Rebounding

Early in my coaching career, I was an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets. Hall of Fame coach, Larry Brown, who has won championships in college and in the pros, was the head coach of the Nuggets at that time. We spent countless hours talking basketball on a variety of subjects, and one of the things I remember best was a statement he made about great teams. He felt that all great teams had two things in common, they were good defensively, and good at rebounding.

Most coaches realize how important rebounding is; I wish more players did as well. Rebounding is paramount since a team obviously wants to limit the number of possessions the other team has; at the same time, a team wants to have as many possessions as possible. Turnovers and poor offensive rebounding limit possessions; causing turnovers and good defensive rebounding limit the opponent’s possessions.

What makes a good rebounder?

Certainly, size and athleticism is a key factor and comes into play, but that draws into question why a seven footer may average 3 rebounds a game, and a six foot guard may average 7 rebounds a game?

My philosophy on rebounding differs slightly from the normal fundamental thought on rebounding philosophy. While I understand the importance of “blocking out”, I believe positioning and the mental desire to get the ball is as important. I have found that the best rebounders are always thinking that the shot will be missed, and they continuously pursue the ball with aggression. Good rebounders have a trait of developing the mentality and the habit of going after the ball. Good rebounders do NOT give a sporadic effort.

Positioning

Positioning has 2 aspects. They are:

1. Where the player and his opponent are on the floor

2. Where the shot is taken from

If a player and his opponent are in a close proximity of the basket (inside 12′), then blocking out becomes very important. If the players are further out on the floor (outside 12′), then a quick chuck (forearm to the chest) and pursuing the ball becomes more important.

Understanding how shots from different areas of the court will come off the rim is paramount to rebounding and all players should realize the importance. Too often, I see players positioning themselves in areas of the court where the ball most likely will not rebound, play the percentages and players will improve their rebounding.

For example, Shots taken from one baseline most likely will rebound to the opposite baseline. Shots taken from one side, at an angle, will most likely rebound to the other side of the court, at an angle. This probably comes more into play on the offensive boards than the defensive boards, since the first job of a player on the defensive board is to box out.

Continue reading further on rebounding with the articles below.