Rebounding Tips & Techniques

By Joe Haefner


Rebounding is very important. If you rebound well, this allows you to get more possessions throughout the game. The team with the most possessions has a better chance of winning.

When blocking out or boxing out:

Yell "shot" to make your teammates aware that a shot has been taken. Locate your man. You can't block out without locating the person you are going to block out. If you leave an offensive player unattended, he can easily slip in to grab the rebound and score an easy bucket. Note: Steps 1 & 2 should be done simultaneously. Get your hips low, make a wide base (preferably wider than your opponents), and make contact. Stick out your forearm to make contact with the opposing player.

Do a reverse (back) pivot into the player if needed. Push the opposing player away from the basket using your butt and legs. Have your arms straight out to your sides which will make it harder to get around you. You can also feel where the player is going. Shuffle feet to stay in front of the player.

After you secure a rebound, you should:

1. "Chin the ball" which means to put the ball underneath your chin with your elbows out. This makes it harder for the defense to steal the ball from you after you secure the rebound.
   
   
2. Pivot away from the basket to the sideline to throw an outlet pass to a streaking player or a guard located near the sidelines.

If you want to see and hear more of these rebounding tips from Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, check out this video: