How to Rebound in Basketball
Rebounding is one of the most important aspects of Basketball. It is the primary way to get
possession and can create more scoring opportunities for your team while limiting your
opponents scoring chances. Many people think that you have to be tall to dominate on the
boards, this is untrue. The key to rebounding is speed, timing and effort. Always box out when
the shot goes up! This is critical because it allows you to have a huge advantage when
rebounding the ball. Here are some steps to boxing out and grabbing some rebounds.
Why is Rebounding SO Important? (Drills below)
Most coaches know that rebounding is pretty important, but unless you really stop to think
about it, you probably don't realize how incredibly important rebounding truly is!
Simply put, great rebounding wins games! There is a direct correlation between rebounding
and winning.
Take a moment to consider these 5 profound impacts that excellent rebounding will have on
your team:
1. Excellent rebounding will give your team more chances to score and give your opponent fewer
chances to score. Just one offensive rebound could literally give your team as much as a 6 point
swing! This is because you get an extra shot (could be up to 3 points) and you take one
opportunity away from your opponent (could be up to 3 points). That's a 6 point swing in your
favor.
Bottom line, good rebounding teams usually get more possessions than their opponents. Which
means you have more opportunities to score, while your opponents have less.
2. Excellent rebounding will improve your team's shooting percentage. Many times, offensive
rebounds are put-backs from close in. These are high percentage shots that usually go in. Plus, a
defensive rebound ending in a good outlet pass can allow for a fast break score before the
opposing team can even set up their defense. Many times, these are easy high percentage
shots.
Every great play often starts with a REBOUND. If you're good at rebounding, your team's
shooting percentage will go up.
3. Excellent rebounding will lower your opponents shooting percentage. By cleaning up the
boards, you stop the other team from getting out and running consistently. You also take away
easy put backs on the offensive end.
4. Excellent rebounding will get you to the free throw line more often and can get your opponent
in foul trouble. How many times do you see a fouling situation occur on an offensive rebound
put back?
5. Excellent rebounding usually means your team has more heart -- and better defense. If your
team has more heart, then it is probably going to spill over to the defensive end of the court.
It's no wonder that most great coaches constantly talk about rebounding.
Of all the uncertainties that exist in the game of basketball, there is one thing that you can
always be sure of; no matter how talented of a player you are, or how great your coaching is
SHOTS WILL BE MISSED.
Method 1:
Rebound in Basketball Step 1
Establish a good rebounding position. When the shot is taken, players must quickly
determine the following details: The shot location, the arc of the ball, and where the
other players are positioned on the court. Players must then move to rebound the ball.
Rebound in Basketball Step 2
If you are a small guard and the ball bounces on the floor, try to put a hand on the ball
while it is the closest to the floor.
Rebound in Basketball Step 3
Establish proper body balance. Once a player is in a good rebounding position, they
should spread their feet about shoulder width apart with their knees bent slightly. In
this position, players can move side to side quickly and are also in a good jumping
position. Another important point is for players to remember to stay on the balls of their
feet, not flat-footed. Again, this helps them move and jump better.
Rebound in Basketball Step 4
Box out your opponent.

Turn and face the guy you need to be boxing out. Remember, if you don't get the
rebound, he shouldn't either.

Locate your man with your forearm standing perpendicular to his body.

Place one foot parallel to him on the side of his body. This will be your plant foot.

Pivot 90 degrees with the other foot so your back is to the man that you are
guarding and you are facing the basket.

Push your opponent away with your back and butt. Be sure to push him as far
away as possible, as doing so will give your more space to rebound and make it
harder for him to catch a lucky bounce. Also, do not be afraid of contact; you
must be willing to stand firm against the man you are guarding if you wish to get
the rebound, or at least prevent him from getting it. If you are having trouble
keeping your man behind you, be sure to shuffle your feet so as to stay in front
of him at all times.

Bend your knees. This allows you to spring up when the ball comes down and
push your opponent back harder by maintaining a lower center of gravity.

Extend your arms horizontally to block your opponent from getting in front of
you. However, do not hold him or pin him against you, as that is a foul.
Rebound in Basketball Step 5
Time your jump to grab the ball at the top of your jump. You can practice this by
throwing a ball against the hoop and measuring where to jump from. This drill will help
you develop a sense of where the ball will land. Many novice players will jump too late
and grab a rebound before they reach their maximum height.
Rebound in Basketball Step 6
Secure the ball. After getting a defensive rebound, secure it by placing both hands on
the side of the ball and squeezing it, with your elbows out. In order to keep away
defenders after a defensive rebound, pivot while keeping your elbows in a fixed position
pointing away from your body. However, remember that swinging your elbows will
result in an offensive foul.
Method 2: Rebounding in Traffic
If you cannot maintain position by boxing out, use your speed to rush in and grab the
rebound. In this instance you must rebound "in traffic."

Run fast towards the basket and where you think the ball will bounce.

Jump quickly between the other players standing under the basket.

You must grab the ball at even higher point than you normally do (this is possible
because of the running start).

If you want to get even higher, jump with one hand reaching as high as you can,
using it hand to pull the ball towards the other hand to secure it.

This type of rebound ("rebounding in traffic") is very difficult because your
timing must be very accurate and there will be many obstacles in the way. Do
not try this without being proficient at general rebounds first.
Drills:
Basic Basketball Rebounding Drills
1. Grab Ball Rebounding Drill
Goal - To practice the skills needed to grab and hold the basketball after a rebound.
Equipment - Basketball court, full-court or half-court. One basketball per pair.
Action - Players will divide into pairs and spread out on the basketball court. One player
(rebounder) will start with the basketball. The other player (defender) will be positioned
directly in front of the rebounder.
The rebounder will hold the basketball overhead with a firm grip. The defender will grab at the
basketball attempting to steal it away from the rebounder. The rebounder will pull the ball
away, pivot away from the defender, and keep the ball overhead simulating an overhead pass.
Players will grab five rebounds each and then switch positions.
2. Four Line Defensive Rebounding Drill
Goal - To practice the skills needed to properly rebound the basketball from a defensive
position.
Equipment - Basketball court, half-court. One basketball.
Action - Players will form four lines starting at the baseline and spread out to the mid-court
line. They will be facing the coach positioned on the sideline. Players will start in a good
defensive position, simulating that they are guarding the coach.
The players will slide defensively as the coach moves left or right. When the coach yells "shot"
the players will perform the proper footwork and technique needed to box him/her out. They
will then jump to rebound, grab the ball, pivot and make an outlet pass.
Option - The coach can dribble a basketball left or right and then perform a shot. As he does
this the players will get a hand up to disrupt the shot, and then perform the proper footwork
and technique needed to box out. They will then jump to rebound, grab the ball, pivot and
make an outlet pass.
3. Four Line Offensive Rebounding Drill
Goal - To practice the skills needed to properly rebound the basketball from an offensive
position.
Equipment - Basketball court, half-court. One basketball.
Action - Players will form four lines starting at the baseline and spread out to the mid-court
line. They will be facing the coach positioned on the sideline. Players will start in a basic
offensive position.
When the coach yells "shot" the players will make a move to get past their imaginary defender,
perform a quick jump, simulate grabbing and rebounding the basketball, "chin" the ball while
landing, and perform an offensive scoring move on an imaginary basket.
Option - This rebounding drill can also be done with four lines being formed at the baseline.
Four players would go at one time performing the above actions at the free throw line, halfcourt line and opposite free throw line.
4. Wall Rebounding Drill
Goal - To practice the skills needed to properly rebound the basketball.
Equipment - Basketball court. 5-10 feet of wall space per player. One basketball per player.
Action - Players will stand 10 feet away from and facing a wall. They will toss the ball up against
the wall so that it bounces back above their head. Players will perform a quick jump, reach up
and grab the ball, chin the basketball, and land on two feet in a stable position.
Option - When the players become comfortable with rebounding the ball they can work on the
following skills: 1. Pivot left or right and simulate making an outlet pass to start the fast break.
2. Work on an offensive scoring move using the wall as their target or basket.
Note - This rebounding drill can also be performed using the backboards, instead of a wall.
Group Basketball Rebounding Drills
1. Circle Rebounding Drill
Goal - To practice the skills needed to properly box out and rebound the basketball.
Equipment - Basketball court, full-court or half-court. One basketball per group.
Action - Players will divide into groups of six or more and position themselves around one of
the jump ball circles. The players should pair up with teammates that are the same size and
preferably the same position.
One partner will be the offensive player and the other will be the defensive player. The
offensive players in the group will stand on the outside of the circle, while the defensive players
will stand on the inside of the circle. The offensive and defensive players should face each
other.
The basketball is placed in the center of the circle. When the coach blows the whistle, the
offensive player makes a move to get past the defender and to the ball. The defensive player
should use the proper footwork to pivot and box out the offensive player. The defender should
continue to box out for five seconds. The players then switch positions.
2. Taps Rebounding Drill
Goal - To practice the skills needed to properly jump, catch and rebound the basketball.
Equipment - Basketball court, full-court or half-court. One basketball per group.
Action - Players will divide into groups of six and position themselves at one of the baskets. The
players will form a line facing the basket. The first player in line will start with the basketball.
They will toss the ball off the backboard, run in, jump high for the ball, catch the ball, and tap it
off the backboard for the next player in line. As this is happening, the next person in line should
be running in and preparing to jump for the ball. After each turn the players quickly run to the
end of their line for their next turn.
Note - This is a continuous drill. The ball should not touch the ground!
Option - This can also be run as a full-court rebounding drill. The players would form one line at
each of the main baskets, and would face the opposite basket.
The first player in line would dribble the ball down the court, toss it off the backboard, jump to
catch it, and then tap it off the backboard for their teammate who is directly behind them.
After doing this, they would quickly run to the other line and head back down the court to
repeat this at the other basket.
Note - This was my high school coach's favorite rebounding and conditioning drill. He also used
it if he needed to get our attention. As soon as he yelled "Taps-two minutes" we knew we were
in trouble. We would have to run this full-court drill for two minutes without having the ball
touch the ground. As soon as the ball touched the ground, coach added another minute.
Believe me, this is a great rebounding and conditioning drill. When a coach uses drills like this,
which incorporate conditioning with the skill being taught, then there is no need to spend time
running sprints at the end of practice.
3. Figure 8 Rebounding Drill
Goal - To practice the skills needed to properly tip the rebounded basketball.
Equipment - Basketball court, full-court or half-court. One basketball per group.
Action - Players will divide into groups of three and position themselves at one of the baskets.
Two players will start outside of the right block area, and the other player will be outside of the
left block.
The player on the right side closest to the basket will start with the basketball. They will toss the
ball off the backboard to the player on the left side and then quickly run behind that player. As
the ball is bounced off the backboard the player on the other side will quickly jump, catch the
ball, and toss it back off the backboard to the other side.
The players will continue this pattern of catching, tossing or tipping, and running behind the
opposite line for a certain number of repetitions or a certain time period.
4. Two Line Rebounding Drill
Goal - To practice the skills needed to properly box out, go aggressively toward the basketball
and rebound.
Equipment - Basketball court, full-court or half-court. One basketball per group.
Action - Players will form two lines at each of the main baskets. One line (offense) will be
positioned past the top of the key; the other line (defense) will be positioned at the baseline.
The coach will stand at the top of the key with a basketball. The first offensive player will start
at the free-throw line and the first defender will be directly in front of them in a good defensive
position.
The coach will shoot the basketball, attempting to miss it, and the offensive player will
aggressively move to get past the defender for a rebound. The defender will perform the
proper footwork and technique to pivot and box out the offensive player.
If the defender gets the rebound, they should pivot and make a quick outlet pass to the coach.
If the offensive player gets the rebound, they would make an offensive move to score. The drill
is continued until the defender gains possession of the ball.
Option - This can also be run as a two-on-two or three-on-three rebounding drill. The additional
players would be positioned on the wings, corners, or post areas.
5. Survival Rebounding Drill
Goal - To practice the skills needed to properly box out and go aggressively toward the
basketball for a rebound. To practice proper defensive play and offensive moves to score.
Equipment - Basketball court, full-court or half-court. One basketball per group.
Action - Players will form groups of four at each basket. One player will be designated as the
shooter and will be positioned at the top of the key. They will shoot the ball, attempting to
miss, to start the drill. The other three players will be positioned in the lane, attempting to
rebound the shot.
The player that rebounds the basketball will become the offensive player, while the other two
will be the defenders. The offensive player must work for a good shot. All shots are taken in the
lane. A player can pass out to the shooter and then get open for a pass and shot.
The player that rebounds a made or missed shot must immediately pass the ball to the shooter
and then get open for a pass to start their turn on offense. The first player to score three points
becomes the shooter. The other players keep their points as the drill continues.
Note - This is an aggressive rebounding drill with a lot of contact. There is no out-of-bounds
used in order to teach the players to go after the ball in an aggressive manner.
I would use an out-of-bounds rule for younger players to prevent them from running into the
wall or bleachers. Fouls are not called unless they are excessive and blatant. Players must work
on good scoring moves, passing and catching, solid defense, and proper rebounding. Just a
great all-around drill!
6. One-on-One Rebounding Drill
Goal - To practice the skills needed to properly box out and rebound.
Equipment - Basketball court, full-court or half-court. One basketball per group.
Action - Players will divide into groups of six at each basket. The players will form two lines at
each basket. One line (offense) will be at the wing and the other line (defense) will be at the
baseline.
The defensive player will start about five feet away from the offensive player with the
basketball. They will start the drill by making a pass to the offensive player who will then take a
good shot.
As soon as the shot is taken, the defender should use the proper footwork and technique
needed to pivot and box out the offensive player. The shooter should go aggressively to the
basket for a rebound.
Once the defender gains possession of the ball they should turn and make a good pass to the
next shooter in line who should be in a good position ready to shoot. The next defender should
already be in a good defensive position ready to defend and box out.
Note - The shooting line could also be positioned at the top of the key or the corner to practice
different rebounding angles.
Option - This could also be a live ball drill if the offensive player gets the rebound. The players
would then play one-on-one until the defender gains possession of the ball.
Option - This drill could also be run as a two-on-two or three-on-three drill. The additional
players would be positioned on the wings, corners, or post areas. The shot would still be taken
from the wing in this drill.
Rebounding Drill: Reaction Rebounding
Drill Purpose (All Ages)
This rebounding drill has an interesting twist that nicely simulates game situations. This drill will
help your players find the opponent and get them blocked out!
Instructions
1. Position three offensive players as shown in the
diagram.
2. Position three defensive players in the lane.
Assign numbers to each defensive player.
3. A coach should have the ball somewhere on the
court.
4. The coach passes the ball to one of the perimeter
players and calls out a number (1, 2, or 3).
5. The player in the lane, that had their number
called, goes to close out/block out the shooter.
The other 2 players have to identify who they
block out. This forces the other two to quickly
react and get to one of the other perimeter
players. They should then get the ball and secure
the rebound.
It takes a couple of times for the kids to get it. But
once they do, you'll find they learn to
communicate, identify, and quickly scramble to
get everyone blocked out. This is a good
simulation of what happens in a game.
I'm sure you'll find that this twist really helps your
players learn how to find their opponent and
consistently put a body on them.
6. Repeat the drill as necessary and give everyone a
chance to rebound several times.
Points of Emphasis
Continually tell your players...





Put a body on someone and block them out!
Make sure you communicate and get everyone blocked out.
Stay low when blocking out.
Use proper form when blocking out -- find your defender then back pivot into them.
Always keep your elbows out after securing the rebound. Make a good outlet pass to the coach.
Motivation / Teaching Tips
Tip #1 - You can make the drill competitive by tracking the number of rebounds the offense and
defense gets. Award the winner or make the losing team run.
Basketball Rebounding Drill: Close Out Box Out
Drill Purpose (All Ages)
This drill provides a competitive situation for practicing boxing out. This drill emphasizes
principles of closing on a shooter and maintaining a box out for the defensive players, and it
teaches offensive players to follow their shots. It will give players practice in sustaining the
intensity required to box out and to beat a box out.
Instructions
1. Position five offensive players just outside the
three-point line as shown. Five defenders match
up and assume position at the edges of the key as
shown. Place a ball on the ground just in front of
the hoop.
2. On the coach's first whistle, defensive players
sprint to close out on the offensive players. The
last three or four steps should be wide and
choppy with the body leaning slightly back and
arms raised to shoulder height.
3. One the coach's second whistle, all five offensive
players "shoot" a jump shot (none of them will
have a ball). Defenders contest the shots by
shouting "shot" and by moving close to the
shooters with arms fully extended straight up and
keeping their feet on the ground.
4. As the shooters come down, the defenders turn
and box out. The offensive players try to get to
the ball near the hoop, and the drill remains live
until one does get to the ball. The coach times
this starting on the second whistle and ending
when an offensive player gets to the ball.
5. The coach blows a third whistle to signal that the
repetition is over.
Points of Emphasis



Defensive players finish the close out with a low and wide center of gravity.
Defensive players establish contact on the shooters without low-bridging.
Holding, tripping, and/or any other illegal techniques should be pointed out and penalized.
Motivation / Teaching Tip

Coaches can attach some incentives for the team that gets the best time in keeping the
offensive players from reaching the ball.
Rebounding Drill: Reverse Pivot Technique
Drill Purpose (All Ages)
This drill is intended to build muscle memory applicable to establishing and beating box outs. In
other words, it will help you get MORE offensive rebounds! It should be done as a form drill at
three-quarters speed. This drill builds the muscle memory and economy of motion that are
required when jostling for rebounding position.
Instructions
1. Four offensive and four defensive players line up on
opposite sides of the half-court line facing one
another about six feet apart. On the coach's whistle,
the defenders do a form box out while the offensive
players make a jab-step to the right. The defenders
should respond to the jab step by shifting the box out
in that direction.
2. The offensive players then lift the left foot slightly and
position it so that they maintain balance while
performing a reverse pivot on it to establish a side by
side position with the defenders. The reverse pivot
should be explosive and executed with a low center of
gravity. The right arm should be used to reinforce the
pivot motion and should be raised to shoulder level at
the end of the pivot. The defender and the offensive
players should end up side by side facing the same
direction.
3. The drill should be repeated using mirror principles in
the opposite direction: The left foot will be the jabstep foot, the right foot will be raised slightly and
positioned to accommodate an explosive reverse
pivot, and the left arm should reinforce the pivot
motion. Repeat the drill until all players have
performed five reverse pivots in both directions.
4. The coach blows a third whistle to signal that the
repetition is over.
Points of Emphasis



The jab-step needs to be convincing; weight on the leg and leaning while maintaining enough
balance to rock back into the reverse pivot.
The reverse pivot needs to be explosive, executed from a low center of gravity, and wide.
Focus on proper form and footwork.
Two on Two Box Out
Drill Purpose
Teaches boxing out for rebounding.
Drill Instructions and Diagrams
1. Offensive and defensive player on each side of the
lane.
2. The coach throws up the ball, defense blocks out,
offense goes after the rebound.
3. If the offense gets rebound, they try to score. If the
defense rebounds, they pass the ball out to the coach.
Taps Drill
Double your rebounds per game by practicing this drill. Not to mention, the coach will love it
when you're getting the team more possessions with your rebounding.
Drill Purpose:
This drill improves ball control and rebounding around the hoop. You also improve your
jumping.
Instructions
1. Throw the ball up against the backboard. As the ball comes off the backboard, jump and tip the
ball with a designated hand. Continuously do this for a set amount of taps (let's say 10). On the
final tap, try to score the ball.
2. Switch to the opposite hand and do it again.
3. Use both hands at the same time to do the drill.
Rebounding Drill - Fight For It
This is 1 of the 50+ Rebounding Drills we included in our new Basketball Rebounding eBooks.
Drill Purpose:
This drill emphasizes the use of proper box out techniques to maintain the inside position for
the rebound, as well as the aggressive pursuit of the ball.
Instructions
1. Divide the team into two groups of five. Give
one team jerseys to wear.
2. Have one team stand on the center circle,
facing the middle. The other team stands
behind them.
3. Set the ball in the middle of the circle.
4. On the whistle, the team on the outside
attempts to get into the middle to retrieve the
ball.
5. The team on the inside must box out the
opposing team to keep them from getting to
the basketball.
Teaching Tips

This is a rough drill emphasize to players not to take it too far. Keep track of how many times
each team gets the ball and offer discipline.

Do NOT allow diving.
Rebounding 2-on-2 Drills
This rebounding drill stresses the basics of boxing out, being aggressive, and making the outlet
pass, and "finishing" on the offensive glass.
Setup: See the diagram... two rows, one on each side of the free throw lane. The first player in each
line becomes a defender and moves down by the blocks and will box-out the next player in line.
The next player in each line are offensive players. Have a player at each wing for the outlet pass.
The coach, or manager, shoots the ball from the free-throw line.
The Drill:
The coach shoots. The defenders box-out, rebound, make the outlet pass and the next group takes
over. The two defenders rotate to the outlet positions, and the outlet players go to the back of the
offensive lines.
Offensive players should be aggressive, try to get the offensive rebound, and power it back up to
the hoop. Play until either the defense rebounds and outlet passes, or the offense rebounds and
scores (limit offensive possessions to 6 seconds to keep the drill moving). Then rotate to the next
group. Offensive players now are defenders.
Make sure all players hustle, are aggressive and are using good rebounding technique... with proper
boxing out, attacking the ball, and making a good outlet pass. If the defense fails to secure the
rebound, both players run a lap. Offensive players should be aggressive and power the ball back up
to the hoop, scoring quickly (within 6 seconds).
If the offense scores, they have "immunity" for when they go on defense. If, when they are on
defense, they successfully get the rebound, they keep their "immunity" for the next time. If they fail
to get the rebound, they lose the immunity, but don't have to run that lap. An offensive rebound
with failure to score is nothing, no immunity.
One Man Option:
You can also run this drill with just one line, one defender and one outlet receiver.
Wing Skip-Pass and Box-Out Back-Side Drill
This a helpside, close-out and box-out drill. Start with the ball on either wing, with the opposite
wing defender in helpside. When the ball is skip-passed, the helpside defender closes-out. X2
sprints to helpside.
O3 shoots and O2 goes for the back-side rebound. X2 must find and box-out O2 and rebound.
X3 must box-out the shooter (without fouling). Rotate offense to defense after several shots,
using both sides.
2-On-2 Rebounding Outlet Drill
This is another helpside, close-out and box-out drill. One offensive player is on the opposite low
block area and his defender is in helpside in the paint. The other offensive player is on the wing.
His defender starts at the block, passes it out to the offensive player (who will shoot the ball),
and the defender sprints out and makes a good close-out and then becomes a rebounder.
When one defensive player secures the rebound, his teammate sprints out for the outlet pass
(diagrams B and C) and they go to half-court, and then we start the drill over.
Points of emphasis:
The post defender in helpside finds and makes contact with his man, and makes a good
standard, strong box-out inside (usually by using a reverse pivot after contacting his man).
The perimeter defender does not use a standard "box-out", but instead "checks" his man with a
forearm and then releases quickly to pursue the rebound. If he gets the rebound, his teammate
sprints for the outlet pass (diagram B). We want to see a good close-out.
Options:
You can start the drill three ways... (1) as above with the wing taking the 3-point shot, (2) the
wing makes a shot-fake and a one dribble jump-shot, or (3) have the ball start on the wing with
offensive player in triple-threat and he either shoots the 3-point shot or makes a dribble to a
shot.
5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Basketball
Rebounding
Here are five simple and effective tips to improve your rebounding. In fact, these tips are so
simple you have no excuse to not start working on them right now!
Run to the Front of the Basket on Your Fast Break
If you want to encounter a lot of offensive rebounds, run to the front of the basket during your
fast break. This is a great time to do so because the defense is not in position for the rebound
yet.
Run to the Front of the Rim on the Dribble Drive
During dribble penetration, follow your teammate to the rim so you can be there to retrieve the
ball if he misses. This is a great time to rebound because the defense usually collapses on the
drive and they forget to block out. This will allow you to get more offensive rebounds as well as
points.
Practice Drills That Teach You to Rebound outside Your Area
Great rebounders go for the ball no matter where it's at. Bad rebounders stand and watch
because they think the ball it out of their reach.
You can teach yourself to rebound out of your area by running basketball rebounding drills that
make you go a long ways to get the ball. For example, throw the ball off the back board on the
other side of the rim and "go get it!"
Make Contact Before Your Opponent
You will be able to be in control of what happens if you make contact first when boxing out.
Make sure to hit them first before they make contact with you to ensure leverage. Remember,
anticipate and always be first. This will give you the edge.
Start Moving as the Shooter is Uncoiling
If you react and mover quicker, you will improve anticipation and get more rebounds. As the
shooter is uncoiling start the contact by blocking out. Do the same on offense; as the shooter
uncoils go after the rebound. You will get more rebounds!