Offensive Rebounding

By offensive rebounding, I am referring to the normal position of the defense being between the offensive player and the basket. There are times, because of defensive rotations or post up play, that the offense is between the defender and the basket. In those cases, the offense should act like a defensive rebounder.

The most important part of offensive rebounding is that the offensive team should not be surprised when a shot is attempted. The advantage the offensive team has is that they should have a feel when the shot is about to be taken. Do not surprise a teammate. Knowing when a shot, and from where a shot is to be attempted, the offensive team should have an advantage as to where the rebound will go.

Keys to Offensive Rebounding:

• Rebound early. Get in position early. Often times the offensive rebounder can pin a defensive rebounder under the basket.
• Do not just stand behind the defender.
• Work to get the boards. Often times a fake in one direction, and going the other direction will beat the defensive rebounder.
• Anticipate where the rebound may go, and work to get there.
• I teach post players to always post up strongly, even if they are not an integral part of the play. By doing that, it forces the defender to either side or front the post and that makes the defense vulnerable to the offensive rebounder.