Rebounding is often described as effort plus position. Height helps, but many great rebounders are not the tallest players on the court; they anticipate, box out and want the ball more.
Read the miss
Most missed shots bounce to the side opposite to where they were taken, especially from the corners and wings. Long shots produce long rebounds; layups and short shots rebound close to the basket. Watch the flight of the ball, not just the shooter, and start moving as soon as you sense a miss.
Boxing out
When a shot goes up:
- find your opponent first;
- make contact with your backside and back, using a wide, low stance;
- hold your position with arms out wide and elbows up, without holding or pushing with your hands;
- then go get the ball.
Boxing out keeps your opponent from getting to the ball even when they are taller or more athletic.
Secure the ball
Jump to the ball, catch it with two hands at its highest point and bring it to your chin with elbows out (“chinning” the ball). Land balanced. Then look for an outlet pass to start the fast break.
Offensive rebounding
On offense, defenders try to box you out. Avoid being sealed: move before the defender makes contact, use a spin or swim move to get around them, and go to the weak side, where many misses land. Tipping the ball to keep it alive also works.
Drills
- Box-out battles: two players in a circle, a coach shoots, the defender must keep the offensive player off the ball for three seconds.
- Tip drill: tip the ball against the backboard repeatedly, alternating hands.
- Rebound and outlet: secure the rebound, pivot and pass to a guard on the wing.
Strength and jumping ability help; see building basketball conditioning. Rebounding is also a core job for big men, as described in the skills a center needs.
