Power forward (basketball) facts for kids
A power forward (often called PF or the four) is one of the five main positions in a basketball game. Power forwards usually play a role similar to a center. They are important players on both offense and defense.
What a Power Forward Does
Power forwards have many jobs on the court. They often play close to the basket.
Offense
On offense, power forwards often play with their back to the basket. This lets them use their strength to score close to the hoop. Many power forwards are also good at shooting from the middle of the court. This is called a mid-range jump shot. Some power forwards, known as "stretch fours," can even shoot from far away, like three-point field goals.
Defense
On defense, power forwards usually guard players near the basket. They might play in a zone defense, where they protect an area, or in a man-to-man defense, where they guard a specific opposing player. A very important job for a power forward is rebounding. This means getting the ball after a shot is missed.
How Tall Are They?
Power forwards are usually tall and strong players.
- In the NBA (for men), power forwards are often between 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters) and 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 meters) tall.
- In the WNBA (for women), power forwards are usually between 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) and 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) tall.
Sometimes, a player might be called a "tweener." This means they can play more than one position, like a power forward and a small forward or a center. Their role can change depending on the game and what the coach decides.
Famous Power Forwards
Many great basketball players have been power forwards. Some famous power forwards who are in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame include:
- Karl Malone
- Denise Curry
- Dolph Schayes
- Kevin McHale
- Charles Barkley
- Elvin Hayes
- Bob Pettit
- Dennis Rodman
- Katrina McClain Johnson
