Rebounding

by Pete Newell

excerpt from the book Pete Newell's Defensive Basketball: Winning Technquies and Strategies

Many different theories have been advanced relating to the effective offensive and defensive rebounding. Ball possession is such an important facet of the game, it is only logical for a coach to study the various methods and approaches and teach what best serves the fundamental concepts of the game. Different approaches exist when teaching offensive rebounding and defensive rebounding. Offense rebounding encompasses more of the mental aspects of the game – e.g., resourcefulness, aggressiveness, discipline, movements, to entice the defensive rebounder to react away from the area the offensive rebounder wishes to counter, etc. The term 'garbage man' is frequently used to describe an effective and often under-sized offensive rebounder. Conversely, the defensive rebounder must rely more on technique and less on athleticism and opportunism. That dictum may help explain coaches' beliefs as they apply to rebounding. Yet, some coaches don't believe in the defensive screening theory, while others may demand a premature action of movement by the offensive rebounder.

Similar to many aspects of the game of basketball, coaches have varied approaches to rebounding. Whatever a coach decides, however, a need exists for consistency of approach. The primary responsibility of a defensive rebounder is simply to keep the defensive rebounder's body between the ball and the offensive rebounding opponent. If possible, the defensive screen should be executed six or more feet from the basket. A fundamental precept of ball recovery is that the defensive rebounder should be at approximately a 40-degree angle as the recovery of the ball occurs. Again, why? The angle keeps the recovery protected as the descent begins. Only by fouling the defensive rebounder can the offensive rebounder touch the ball. Without the proper body angle, the defender often has the ball legally stripped as the opposing rebounder descends.

The mechanics vary slightly with each defensive rebounder as they apply the position and responsibility. Playing and screening a shooter will differ from that of the weak side, backline defender, who also must give help defense to the defensive post players. Obviously, the distances vary to a great degree between the player on the shooter and the player giving help. The center of post player has a different problem from the other two. The responsibilities and mechanics as they apply to the various positions are discussed in the following sections.

On-the-Ball or the Shooter
Because the defender is positioned closely to the shooter, the defensive rebounder can often make immediate contact. Usually, the shooter is in the face-up position, so it's important to immediately screen and make contact. By making immediate contact, the defender reduces the effectiveness of the offensive rebounder by not allowing the offensive rebounder to gather speed, quickness and agility. Often, an offensive rebounder with several unopposed strides toward the basket can generate more momentum and consequently leap higher as he or she moves toward the ball. A quick, effective screen negates this attempt of the unopposed offensive rebounder.

Off-the-ball rebounding demands much more movement, as the distance between the defensive rebounder and the offensive rebounder can vary from several feet to fifteen or more feet. The backline defensive rebounder must take up much of this slack so the contact and position from the basket allows for the proper body angle and recovery.

The Center or Post Defensive Rebounding
The problems of defensive rebounding are substantial if the proper mechanics of defensive rebounding are not applied. Because of the proximity of the defensive post rebounder to his or her opponent, it is necessary for the defensive post rebounder not only to immediately screen the opponent but to move into this rebounder with a low stance and the arms held upward. If possible, the defensive post rebounder should also move this offensive rebounder slightly away from the basket. The opponent's size, strength, and weight will often cause the defensive rebounder to move to an ineffectual defensive position – i.e., standing under the basket.

As a result, the defensive player will have to jump up and backwards to rebound. This backward movement will often be employed to compensate for any size advantage the opponent may have. In reality, however, it is very difficult to leap if the body is going backward. Because basketball is described as a game of incidental contact, this kind of contact is permitted, assuming it isn't excessive. This interpretation refers to a description by Dr. Henry C. Carlson, a famous Pittsburgh coach of decades ago who was responsible for its inclusion into basketball's rule book. It replaced Dr. Naismith's original description that basketball is a non-contact sport. Dr. Carlson was appalled at the ticky-tac rebounding calls that were being called. The changed wording reduced fouls on rebounding by a great degree. It's another example of how important coaches are and have been to the constant growth and popularity of basketball. Imbalances must be identified and corrected. Always remember, the game of basketball is an inexact science. It needs constant monitoring.

The Do's and Don'ts of Rebounding

Do's

• Proper technique of the defensive rebounder demands a low, comfortable stance with arms extended upward at the shoulder level.
• The defensive rebounder should jump up and toward the ball to prevent the possibility of a strip or the opponent knocking the ball loose.
• As the defender descends with the recovery, the ball should be tightly held away from the body and the elbows out for protection.
• The defensive rebounder should be conscious of the physical pressure, or lack of it, as he or she descends to floor. With no pressure, the defensive rebounder should immediately look for an outlet to commence offensive transition. If he or she is physically challenged, however, the defender should try to get the ball safely out of the basket-are congestion.
• Long rebounds should often be treated as the initiation of the transition game; and, if possible, the ball should quickly be advanced up court.

Don'ts

• Don't release too soon from a defensive screen
• Don't allow your defensive rebounder to be moved forward because of a high stance.
• Don't allow a defensive rebounder to be lax in his or her responsibilities; one careless defender can cause the entire defensive-rebounding unit to break down.
• When coming down with the ball after rebounding it, don't expose it for a possible strip by the offensive rebounder.
• Don't bring the ball to your body after rebounding it.
• Don't expose the ball to your opponents in the basket are without using your arms and elbows to protect it.
• Don't carry your arms low when in a defensive rebounding stance since they can be easily pinned to your side by the heavy traffic in the basket area.

Summary – Rebounding
Several parallels exist between good, solid, individual defense and individual rebounding. If one defender in a team defense goes individual and doesn't fulfill team responsibilities, the defense breaks down. If one individual rebounder breaks down and allows easy access to the offensive rebound, two negatives may result – either an easy tap-in for two points or a follow-up that creates defensive rebounding problems for all of the teammates a each tap pushes the defender closer to basket and into a less-effective position should the defender gain the rebound. This stripping action occurs often in such a situation. Having lost the rebound angle, the defensive rebounder is leaping straight up and coming straight down. It Is often the second tap that results in the basket, even more than the original tap. The surest way to avoid the second tap is by not allowing the first tap. Coaches should keep in mind that defensive rebounding involves proper technique, proper position and proper protection of the rebound.

Drills should be employed throughout the season to emphasize the importance of good rebounding. Because slippage often occurs due to neglect, coaches should physically review the essential mechanics of sound rebounding throughout the season.

Pete Newell's Defensive Basketball: Winning Technquies and Strategies book is published
by Coaches Choice.