Basketball on the Edge – 10 Rebounding Tips To Help You Control The Glass

Rebounding is such an important part of the game and yet it is often overlooked when it comes to skill development.  Here are ten tips that will help you become a better rebounder.

1. Box Out

So few players today box out their opponent so you will have a distinct advantage if you are willing to box out.  Fight for inside position, try to make contact with your opponent first when boxing out, and then go get the ball.

2.  Run hard on the fast break and get to the front of the rim.

As a youth coach, I see this all the time.  A fast break results in a shot taken close to the basket.  There are several players from each team jogging near half-court assuming the shot is going to go in.  One player really hustles down the floor and grabs the rebound when the shot is missed.  Make sure YOU are that player.  All it takes is effort.

3.  Don’t watch the ball.

Ignore the flight of the ball and immediately focus on getting inside position so you can box out.  Ball watchers get very few rebounds.

4.  Develop an every rebound is mine mentality.

When the shot goes up great rebounders believe they will be able to get the ball.  It doesn’t matter where the ball goes after it hits the rim.  They simply won’t be denied.  Neither should YOU.

5.  Learn the angles.

Experience will help you to better understand where the ball is going depending on where the shot came from and its arc.  Establish position where the ball is most likely to end up and you’ll have the advantage over your opponent.

6.  Get low, get leverage, get up.

When you are establishing position and boxing out get low with a wide base.  This will give you a leverage advantage to move your opponent out of position.  Finally jump as high as possible with both hands up ready to secure the rebound.

7.  Don’t get caught (or pushed) under the basket.

Very few rebounds drop straight down under the basket (except those that go in).  Try to establish position 3-5 feet from the rim to increase your chances of grabbing the rebound.

8.  Keep moving.

Never stand flat-footed or straight up and down.  If you are in a stance and moving you’ll be able to get into rebounding position quickly when the shot goes up.   As an offensive rebounder being active means that your defender doesn’t always know where you are or from what angle you may be crashing the boards.

9.  Chin the ball after you rebound.

Don’t work hard to get the rebound and then have it stripped out of your hands because you lazily put the ball down by your waist.  Put the ball under your chin with your elbows out.  A would-be defender will think twice about reaching in if you are “chinning” the ball.

10.  You can’t be Mr. Nice Guy.

Rebounding is messy business.  You must be willing to mix it up , both giving and receiving a lot of physical contact.  An aggressive player will always have the edge on the passive player.

Many coaches cite rebounding as a critical skill that often determines the outcome of a game.  Coaches love players that can rebound.  You will never hear a coach say, “Klinzing! You are getting too many rebounds!” Few players really focus in on what it actually takes to become a great rebounder at any level of basketball.  Follow these ten rebounding tips and be prepared to dominate the backboards on both ends of the floor.

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