Rebounding - How Much Do You Want The Ball?

Posted on December 19, 2008

Rebounding, just like defense, comes down to one thing - how much do you want the ball! You don’t have to be that tall - look at Charles Barkley.

You don’t have to be able to jump that high - look at Jason Kidd. Controlling the glass depends on how much you want the ball. You have got to be mean. You have got to be aggressive. You have got to be something of an animal. I have coached players who were not great passers or did not have great dribbling skills and could not shoot if their life depended on it.

However,if these players could get to the glass, they got plenty of playing time.

Offensive Rebounding

Pursue every board and lose ball with intensity and desire. Spin off the first contact. Use a quick and explosive move toward the ball. Secure the ball with two hands, elbows out.

Defensive Rebounding

The key is to make contact as quickly and effectively as possible (boxing out) Step to the offensive player and pivot into him - making contact.

Front Pivot - Used against players outside the key area because you can keep the player in your line of sight longer.

Reverse Pivot - Used when in the key. Pivot to the side of your opponents movement.

Rebounding Drills

Here are a couple of drills you can use to teach your players how to rebound.

Drill #1 - Spin off the first man (For offensive players crashing the boards)

Offensive players start at 3 point line. The defensive players start at the free throw line. Offensive players attack and spin off the first contact. Defensive players only make initial contact.

Drill # 2 - Keep Out

Players partner up with a teammate who plays a similar role on the team (ie - guard with guard) Offensive players line up outside the key while the defensive players play deny defense on their checks. Coach shoots the ball, hopefully it falls through the hoop.

While boxing out, defensive players must keep the offensive players off the ball long enough for the ball to bounce. If an offensive player even touches the ball before it bounces, the entire defensive unit is forced to do a conditioning drill. If the defensive team allows the ball to bounce for three consecutive shots, the offensive unit must do a conditioning drill.

For more on coaching youth sports, visit RTP Sports Camps.

Kent Janz is the founder of RTP Sports Camps. Having coached basketball for 15 years, it was time to teach others to do the same. RTP Sports Camps is all about helping youth develop a love for sports. By the way, we are looking for coaches in your area!

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