Basic rebounding info
Rebounding is dirty work. The ability to rebound is not something you are born with, it is something you learn to do. If you learn to do it really well, you can make a living off or rebounding (and you can make a fortune off of rebounding & defense, just ask Dennis Rodman and Ben Wallace…it also turns out you can make a fortune off of rebounding and throwing outlet passes, just ask Kevin Love). Rebounding wins games, and coaches know it. Getting an offensive rebound is arguably the most valuable thing any player can do for their team. Our general thought on any player who is not a good rebounder at their position is that they are not very tough, and they are in many cases, selfish and/or lazy. If you want to be great, learn to rebound. Since 1955, only 2 players in 55 years that have won the MVP, averaged under 6 rebounds per game in their MVP season, and they were point guards…Allen Iverson, Steve Nash. Learn to rebound, and learn to do it right.
One of the first things you lean in basketball is to “box-out”. This is basketball truth that you will never disprove. So…how do you box out correctly…here are the very basic steps:
The box-out stance is similar to a defensive stance. You want your feet just slightly wider than shoulder width, knees bent, with your upper body should be straight up and down. You need to be balanced, and sturdy enough in your stance to not be knocked over, while still being able to move quickly. Your arms should be wide and solid enough so the player you are boxing out cannot go around them (but you aren’t allowed to hold them).
As soon as a shot goes up, the first step to the box-out is to make contact with the player you will box out. Take a step toward them, and then pivot your backside into their leg/waist. You want to then assume your box-out stance, making sure you maintain contact with the opposing player. Your goal should be to stay between your man and the basket, while continuing to try to push him further and further away from the hoop.
