Fast Break Rebounding Drill: Catching and Outlet Passing
Goal:
The goal of this drill is to improve players' ability to jump and catch the ball at its highest point, secure the rebound, and immediately outlet the ball for a fast break. This will help develop players’ rebounding and transition offense skills.
Setup:
Player 1 or Coach will stand near the basket, throwing the ball off the backboard.
Player 2 will jump to grab the rebound as high as possible.
Player 3 will be positioned further down the court, ready to receive the outlet pass.
Multiple players can participate, and the coach can have two balls going at once to keep the drill moving efficiently.
Step-by-Step Execution:
1. Rebounding Jump
Player 2 will jump as high as they can to catch the ball at its highest point.
Player 2 must keep the ball high, bringing it into their chest once they secure the rebound.
Emphasize attacking the ball in the air with both hands and controlling it at the highest point to avoid tip-ins or losing possession.
2. Pivot and Pass
Player 2 (after securing the rebound) will execute a pivot to protect the ball.
Player 3, positioned to receive the outlet, should move to the open side.
Player 2 (rebounder) will quickly pass to Player 3 (outlet) to initiate the fast break.
Focus on quick decisions after securing the rebound, passing to the outlet player should be done swiftly.
3. Fast Break Transition
Once Player 3 (the outlet player) receives the pass, they should immediately push the ball up the court for a fast break.
The drill can include multiple players working in a line, allowing players to keep their focus on quick transitions and high-effort rebounding.
Coaching Tips:
Rebounding Technique: Players should always go up strong with both hands when attacking the rebound.
Pivot Foot Awareness: Teach players to establish a strong pivot foot immediately after securing the rebound to protect the ball and make a quick decision.
Fast Break Focus: Ensure that Player 3 (the outlet player) moves quickly up the court, ready to catch the ball and start a transition offense.
Consistency: Repetition of the drill should focus on jumping to catch the ball at its peak and transitioning quickly to the outlet pass.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Not jumping high enough for the rebound | Players should focus on timing and jumping explosively to grab the ball at its highest point. |
| Not securing the ball properly | Players need to ensure the ball is brought into their chest after catching it, preventing tip-ins or losing control. |
| Slow outlet pass | Players must pass the ball to the outlet quickly and efficiently, not holding on to the ball too long. |
Full Breakdown:
Rebounding and Fast Break Transition:
This drill combines two essential skills: rebounding and outlet passing. The key to a successful rebound is timing and aggressive play. Players must focus on timing their jump, attacking the ball at its highest point, and securing the rebound. Once the rebound is secured, the next step is transitioning quickly to initiate a fast break. The outlet pass is a critical part of the fast break; it must be accurate and quick to set up a scoring opportunity.
The real benefit of this drill is the game-like simulation it provides. In actual games, players often have to fight for rebounds in traffic and quickly pass out to initiate a fast break before the defense can recover. This drill mimics that situation, forcing players to jump high, secure the ball, and immediately look to pass to a teammate in transition.
Additional Drills to Incorporate:
Outlet Pass Accuracy: After players have become comfortable with this drill, coaches can add a challenge by setting specific targets (e.g., hitting a moving teammate or passing to a specific spot).
Closeouts After the Rebound: To simulate actual gameplay, after the rebound, have the outlet passer sprint towards the corner or wing to make themselves available for a shot or pass after receiving the ball.
Youth & High School Adjustments:
At the youth level, emphasize the importance of jumping with two hands and securing the ball cleanly. For high school players, incorporate live defenders or increase the intensity of the drill to simulate real-game pressure, encouraging them to make quick, efficient passes. For more advanced players, add defensive players to contest the rebound and practice aggressive box-outs, simulating game conditions more closely.
