A power forward is a position in basketball, also known as the four or strong forward. Power forwards play a role similar to centers, and when on offense, they typically play with their backs towards the basket. 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. The power forward position entails a variety of responsibilities, one of which is rebounding. Many power forwards are noted for their mid-range jump-shot, and several players have become very accurate from 12 to 18 feet. Power forwards usually have good footwork in the paint and are able to force players into bad shots or block shots when guarding the paint. Some power forwards have become known as stretch fours, extending their shooting range to three-pointers. Power forwards are required to have the strength to guard bigger players close to the basket and the athleticism to guard quick players away from the basket.

In the NBA, power forwards usually range from 6 7" to 7 0" while in the WNBA, power forwards are usually between 6′ 0″ and 6′ 3″. 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. The power forward is essentially a bigger and stronger version of the small forward but not generally as tall or as long as the center. The position requires tremendous physical shape, as power forwards are asked to rebound, play physical defense, and run the floor.

In the modern era of basketball, the power forward position has become more hybrid and positionless. Traditional power forwards were more like centers than wings, but now its sort of the opposite. A power forward is either a big who can move like a wing or just a teams biggest wing. Some power forwards are small ball centers who can play next to another traditional center if needed. The league is basically positionless, and modern power forwards are either big wing players or stretch bigs that don’t have the strength or size to play the center position.