Among Dean Oliver's critical analytics, rebounding differential is one of the four critical elements correlating with winning. Coach Tom Izzo of Michigan State sometimes practices with players outfitted with football helmets and shoulder pads to emphasize the physicality of rebounding. Michigan State is usually one of the top teams in college basketball rebounding. Some coaches will scrimmage with live rebounding even after MADE BASKETS, demanding aggressiveness.
Some have argued that defensive rebounding correlates with 'position and toughness' and offensive rebounding relates to quickness and aggressiveness.
One of the 'classic' rebounding drills is having a coach or manager shoot and having five players block out around the perimeter. I remember one time in high school where an opponent missed a shot and each of us blocked out perfectly. The ball landed in the middle of the paint and a player just retrieved it.
Here are some additional points about rebounding:
- About three-quarters of rebounds go the opposite side from the shot.
- Rebounds tend to go about a quarter the distance of the shot.
- Sylvia Hatchell of UNC taught players to "hit and get."
- I believe that should be extended to HIT, GET, PROTECT, OUTLET
- If a rebounder isn't rebounding enough, examine why. Some players fare better with blocking out and others succeed by just getting the ball.
- I teach that a defensive rebound is not counted until it is safely distributed.
- Coach Wooden taught the "jumping frog" position to rebound (hands up).
- Offensive rebounders can sometimes "block defenders under" to get longer rebounds.
- On free throws, we teach "pinching" the best rebounder between the low and high defenders.
- Ideally the outlet pass should be made to above the free throw line with the goal of making at most two passes to half court
- Princeton Coach Pete Carril had a saying that "“The ability to rebound is in inverse proportion to the distance your house is from the nearest railroad tracks.”
Rebounding Stance
1. Feet – spaced apart
2. Knees - flexibility
3. Trunk – slight lean towards the basket
4. Hips – lowered into semi-crouch position
5. Elbows – out and away from the body
6. Hands – spread apart, upward, open
7. Eyes and Head – eyes on flight of shot; head up and straight
8. Body Balance – allow for easy movement in any direction
9. Toes – push off as the body leaves the floor
Approach
Quick and aggressive movement toward the ball
Arms fully extended
Grasp the ball tightly with two hands
Bring ball down in a quick jerking motion with elbows out, away from the body
“Spread eagle” with a firm base
Conversion – “outlet” a sharp or direct pass; use of dribble only used as a last resort
1. Feet – spaced apart
2. Knees - flexibility
3. Trunk – slight lean towards the basket
4. Hips – lowered into semi-crouch position
5. Elbows – out and away from the body
6. Hands – spread apart, upward, open
7. Eyes and Head – eyes on flight of shot; head up and straight
8. Body Balance – allow for easy movement in any direction
9. Toes – push off as the body leaves the floor
Approach
Quick and aggressive movement toward the ball
Arms fully extended
Grasp the ball tightly with two hands
Bring ball down in a quick jerking motion with elbows out, away from the body
“Spread eagle” with a firm base
Conversion – “outlet” a sharp or direct pass; use of dribble only used as a last resort
All that being said, I believe great rebounders are born not made. Great rebounders combine anticipation, positioning, toughness, and desire in their craft.