What is "power forward"

n. 1 (context basketball English) A forward who is the taller of the two forward positions, and is often responsible for scoring near the basket, collecting rebounds and blocking shots in defense. 2 (context ice hockey English) A forward who is capable of both rugged physical play and scoring goals.

In the NBA, power forwards usually range from 6' 8" (2.03 m) to 6' 11" (2.11 m). Despite the averages, a variety of players fit " tweener" roles which finds them in the small forward and/or center position depending upon matchups and coaching decisions. Some "natural" power forwards often play the center position and have the skills but lack the height that is associated with that position.

In ice hockey, power forward (PF) is a loosely applied characterization of a forward who is big and strong, equally capable of playing physically or scoring goals and would most likely have high totals in both points and penalties. It is usually used in reference to a forward who is physically large, with the toughness to dig the puck out of the corners, possesses offensive instincts, has mobility, puck-handling skills, may be difficult to knock off the puck or to push away from the front of the goal and willingly engage in fights when he feels it's required. Possessing both physical size and offensive ability, power forwards are also often referred to as the 'complete' hockey player.

Historically, power forward was not originally a hockey term, finding comparatively recent origins from basketball. Harry Sinden, former president of the Boston Bruins, claims power forward first became part of hockey terminology because of the style of play of Cam Neely, an NHL player from 1983 to 1996, who could play ruggedly and also score goals.

Players who have been described as power forwards are Wendel Clark, Ryan Getzlaf, Clark Gillies, Jarome Iginla, Tim Kerr, John LeClair, Eric Lindros, Milan Lucic, Mark Messier, Alexander Ovechkin, Brendan Shanahan, Ryan Smyth, Kevin Stevens, Joe Thornton, Keith Tkachuk, and Rick Tocchet.

Power forward is a position or role in some team sports:

• Power forward (basketball)
• Power forward (ice hockey)
• Power forward (Australian rules football)