 6'8" and 7'0" (2.03 to 2.14 m) in height and 230 to 260 pounds (105 to 120 kg) in weight, and is often asked to play center in specific game situations or when a particular team lacks a taller player.

Famous power forwards include Bob Pettit, Elgin Baylor, Jerry Lucas, Elvin Hayes, Kevin McHale, Charles Barkley, Rasheed Wallace, Karl Malone, Dennis Rodman, Lauren Jackson, Kevin Garnett, and Tim Duncan. Another notable power forward is Dirk Nowitzki, but while he is noted for his strong inside game (he is consistently among the NBA leaders in rebounds), many of his skills, particularly his strong reliance on the jump shot, are much closer to those of a typical small forward. Also, many argue that Ben Wallace, though listed as a center by the Pistons, is actually a natural power forward (this goes back to his days as PF for the Washington Wizards). Nevertheless, he is still considered one of the best centers in the league. One example of an effective power forward who did not fit the standard physical description for that position was Dennis Rodman, who was able to out-rebound and defensively shut down rival power forwards despite being only 6 ft 7 in, 210 lb (1.98 m, 95 kg). Likewise, Charles Barkley was widely considered as one of the most dominating power forwards of his time as well as one of the most unique, despite being listed at only 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) (and standing probably closer to 6 ft 5 in or even 6 ft 4 in-respectively 1.95 m and 1.93 m); however, his playing weight of roughly 255 lb (116 kg) was typical for the position.de:Power Forward it:Ala grande lt:Sunkusis kraštas ja:パワーフォワード pl:Power forward th:เพาเวอร์ฟอร์เวิร์ด (บาสเกตบอล) zh:大前锋