Teaching Your Kids How to Effectively Rebound

More often than not, when a team wins the rebounding battle, they end up winning the game.  When you’re coaching players how to rebound, don’t take their heights into consideration.  Of course it helps to be tall and be able to jump high, but they are by no means the only factor when it comes to rebounding. 

Take a look at Charles Barkley.  Here’s a guy barely 6’5” snatching boards over 7 footers.  Without a doubt one of the greatest rebounders in the history of the game.  What was his secret?  How was he able to accomplish this feet?

Through technique and heart.  

Any time you’re coaching basketball players how to effectively rebound, you need to focus on three main categories:

·        Determination

·        Positioning

·        Aggressiveness 

See the Elite Basketball Coaching System

Determination

Your players need to have the right mindset, “come hell or high water, I'm going to get the ball!"

Your players need to be determined. There are nine other players on the court.  The one that wants it the most is going to get it.  Coaching basketball requires that you teach your kids to be mentally and physically tough.

Once your player grabs the ball, make sure he brings it down chest level and elbows out.   This protects the ball from pesky defenders.

If your player is in a crowd, under your offensive board, have them just try to tip the ball in.  The advantage is that even if your player misses, the ball is still alive for a teammate to grab it.

Positioning

A good strong position is the secret to both offensive and defensive rebounding. First of all, you have to teach your players how to anticipate where the ball is going to come down.

Once your player is in the right spot, they must be able to hold their position for two or three seconds.  Have them stay low, with their knees bent, and legs wide to provide a large and strong base.

This will keep them from being pushed out of position by the defense. Also, make sure their arms are held out to prevent defenders from getting around them.

Tell your players not to put the ball on the floor.  Have them try to immediately go back up strong to the basket.

Aggressiveness

The painted are isn’t for the faint at heart.  Your players need to realize that there will be plenty of shoving, pushing, and elbows flying.    

Your players have to be aggressive.  If they get blocked out, they need to fight to try to get better position.

Use some of your practice time and have your players study each others shots, so your players will be ready come game time.  Also, we cannot over emphasize the importance of quality rebounding drills.

Winning the battle on the boards can help you win games that you would’ve otherwise lost.  The more chances your team has to score, the higher the probability that they will score. 

When coaching basketball players how to rebound, you need to stress the fact that it is 100% heart and technique.  Don’t let them use height and jumping ability as an excuse.

See the Elite Basketball Coaching System