Objective:
The goal of this drill is to improve players’ ability to box out, secure the rebound, and quickly transition from defense to offense.
Rebounding is crucial for gaining possession and limiting second-chance opportunities for the opposing team. This drill focuses on both offensive and defensive rebounding fundamentals.
Equipment Needed:
1 basketball
1 or more basketballs
(if running multiple drills simultaneously)
Cones or markers
(optional for additional boundaries)
Setup:
- Players Needed: At least 6-8 players (can be adapted for fewer players).
- Court Setup: Divide the players into two teams: offensive and defensive. The defensive players will be responsible for boxing out and securing rebounds, while offensive players work on positioning and securing offensive rebounds.
- Starting Positions:
- Defensive players should position themselves near the low blocks or around the paint (depending on the drill).
- Offensive players should be positioned on the perimeter or around the 3-point line.
Drill Description:
1. The Box Out Technique (Individual Focus)
- Objective: Each player focuses on their individual ability to box out an opponent after a shot attempt.
- Instructions:
- Start with a shooter (player A) at the 3-point line or mid-range.
- The defender (player B) positions themselves behind the offensive player (player A) and anticipates the shot.
- When the shooter releases the ball, the defender must immediately react by establishing proper position and boxing out, with their body between the shooter and the basket.
- The defender should aim to maintain contact with the offensive player and keep them from getting inside position for the rebound.
- After securing the rebound, the defender must pivot and look for an outlet pass to initiate transition offense.
2. Rebounding in Motion (Team Rebounding Focus)
- Objective: Players practice moving to the ball and securing rebounds in traffic, simulating real game situations.
- Instructions:
- The coach or a designated player will shoot from various spots on the court (e.g., mid-range, baseline, top of the key).
- Defenders must box out and then pursue the rebound. Emphasize reading the flight of the ball and reacting quickly to secure the rebound.
- Once a rebound is secured, the player should pivot, square up, and pass to an outlet player or initiate a fast break.
- Offensive players will try to crash the boards by timing their jump and positioning themselves near the basket.
- The coach can rotate players through the drill, making sure that everyone gets to practice both boxing out and offensive rebounding.
3. 3-Point Box Out Challenge (Competitive Drill)
- Objective: Create a competitive environment where the defense and offense battle for rebounds in a live scenario.
- Instructions:
- Set up three offensive players around the 3-point arc and four defensive players in the paint (on the blocks and key areas).
- On the coach’s signal, one offensive player takes a shot from the 3-point line.
- The defenders must box out and compete for the rebound, while offensive players try to secure the ball.
- Once a player gets the rebound, they must make a quick pass to a teammate, simulating a fast break scenario.
- The team that secures the most rebounds in a set time (e.g., 3-5 minutes) wins.
- Optionally, the drill can be timed, with the defense earning points for each successful rebound and the offense earning points for each rebound they secure or put-back.
4. Outlet Pass After Rebound (Transition Focus)
- Objective: Practice securing a rebound and making an outlet pass to initiate a fast break.
- Instructions:
- The drill starts with a shot taken by an offensive player.
- After the shot, the defense boxes out and attempts to grab the rebound.
- Once a defender secures the ball, they must immediately make an outlet pass to a player stationed near half-court or on the wing.
- The outlet player should work on quickly turning and pushing the ball up the court to simulate a transition opportunity.
- Rotate the players so everyone has an opportunity to practice both rebounding and outlet passing.
Key Coaching Points:
- Boxing Out: Teach players to use their body to shield the opponent from the basket. Emphasize low, wide stances and contact with the opponent’s body to prevent them from getting position.
- Anticipation: Players should read the flight of the ball off the rim and anticipate where the rebound will land. This helps them secure better positioning.
- Physicality: Rebounding is about being physical and persistent. Players should not shy away from contact in the paint and should be aggressive in fighting for position.
- Footwork: After securing the rebound, players should focus on quick, controlled footwork when pivoting to pass or initiate the fast break.
- Outlet Pass: Make sure defenders understand the importance of a quick, accurate outlet pass to transition into offense smoothly.
Progression/Variation:
- Add Pressure: Once players get the hang of boxing out and securing the rebound, increase the level of competition by adding more offensive players crashing the boards or making the defense work harder by adding a time limit to secure the rebound.
- Rebound with One Hand: Have players practice grabbing the rebound with one hand to improve hand strength and ball control.
- No Dribbling: After securing a rebound, disallow dribbling to emphasize the importance of outlet passing and quick decision-making.
Conclusion:
This rebounding drill is designed to teach players the importance of both offensive and defensive rebounding.
By working on box-out techniques, reading the ball’s flight, and quick transition, players will become more effective in gaining possession and creating scoring opportunities. This drill can be scaled up or down based on the skill level of the players and can be incorporated into regular practice sessions to reinforce these key skills.
