There are two sides to rebounding in basketball: defensive and offensive. Both are critical to winning basketball games, and this collection of basketball rebounding drills will allow you to work with your team on both of these areas.

Defensive rebounding allows teams to close out defensive possessions and get the transition offense off and running. Without defensive rebounding at a high level, opponents will continue to get chances to score, putting a considerable strain on a team’s defense. So, teams and players must be able to finish plays with defensive boards.

On offense, a great basketball rebounder is trying to create second-chance points for their team. They are looking to get a tip out or grab a missed shot for a score of their own. Both of these will help to undermine the other team’s defensive efforts and create quality scoring opportunities.

These basketball rebounding drills are going to work on both defensive and offensive rebounding. They will work on all of the details of boxing out, going to get the ball, securing it, etc. Some of these rebounding drills will also work on what to do after pulling down the board. They will allow you to teach your players how to score off of an offensive rebound or how to outlet the ball on a defensive rebound to get the offense going.

As much as rebounding the basketball is a mindset, it is also a skill that can be learned and developed. All of these basketball training videos will cover different rebounding drills and allow for the development of the skill of rebounding.

The Importance of Basketball Rebounding Drills

If you want a team that will battle on the boards for every rebound, you must be willing to invest the time. Not only the time spent teaching them how to be great rebounders in basketball but also the importance of it every day. It will be up to you as a basketball coach to emphasize this within your program, but with these training videos, you will have all of the tools you need to work on it.

These basketball rebounding drills will teach your players everything they need to know about battling on the boards. This will not only help create better rebounders but also inspire. Like anything, people enjoy doing things that they are good at. So, if you can teach your players how to be high-level rebounders, they will have a higher tendency to want to rebound.

If you are looking for competition-based rebounding drills, check out our basketball competition drills and basketball team drills. These will offer some great live-action rebounding drills for you to use with your team.

Basketball Rebounding Drills Teaching Points

When doing these basketball rebounding drills, you should focus on certain areas to ensure that your players are getting the most out of the drill. These teaching points will help maximize the drills and help these skills better translate to a game. So, as you do all the different rebounding drills below, lock in on these different teaching points.

Rebounding Technique

Rebounding is a very technical skill. The better a player can master the different techniques, the better they will be at rebounding. There are three main parts of rebounding.

The first is going to be positioning. The player needs to fight for positioning before the shot goes up. If they wait until the ball is shot, it is too late.

Secondly, they need to anticipate where the miss will go and then be the first to move to get it.

Lastly, they need to attack the ball, secure it with two hands, and keep it in a strong position. It isn’t enough to get a hand on the ball and then lose it to the other team; you need to grab it and secure it as well.

Don’t Hesitate After the Rebound

After the rebound, players must get right into what needs to happen next. The quicker a player can attack or kick the ball to a teammate after an offensive board, the easier it will be to score; you don’t want to let the defense recover and get set.

With a defensive board, if a player can quickly outlet the ball or take off themselves with the dribble, they can put pressure on the defense with transition offense.

Compete on the Boards

As much as rebounding can be improved with the right technique, it still has to be a mindset. Players must have the mindset to compete and fight for every rebound. They won’t get every board, but if they fight, they will have a chance to.

If a player is really fighting on the boards, they may not get the actual rebound, but a teammate may. The only way this happens, though, is if they are willing to fight on every shot. So, as you go through these basketball rebounding drills, have the mindset that you are going to compete on every shot that goes up.

Must-Use Basketball Rebounding Drills

Teach your team how to dominate the boards with the right basketball rebounding drills. Before you know it, your team will be winning the battle on the glass, which means more stops on defense and more scoring opportunities on offense.

Drill # 1: David Thorpe Ball High Finish Basketball Rebounding Drill

This basketball rebounding drill is great for tracking down offensive rebounds and learning how to finish with people around you. Don’t just be satisfied with getting your hands on a board. Learn how to grab the board and then finish it. As a big man, it is important to keep the ball high after you rebound it because if you bring it down, then a guard can get in there and potentially strip it. This basketball drill will work on all of these areas and allow for a number of quality repetitions.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: David Thorpe Ball High Finish Basketball Rebounding Drill

Equipment Needed: 1 basketball.

Goals of the Drill

• Learn how to track down offensive rebounds and finish with defenders around you.
• Learn to finish while keeping the ball high.

Coaching Points

• Track down the ball and go get it at its highest point.
• Keep the ball high and finish quickly at the basket.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• Start at the free-throw line with the ball and throw it up off the backboard.
• Run and jump to rebound the ball at its highest point.
• Grab the ball and land but don’t bring the ball down.
• Keep your arms extended and finish quickly.
• Reset to the free-throw line each time and do about 8-12 reps.
• Mix up finishing on the right and left side of the rim.

Drill #2: Rebound Tip Out Jab Step Go Opposite Finish Basketball Drill

If you cannot grab an offensive rebound with both hands, you may need to try and tip the basketball out to yourself. After tipping the ball out to yourself, it is a great time to attack because your defender and the rest of the defense is not yet set.

This basketball rebounding drill will work on tipping the basketball out to yourself, gathering, and then using a jab step go opposite move for the finish. To do this move, you will have to have good footwork and make sure that you do not travel. So as you go through this basketball drill, really focus on having good footwork. Once you get this move down, it can be very effective.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: Rebound Tip Out Jab Step Go Opposite Finish Basketball Drill

Equipment Needed: 1 basketball. A player/coach with pad (optional).

Goals of the Drill

• Work on rebounding, footwork, and shooting.

Coaching Points

• Get up off the ground and jump your highest on the tip out and when you jump again to grab the rebound.
• Make sure that you do not travel on the move.
• If you need to slow it down to practice the footwork, that is okay.
• Really sell the jab step and seek the contact.
• If you do not have an extra player to do the pad, just do the drill without it.
• Don’t avoid the contact.
• Jab at the defender’s foot.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• Stand on either elbow with a basketball.
• Now toss the ball up off the backboard and then go jump up in the air and tip it out to yourself in the short corner.
• Jump in the air, grab the ball with two hands, and then land and immediately get into triple threat position.
• You will jab with your foot that is closest to the baseline and then go middle for the finish at the basket.
• There will be a player or coach in the paint with a pad that will hit you as you make the move.
• This way, the player making the move will have to absorb the contact and finish anyway.
• If the player misses the shot, they will continue to follow their shot until they make it.
• After that, they will get back in line.
• You can either have the players switch sides each time or do a set number of reps on one side before switching.

Drill #3: Kevin McHale Tips Advanced Rebounding Basketball Drill

The Kevin Mchale tips advanced basketball rebounding drill will help the player work on their timing, finishing around the basket, and quick-jump ability. This basketball drill will help players get a lot of reps at controlling a tip-in with one hand, and the reason you practice with sometimes tipping the ball with only one hand is that in a game, you might not be able to use both hands. You might not have the angle to get both hands on the ball, or you might be holding off your opponent with the other hand.

It is key that you can tip the basketball in equally as well with both hands because you never know which hand the ball is going to come to off a rebound. This basketball rebounding drill will really help you to develop you develop both of your hands.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: Kevin Mchale Tips Advanced Rebounding Basketball Drill

Equipment Needed: 1 basketball.

Goals of the Drill

• Develop your hands, finish around the basket off an offensive tip-in, and your quick jump ability.

Coaching Points

• Don’t wait for the ball to come down to you but get up off the ground and go get the ball as high up as you can.
• Land and then jump right back up as quickly as you can.
• When you tip the ball over the top of the rim, put it high up on the glass so that it doesn’t hit the rim.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• The Player will start with a basketball to the right of the rim facing the backboard.
• They will toss the ball up against the backboard and then jump up and tip it off the backboard with their outside hand.
• At the same time, their inside hand is going to be trying to touch the rim.
• The player is going to do 6 tips in a row, but on the 6th tip, they are going to tip the ball up off the backboard and over the rim to the other side where they must meet the ball and then begin tip the ball with their outside hand on that side of the rim.
• On the 6th tip, they are going to go over the rim again for the final set of 6 tips, and on the very last tip, the player is going to tip dunk the ball in if they can or rebound, chin the ball, and then power finish if they can’t tip-dunk it.
• Start from the left side on the next set for this drill.

Why Basketball Rebounding Drills

Basketball rebounding is an essential aspect of the game. It involves securing possession of the ball after a shot has been missed. As a basketball coach, it is crucial to incorporate rebounding drills into your practice sessions to improve your team’s overall performance on the court.

Rebounding not only helps in gaining possession of the ball but also provides players with opportunities for scoring and initiating fast breaks. Moreover, it enhances players’ agility, physicality, and teamwork skills.

Basketball Rebounding Drill Tips

To ensure that your rebounding drills are effective and beneficial for your team, consider the following tips:

• Focus on Technique: Emphasize the importance of proper positioning, boxing out, and using the correct rebounding technique. Encourage your players to keep their feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees, and use their arms to box out opponents.
• Incorporate Game-Like Scenarios: To help your team prepare for real-game situations, incorporate game-like scenarios into your rebounding drills. This could include practicing rebounds off of free throws or in transition.
• Mix It Up: Keep your players engaged and challenged by switching up the types of rebounding drills you incorporate into practice. This will help prevent boredom and improve overall skill development.

Basketball Rebounding Drills Frequently Asked Questions

Use these frequently asked questions and answers about basketball rebounding drills to help you have a better understanding of how you can get your team to become better at rebounding the basketball.

How do you practice rebounding in basketball?

Start with basic rebounding techniques, such as the box-out drill and outlet pass drill. As your team progresses, incorporate more game-like scenarios into the drills.

What are some good rebounding drills for youth basketball?

Rebound Relays: Divide players into two teams and have them pass the ball down the court to their teammates, who must grab the rebound before making a shot.
Partner Rebounding: Pair up players and have them take turns shooting, while their partner boxes out and attempts to secure the rebound.

How can I improve my vertical jump for basketball rebounding?

Incorporate plyometric exercises into your training routine, such as jump squats, box jumps, and single-leg hops. Also, be sure to stretch and strengthen your leg muscles regularly. Additionally, practicing jumping for rebounds during drills and scrimmages can also help improve your vertical jump.

What are the 3 basic steps in rebounding?

Rebounding is a critical aspect of basketball, as it directly influences possession and can significantly impact the outcome of the game. Whether on the offensive or defensive end, effective rebounding requires anticipation, positioning, and proper execution. The three basic steps you’ve outlined are specifically geared toward securing a defensive rebound. Here’s a breakdown of each step:

The Box-Out

• Positioning: As soon as a shot is taken, the first step in rebounding is for the defenders (the players not shooting the ball) to locate their nearest opponent.
• Physicality: The defender then positions themselves between their opponent and the basket, using their body as a barrier. The key is to get low and wide, using your legs and rear to create space.
• Contact: Initiating slight contact with the offensive player helps in establishing position and making it more difficult for them to move around you to get to the ball.

Attacking the Ball

• Anticipation: After successfully boxing out, the next step is to anticipate where the ball will land. This requires understanding shot trajectories and experience.
• Jump: Timing your jump is crucial. The goal is to reach the ball at its highest point, where you’re most likely to secure it away from competitors.
• Secure the Ball: Use both hands to grab the ball firmly. Bringing the ball down quickly and holding it close to your body helps prevent it from being knocked away by opponents.

The Outlet Pass

• Awareness: Once you’ve secured the rebound, immediately look up the court to identify open teammates and potential fast-break opportunities.
• Passing: Make a strong, accurate outlet pass to a teammate who is in a better position to advance the ball. The outlet pass is often made to the point guard or another player who can effectively lead the transition from defense to offense.
• Transition: After making the outlet pass, the rebounder should quickly move up the court to join the offensive play, providing support and opening up scoring opportunities.

Communication, as you mentioned, plays a vital role throughout the process. Teammates should alert each other when a shot is taken, helping everyone on the defensive side prepare to execute their roles in the rebounding sequence. Mastering these steps through practice and repetition can greatly enhance a team’s defensive efficiency, limiting opponents’ second-chance points and facilitating smoother transitions into offense.

How do you practice rebound?

Practicing and improving your rebounding skills is crucial for any basketball player looking to make a significant impact on the game. Rebounding not only gives your team additional possessions but also demoralizes the opposing team by limiting their scoring opportunities. Here are ten tips to help you become a better rebounder:

Box Out

The fundamental step in rebounding is to create space between you and the opponent. Use your body to shield the opponent away from the ball, ensuring you have the first chance to grab the rebound.

Run Hard on the Fast Break

Getting to the front of the rim on a fast break puts you in an optimal position to grab offensive rebounds. It’s about effort and positioning.

Don’t Watch the Ball

Instead of watching the ball in flight, focus on positioning yourself correctly. Anticipate where the ball will land based on the shot’s trajectory.

Develop an “Every Rebound is Mine” Mentality

Having a relentless attitude towards grabbing every rebound can significantly increase your chances. It’s about desire as much as it is about technique.

Learn the Angles

Understanding the angles at which balls are likely to bounce off the rim or backboard can put you in a better position to rebound.

Get Low, Get Leverage, Get Up

Lower your center of gravity to gain leverage against your opponent, then use your legs to spring up and grab the ball.

Don’t Get Caught Under the Basket

Positioning too close under the basket can result in the ball bouncing over your head. Maintain a balanced distance to react to different shot outcomes.

Keep Moving

Constant movement and adjusting your position based on the play can make it harder for opponents to box you out, increasing your chances of grabbing a rebound.

Secure the Ball

Once you’ve got your hands on the ball, secure it by holding it high and chin it at the lowest, moving the ball to prevent opponents from stripping it away. Strong hands and arms are essential as opponents will try to paw at you.

Practice Rebounding Drills

Dedicate time to practice specific rebounding drills. Drills that involve multiple players competing for the ball can simulate game-like conditions, enhancing your ability to rebound under pressure. For example, drills that start with players on the elbows, battling to secure a rebound after a coach or player shoots, can be particularly effective.

Incorporating these tips into your practice routine can significantly improve your rebounding skills. Remember, rebounding is as much about willpower and determination as it is about technique.

How do you teach a child to rebound basketball?

Teaching a child to rebound effectively in basketball involves instilling the foundational skills and mindset necessary for one of the game’s most crucial aspects. Here are strategies and tips for instructing young players on how to master the art of rebounding:

Positioning and Awareness

• Find Your Opponent: Teach children that as soon as a shot is taken, their first job is not to watch the ball but to locate their nearest opponent. This is critical for establishing good positioning.
• Box Out: Explain and demonstrate how to box out by positioning themselves between their opponent and the basket, using their body to keep the opponent away from the rebound.

Technique

• Wide and Balanced Stance: Instruct them to land on the ground with their feet shoulder-width apart or wider after jumping, ensuring they maintain balance and are ready to jump again if needed.
• Use Their Body: Encourage kids to use their lower body strength to hold off opponents by getting low and wide, making it harder for the opponent to get around them.

Jumping and Securing the Ball

• Anticipate and Jump: Teach them to anticipate where the ball will land and jump to meet the ball at its highest point. Stress the importance of timing their jump.
• Secure the Ball: Once in the air, instruct them to grab the ball with both hands firmly and bring it down securely. If they can’t secure the rebound on the first attempt, tapping the ball to keep it alive is a valuable skill.

Keep It Alive

• If securing the ball is not possible, teach them to at least get a hand on it to “keep it alive.” This might mean tapping it to a teammate or back towards the hoop where they or a teammate might have a better chance of grabbing it.

By focusing on these key areas and consistently practicing through drills, young basketball players can develop strong rebounding skills that will serve them well throughout their playing careers. Remember, rebounding is not just about physical ability; it’s also about effort, determination, and smart play.

How do I get better at basketball rebounding?

Improving your basketball rebounding skills involves both understanding the nuances of the game and developing specific physical and mental attributes. Here are several strategies to help you become a more effective rebounder:

Understand Shot Patterns

• Pay attention to where shots are typically taken during games and practices. Knowing the most common shooting locations can help you predict where rebounds are likely to occur.
• Recognize that long shots tend to produce long rebounds. Position yourself accordingly, especially when defending against perimeter shooters.

Improve Your Positioning

• Work on finding and boxing out your opponent as soon as a shot is taken. Getting into the habit of immediately looking for someone to box out can greatly increase your chances of securing the rebound.
• Practice getting into a wide, stable stance with your knees bent, ready to jump or move quickly in any direction.

Develop Your Jumping Ability

• Incorporate plyometric exercises into your training regimen. Exercises like jump squats, box jumps, and lunges can improve your explosiveness, allowing you to reach higher and secure more rebounds.
• Work on timing your jumps so you’re reaching the peak of your jump as the ball arrives.

Strengthen Your Upper Body

• A strong upper body helps you maintain position, fend off opponents, and secure the ball once you get your hands on it. Incorporate strength training exercises focusing on your arms, shoulders, and chest.
• Use medicine ball workouts to simulate the motion of grabbing a rebound and strengthening the relevant muscle groups.

Practice Hand-Eye Coordination

• Drills that improve your hand-eye coordination can help you better secure the ball once you’re in position. Catching tennis balls or using reaction balls are good ways to enhance this skill.

Study Successful Rebounders

• Watch games and focus on successful rebounders, observing their positioning, timing, and techniques. Try to emulate these behaviors in your own game.
• Understand that great rebounders often have a relentless mindset. They believe every rebound is theirs and fight for every ball.

Rebounding Drills

• Participate in rebounding drills that simulate game scenarios. Drills that require you to box out an opponent, jump for the rebound, and secure the ball under pressure can be particularly beneficial.
• Drills that emphasize effort, like “Last Man Standing” or “Tip Drill,” can also help improve your proactive approach to rebounding.

Stay Proactive and Energetic

• Maintain a high level of energy and effort throughout the game. Being proactive rather than reactive can make a significant difference in your rebounding effectiveness.
• Always be on the move and ready to adjust your position based on the trajectory of the shot.

By focusing on these areas and consistently applying yourself both in practice and in games, you’ll find your rebounding skills improving over time. Remember, rebounding is as much about desire and effort as it is about technique and physical ability.

What is offensive rebounding in basketball?

Offensive rebounding in basketball refers to the act of a player from the offensive team recovering the ball after a missed field goal or free throw attempt, without the ball changing possession to the defense. This action is crucial as it provides the offensive team with another opportunity to score, either immediately from the rebound or by setting up their offense again for another shot attempt.

The importance of offensive rebounds lies in their ability to extend possessions for the offensive team, thereby increasing the number of shot attempts and potentially the team’s score over the course of a game. Offensive rebounds are especially valuable because they often occur close to the basket, leading to high-percentage scoring opportunities such as put-backs or shots near the rim.

To successfully secure offensive rebounds, players typically need to exhibit strong positioning skills, understanding where the ball is likely to land based on the trajectory of the shot. They also need to have good timing and the ability to outmaneuver or outmuscle their opponents to gain the inside position. Coaches often emphasize the importance of establishing a “rebounding triangle,” which involves players positioning themselves around the basket in a way that maximizes their chances of recovering a missed shot while maintaining defensive balance to protect against counter-attacks.

Given its impact on the game, offensive rebounding is a skill that coaches strive to develop in their players, incorporating specific drills and strategies into practice sessions to enhance their team’s ability to recover missed shots and capitalize on additional scoring opportunities.

How do you teach aggressive rebounding?

To teach aggressive rebounding, emphasize the following techniques:

• Be Physical: Encourage players to use their body and be physical when battling for a rebound. Teach them to use their elbows and hips to position themselves better against opponents.
• Attack the Ball: Emphasize the importance of going after the ball aggressively rather than waiting for it to come to you. This will give your team a better chance of securing the rebound.
• Be Mentally Prepared: Remind your players to always be mentally prepared for a rebound, even if it seems unlikely. This mindset will help them react quickly and increase their chances of getting the ball.

Basketball rebounding is a crucial aspect of the game that should not be overlooked. By incorporating proper technique, game-like scenarios, and a variety of drills into your practice sessions, you can help your team become more effective rebounders. Remember to also teach aggression and develop a proactive mindset to improve rebounding skills on the court. So keep practicing and never give up!

More Basketball Rebounding Drills

Here are a few more basketball rebounding drills that coaches can incorporate into their practice sessions. These include:

• Box Out Drill: This drill involves two players battling for a rebound while maintaining proper positioning to prevent the opponent from gaining possession of the ball. It helps players develop their strength, balance, and timing.
• Tip Drill: In this drill, three or more players stand under the basket while one player shoots from different positions on the court. The other players must try to tap the ball back into play before it hits the ground. It tests players’ reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and jumping ability.
• Swarm Rebounding Drill: This drill involves multiple players surrounding the basket and creating chaos to simulate a game-like rebounding scenario. It helps players develop their quickness, communication, and aggressiveness.

Basketball Rebounding Drills Conclusion

Incorporating basketball rebounding drills into your practice sessions is crucial for improving your team’s performance on the court. These drills not only help in gaining possession of the ball but also have many additional benefits, such as developing agility, physicality, and teamwork skills.

By focusing on technique, incorporating game-like scenarios, and switching up the types of drills used, coaches can ensure that their players are effectively developing rebounding skills.

Remember to always encourage and praise your players for their efforts in improving their rebounding abilities. So, keep practicing these drills regularly and watch your team dominate the boards!