Power forward (basketball)

Power forward is a position in the sport of basketball. Power forwards play a role similar to that of center, playing with their back to the basket on offense and positioned either on the low blocks or against the opposing power forward on defense. However, in most instances, the power forward is asked to shoulder more of a scoring role and somewhat less of a defensive role than a center.

Related Topics:
Basketball - Center - Offense - Defense

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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.

Related Topics:
Rebound - Jump shot - NBA

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Famous power forwards in NBA history include Bob Pettit, Elgin Baylor, Jerry Lucas, Elvin Hayes, Kevin McHale, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Shawn Kemp, Chris Webber, 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 the strong reliance on his jump shot, are much closer to those of a typical small forward. 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 outrebound 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, despite being listed as 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.

Related Topics:
NBA - Bob Pettit - Elgin Baylor - Jerry Lucas - Elvin Hayes - Kevin McHale - Charles Barkley - Karl Malone - Shawn Kemp - Chris Webber - Kevin Garnett - Tim Duncan - Dirk Nowitzki - Jump shot - Small forward - Dennis Rodman

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