power forward

{{short description|Position in the sport of basketball}}

{{Other uses}}

{{Multiple image

| total_width = 340px

| image1 = Tim Duncan Walks Verizon Center's Floor (cropped).jpg

| caption1 = Tim Duncan is often regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA).{{cite web |date=June 2, 2005 |title=ESPN.com's Greatest Power Forwards |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2074360 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |work=ESPN |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}}{{cite web|last=Rosen|first=Charley|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/3747894 |title=Best all-time power forwards|work=Fox Sports|publisher=MSN|date=July 18, 2005|access-date=January 31, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050719002301/http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/3747894|archive-date=July 19, 2005}}{{cite web|last=DuPree|first=David|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/2007-06-06-bonus-duncan_N.htm|title=Tim Duncan: Best power forward ever?|work=USA Today|publisher=Gannett Company|date=June 7, 2007|access-date=June 17, 2007}}

| image2 = BreannaStewart foulshot (cropped).jpg

| caption2 = Breanna Stewart is regarded as a top power forward in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).{{cite web |date=June 28, 2018 |title=Who are the top five power forwards in the WNBA?

|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2074360 |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=ESPN }}

}}

The power forward (PF), also known as the four, is one of the five traditional positions in a regulation basketball game. Traditionally, power forwards have played a role similar to centers and are typically the tallest or second tallest player on the court. During an offensive possession, the power forward typically plays with their backs toward the basket and are typically a "go-to" position in regard to scoring in the post. In a pick and roll offense, the power forward typically sets a screen for a guard and "rolls" towards the basket to receive a pass (or "pops" towards the perimeter for an open shot). When on defense, they typically position themselves under the basket in a zone defense or against the opposing power forward in man-to-man defense.{{cite web |title=NBA.com - Players and Positions |url=http://www.nba.com/canada/Basketball_U_Players_and_Posi-Canada_Generic_Article-18037.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021001084016/http://www.nba.com/canada/Basketball_U_Players_and_Posi-Canada_Generic_Article-18037.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 1, 2002 |website=NBA.com}} The power forward position entails a variety of responsibilities, including rebounding, screen setting, rim protecting, and scoring.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=25 May 2022 |title=How to Play Power Forward in Basketball |url=https://www.hoopsaddict.com/how-to-play-power-forward-in-basketball/#What_is_the_Role_of_a_Power_Forward_in_Basketball |website=Hoops Addict}}

Many power forwards are noted for their mid-range jump-shot, and several players have become very accurate from {{convert|12|to|18|ft}}. Earlier, these skills were more typically exhibited in the European style of play. Some power forwards, known as stretch fours, have since extended their shooting range to include three-point field goals.{{Cite web |last=Stankovic |first=Dusan |date=October 2018 |title=RELATION OF POWER, SPEED AND AGILITY IN BASKETBALL PLAYERS BY POSITION |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363335472 |access-date=November 26, 2023 |website=ResearchGate}}

In the NBA, power forwards usually range from 6' 9" (2.06 m) to 6' 11" (2.11 m) while in the WNBA, power forwards are usually between 6' 0" (1.83 m) and 6' 3" (1.91 m). Despite the averages, a variety of players fit "tweener" roles which finds them in the small forward or center position depending on matchups and coaching decisions.{{cite web |last=Burns |first=Scott |date=January 11, 2013 |title=Ranking the NBA's Best "Tweeners" |url=https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/1480043-ranking-the-nbas-best-tweeners.amp.html |access-date=March 26, 2020 |publisher=Bleacher Report}} Some power forwards, such as Draymond Green and even 6' 5" (1.96 m) P. J. Tucker, have played at the center position, possessing the skills, but lacking the height that is usually associated with the position.{{Cite web |last=Stein |first=Marc |date=10 September 2020 |title=Rockets' 'Microball' Puts P.J. Tucker at the Center of Chaos |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/10/sports/basketball/nba-rockets-pj-tucker-mic.html |website=The New York Times}}

Power forwards who have been inducted in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame include Karl Malone, Lauren Jackson, Vern Mikkelsen, Tina Thompson, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Webber, Kevin Garnett, Dolph Schayes, Kevin McHale, Charles Barkley, Dennis Rodman, Elvin Hayes, Bob Pettit, Jerry Lucas, Dave Debusschere, and Tim Duncan.