Erin Hoops

Improve Your Game

Item #05

Improve Your Offensive Rebounding

As the offensive player trying to get a rebound you will find it difficult with some defenders to obtain an inside position.  You have the advantage of being able to watch the flight of the ball and adjust your play against your defender to try and get an inside position.

Keep an eye on your defender - first: if s/he turns to watch the ball as the shot goes up, take advantage of this and cut into a gap around the basket - second: if the defender does not work to box you out strongly then take advantage of that, shoot less, and go hard for teammate rebounds as you will be free.

To prevent being totally boxed out all the time, try using fakes or spin moves to get past your defender.

I you do get an offensive rebounding position, take up as much of the area as you can.  Feet wide.  Elbows up and out.  Be prepared to be pushed/shoved.  Own your earned spot.

Use arms and legs to get a good jump straight up for the ball.    You MUST go up to meet the ball as high as you can, and with your arms fully extended.  You want to catch and control the ball as high as you can get it. As you are descending with the ball gather yourself together to go right back up with the ball if you are in close to the basket, i.e., ignore the fact you are likely to be fouled in the act of shooting.  Go full out for the offensive rebound-put back basket.  Let the ref call the fouls, not you before they happen.  Naturally, if you feel players around you have you fully covered against a put back shot, then kick/pass the ball out to one of your teammates still on the perimeter.

Tall players or good jumpers may be able to tip the missed shot back in the basket.  Don't try tipping during games until you have mastered it in practice.

In tip shot, the ball should be cushioned momentarily on the fingers, so you gain control of the ball before flicking it towards the basket.

Also click and see - Defensive Rebounding in the links below,