Rebounding Blueprint

Rebounding Fundamentals

Rebounding helps your team gain extra possessions and limits the opponent’s chances to score. It requires positioning, timing, and effort. This guide explains the fundamentals of rebounding and how to improve at securing the ball.

Positioning: Establishing Control
Box Out: Seal Your Opponent
Timing and Jump Mechanics
Securing the Rebound
Offensive Rebounding: Creating Extra Possessions
Rebounding Checklist

1. Positioning: Establishing Control

Rebounding starts before the shot even goes up. Get into position early by reading the shooter’s body language and anticipating where the ball will land.

Defensive Rebounding: Your job is to box out your opponent and secure the ball. Stay between your man and the basket, creating a barrier with your body.
Offensive Rebounding: Attack the boards with timing and movement. Stay active, look for gaps in the defence, and be ready to react quickly.
Position: Most rebounds happen in the key, either in front of the rim or off to either side, giving you 3 key rebounding positions.

2. Box Out: Seal Your Opponent

The box-out is the foundation of rebounding. Here’s how to execute it properly from your athletic stance:

Step across your player with your lead foot and whip your back foot to plant your hips into the defender, sealing them behind you.
Use your body as a shield: keep your opponent behind you with your hips and back, using your armbar if necessary.
Hold your ground: maintain balance to control your position.

3. Timing and Jump Mechanics

Knowing when to jump is as important as how high you jump. A mistimed leap can take you out of the play.

Box Out: for as long as possible, release the seal so only you can get the ball.
Jump off two feet: for maximum power and control.
Go up strong: with both hands extended above your head, grabbing the ball with 2 hands.
Timing: catch the ball at the height of your jump.

4. Securing the Rebound

Once you have the ball, protect it. Many players grab a rebound but lose it because they don’t secure possession.

Chin the ball: bring the ball to your chest with elbows out to prevent defenders from swiping at it.
Be strong with the ball: keep a firm grip and pivot away from defenders.
Look for the outlet immediately: look for a pass to start the fast break.

5. Offensive Rebounding: Creating Extra Possessions

On offence, rebounding is all about effort and positioning.

Crash the boards if you’re not getting boxed out.
Use Tip-Ins: if you can get to the ball but can’t catch it.
Kick it out: to find an open shooter.

6. Rebounding Checklist

Read the shot and get into position
Box out or crash the boards
Jump off two feet and reach for the ball at its highest point
Chin the ball and protect it after securing the rebound
Fast Break with an outlet pass or speed dribble.

Master rebounding, and you’ll control the game. Every possession counts!

Good rebounders anticipate the ball’s movement and use proper technique to secure possession. Practising your positioning and jumping combined with effort and intensity will make you the difference in your team’s rebounding success.