Rebounding Like a Pro: Techniques for Securing Boards at Any Position
Rebounding is one of the most underrated and game-changing skills in basketball.
It’s not just about height or jumping ability—it’s about positioning, timing, and relentless effort.
Rebounders control possessions. Rebounders change games.
Whether you’re a guard, wing, or post player, learning how to secure rebounds can make you more valuable to your team and more impactful in every game.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Why rebounding matters at every position
The mindset that separates great rebounders
Techniques to secure offensive and defensive boards
Drills to improve your rebounding skills
Let’s get started.
Why Rebounding Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Rebounding often gets labeled as a “big man’s job”, but the truth is, every player needs to rebound.
Here’s why:
Rebounds end defensive possessions.
Offensive rebounds create second chances.
Rebounding gives your team energy and momentum.
Winning the rebounding battle often decides the game.
Guards and wings who can rebound add another dimension to their game—giving their team extra possessions and outworking bigger opponents.
The Rebounding Mindset: Outwork, Outlast, Outposition
Great rebounders aren’t always the most athletic.
They’re the ones who read the ball, fight for position, and never give up on the play.
The Rebounding Mindset Includes:
Anticipation
Reading shot angles and knowing where the ball will likely go.
Physicality
Using your body to box out opponents, even if they’re taller.
Relentless Effort
Chasing every loose ball like the game depends on it.
Team Mentality
Crashing the glass to help your teammates, not just pad stats.
If you want to rebound like a pro, it starts with wanting it more than the other player.
Rebounding Techniques for All Positions
1. Boxing Out: Winning the Position Battle
The first rule of rebounding is to establish position.
How to Box Out:
Find your man as the shot goes up.
Turn and make contact with your hips or back.
Lower your center of gravity for balance.
Hold your position until the ball hits the rim.
Key Tips:
Don’t just watch the ball—find and hit your man first.
Use your arms to feel where your opponent is.
Stay low and balanced, not upright.
2. Reading the Ball: Anticipation Over Reaction
Great rebounders read the shot and move early.
How to Read the Ball:
Watch the shooter’s body and shot trajectory.
Anticipate misses to the opposite side on long shots.
Track high arcs versus flat shots to predict bounces.
Key Tips:
Rebounding isn’t random—learn shot tendencies.
React to the rim, not just your defender.
3. Securing the Ball: Two Hands, Strong Base
Once you get position, you need to secure the ball with two hands and strong balance.
How to Secure the Rebound:
Grab the ball with two hands, not one.
Chin the ball (hold it tight to your chest with elbows out).
Land wide and balanced to absorb contact.
Key Tips:
Don’t bring the ball down—keep it high.
Protect the ball from swiping guards.
4. Transitioning After the Rebound
Securing the rebound is step one.
Starting the next play is step two.
Defensive Rebounds:
Find your outlet guard quickly.
Use a strong outlet pass to start transition.
Offensive Rebounds:
Finish strong at the rim, or
Kick the ball back out for another possession.
Key Tips:
Think ahead—rebounding is just the start of the next play.
Stay balanced before making your next move.
Rebounding Drills to Build Skill and Effort
1. Box-Out and Pursue Drill
Players pair up under the hoop.
Coach takes a shot.
Both players box out and fight for the rebound.
Focus:
Making contact early.
Securing the ball with two hands.
2. Reaction Rebounding Drill
Coach calls “shot” randomly during movement drills.
Players must find the nearest body, box out, and track the rebound.
Focus:
Quick reaction to shot cues.
Mental engagement during every rep.
3. Over-the-Back Awareness Drill
One player boxes out while a coach or teammate tries to reach over without fouling.
Teaches players to hold position and secure the ball safely.
Focus:
Strong base and two-hand security.
4. Continuous Rebounding Drill
Two teams compete to grab five consecutive rebounds without letting the ball hit the floor.
High-energy, game-like competition.
Focus:
Effort and focus under fatigue.
Coaching Tips to Build a Rebounding Culture
Celebrate effort on the glass—not just made shots.
Make rebounding a daily focus, not an afterthought.
Teach all players to rebound, not just bigs.
Film and review rebounding effort in games.
Set team rebounding goals for every practice or game.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
Ball-watching instead of boxing out
Trying to jump over players instead of sealing position
Reaching with one hand instead of securing with two
Giving up on second or third effort plays
Final Thoughts: Rebounding Wins Games
Rebounding isn’t about size—it’s about position, anticipation, and relentless effort.
Players who commit to rebounding:
Earn extra possessions
Energize their team
Make winning plays when it matters most
So whether you’re a guard, wing, or post player, remember:
Rebounding is your responsibility.
Rebounding is your advantage.
Rebounding is how you impact the game.
