Basketball Rebounding Article

Basketball Rebounding is one of the most critical aspects of the game. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most overlooked when it comes to practice time.

Players often take rebounding for granted thinking that if the ball comes their way, they’ll grab it. Or a more common mistake is that players often think rebounding is not their job or responsibility on the court. “I’m not a rebounder” or “That’s my teammates job” are phrases that are often heard amongst players.

Well the truth is, basketball rebounding is every players’ job and responsibility – regardless of their height or position. Every player must be a rebounder on the court.

To become great at basketball rebounding, players should possess the eight qualities listed below. The good news is that these qualities have nothing to do with a players’ size. Instead, they have everything to do with their body position and balance, desire and aggressiveness.

Eight Qualities of Basketball Rebounding

1. Pursue the basketball. Players should not stand still when the shot goes up – instead they should go aggressively after the ball. Great rebounders always think that the rebound belongs to them.

2. 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.

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.

4. Box out your opponent. Once a player has established a good position and is in good balance, they should then box out their opponent. This is done by getting between them and the basket as quickly as possible and then initiating contact with them using their back side. Players must be ready for contact – rebounding is the most physical aspect of the game.

5. Possess desire and mental & physical toughness. Great rebounders have the attitude that every missed shot is their rebound. They own the boards. This attitude helps them develop an unshakable desire and aggressiveness.

6. Properly time your jump for the ball. Once players establish good position and balance, and firmly box out their opponent – they now need to jump for the ball. A mis-timed jump can cost the player a rebound. By watching the shot and then reading where it will bounce, the player will be more capable of properly timing their jump.

7. Protect the ball after the rebound. There are several ways for players to do this: Hold the ball over their head; Chin the ball; or Hug the ball close to their body. How a player protects the ball will depend on how their coach teaches this aspect of the rebound. The main objective here is to protect the ball once it is rebounded. Don’t let the opponent get it back.

8. Develop soft hands and fingertip control. Soft hands is a term that is used to describe a players’ ability to handle the basketball regardless of how hard or soft it comes at them. They seem to be able to control everything. Fingertip control allows them to tip the rebound to themselves or to a teammate. These are critical rebounding qualities that give players a huge advantage on the boards.

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Joe runs Ultimate Youth Basketball, a site dedicated to offering players, parents and coaches the best information, reviews and advice about the game of basketball.

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