Power forward (basketball)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Basketball Positions | |
| Point guard | |
| Shooting guard | |
| Small forward | |
| Power forward | |
| Center | |
| Additional Positions | |
| Swingman | |
| Point forward | |
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.
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 2.13 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 active power forwards include Chris Bosh, Rasheed Wallace, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Elton Brand. While Nowitzki 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. Many argue that Ben Wallace, though listed as a center by the Bulls and by his former team, 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 6 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 officially listed at only 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) and reportedly closer to 6' 5" or 6' 4" (1.96 to 1.93 m). Barkley's playing weight of roughly 255 lb (116 kg) was typical for the position. Other famous retired power forwards include Karl Malone, Bob Pettit, Elgin Baylor, Jerry Lucas, Dave DeBusschere, Elvin Hayes, and Kevin McHale,
