Rebounding Basics: Teaching Kids To Own The Basketball Court

how to teach kid to rebound basketball

Rebounding is an important aspect of basketball, and teaching kids how to rebound can help them develop their skills and become more successful players. A good rebounder can change the course of the game, as they can give their team extra chances and frustrate the defense. While height and jumping ability can be advantageous, rebounding is not just about size; it's about technique, positioning, and a strong desire for the ball. Teaching kids how to rebound can help them become well-rounded players and improve their overall performance on the court. In this discussion, we will explore various drills, techniques, and strategies to help kids develop their rebounding skills and become more confident on the court.

Characteristics Values
Mindset Assume every shot will miss; develop a rebounding mindset from an early age; all rebounds are yours
Footwork Be the first mover; move to the right place and jump first and highest; beat people to the spot
Boxing out Block out the player; don't turn your back, face the basket; don't rely on size, use technique
Positioning Get inside position; know where the ball is; bend your knees and prepare to jump
Technique Study misses; know how the ball comes off the rim; use two hands; keep the ball high and strong
Drills Sprinting drills; two-handed rebound drills; over-the-back rebounding drills

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Teach them the importance of rebounding

Rebounding is a crucial aspect of basketball, and teaching kids the importance of this skill early on in their development can be incredibly beneficial. It is a key part of both offensive and defensive gameplay and can be the difference between winning and losing.

Offensive rebounding gives your team extra chances to score and free-throw opportunities, while frustrating the defence. It is about crashing the boards and fighting your way to the rim. Defensive rebounding is equally important, limiting the opposition to one shot and preventing them from scoring. A good defensive rebounder can quickly transition to an offensive role, passing the ball to a teammate to start a fast break.

Kids should be taught that rebounding is about more than just height or jumping ability. It is about having the right mindset, being the first mover, and getting to the right place first. Dennis Rodman, for example, was only 6'6", yet he is considered one of the best rebounders in NBA history due to his ability to read the game and anticipate misses.

Rebounding is about hustle and desire. Kids should be encouraged to adopt an aggressive mindset, believing that every rebound is theirs to take. They should be taught to always know where the ball is and to get inside position to box out their opponents. This will give them a better chance of grabbing the rebound and securing possession for their team.

Drills are an excellent way to improve a child's rebounding skills. For example, a simple drill involves players standing in a line near the three-point line, with the first player holding the ball. The second player tries to go over the first player's back to retrieve the ball without fouling. This drill teaches kids to be aggressive and improve their positioning.

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Show them the correct technique

When teaching kids how to rebound a basketball, it's important to focus on the correct technique. Here are some key points to cover:

First, explain that they should always assume that every shot could miss. This mindset shift is important because it helps them stay alert and ready to react, instead of passively watching the ball float towards the basket. Emphasise that the first mover often wins the play, so they need to be quick and agile.

Next, teach them the importance of positioning. Good rebounders get inside position, which usually leads to getting the rebound. They should learn to find the closest person near them to block out. It doesn't matter if it's the player they're specifically guarding or not—the goal is to block them out! This can be done by using your forearm to create space and hold off the opponent until you can gain control of the ball.

Additionally, kids should be taught to keep their eyes on the ball and be aware of its trajectory. They should train their eyes to track the ball as it's released, just like Dennis Rodman, one of the best rebounders in NBA history, used to do. Rodman studied his opponents to learn their tendencies and where their shots typically missed, allowing him to anticipate and position himself accordingly.

Another important technique to teach kids is the proper way to secure the ball after a rebound. They should chin the ball with their elbow high and out, keeping the ball at waist level or above their head makes it easier for opponents to slap it away.

Finally, it's crucial to develop a rebounding mindset. Good rebounders are aggressive and have a strong desire for the ball. They believe that every rebound is theirs, and they work hard to beat others to the spot. This mindset, combined with the physical techniques outlined above, will help kids become effective rebounders.

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Develop their mindset

Developing a mindset for rebounding is crucial for success in basketball. Here are some key principles to teach kids to foster a strong rebounding mindset:

First, emphasize the importance of rebounding in winning games. Explain that offensive rebounding provides extra chances and free-throw opportunities, while defensive rebounding limits the opponent's scoring opportunities. This understanding will help them recognize the impact of rebounding on the outcome of the game.

Teach them to assume that every shot will miss. Many players tend to watch the shot floating towards the basket instead of moving into a rebounding position. By assuming that every shot will miss, they can be more proactive and quick to react.

Develop their awareness of their opponents' and teammates' positions. Rodman, one of the best rebounders in NBA history, was known for his ability to read the game and anticipate misses. Teach kids to always be aware of their opponents' and teammates' locations to better position themselves for rebounds.

Foster an aggressive and determined mindset. Good rebounders are often described as having a mindset where every rebound is theirs. Teach kids to be aggressive in going after rebounds and to want the ball. This mindset will help them be more effective rebounders and will also be noticed and rewarded by coaches.

Finally, focus on technique and drilling. Teach kids that rebounding is not just about size or jumping ability, but also about mastering the techniques and practicing consistently. This will help them understand that anyone can be an effective rebounder with the right mindset and skills.

By instilling these principles, you can help kids develop a strong rebounding mindset, improving their overall performance and contribution to the team.

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Run drills to improve their skills

To improve their skills, it's important to run drills that focus on the fundamentals of rebounding. Spend at least 20 minutes of each practice session on rebounding drills.

Begin with a warm-up exercise to get the players moving and their hearts pumping. Have them stand in a line at one end of the court and then sprint to the other end and back a total of five times. This will help improve their speed and endurance, which are crucial for rebounding.

Next, teach them the importance of assuming every shot could miss. A good rebounder always assumes the shot will miss and is ready to react quickly. This mindset is key to successful rebounding.

Teach them the technique of blocking out. This involves finding the closest player near you and blocking them out, regardless of whether they have the ball or not. Players should use their forearm to create space and hold off the opponent until they can get the ball.

Run a two-handed rebound drill. Have your players stand in a line near the three-point line. The first player in line has the ball, and the second player tries to go over the first player's back to get it without fouling. This drill teaches players to be aggressive and improve their positioning.

Finally, work on their anticipation and reading of the game. A great rebounder like Dennis Rodman spent hours studying his opponents to learn where their shots typically missed. Encourage players to do the same and anticipate where rebounds are likely to occur.

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Explain offensive and defensive rebounding

Offensive and defensive rebounds are crucial aspects of basketball. A rebound is the ball that bounces back after a missed shot attempt, and the player who catches it is awarded the rebound. Teams that play strong defense and rebound well are often at the top of the standings at the end of the season.

Offensive rebounds occur when a player from the offensive team retrieves the ball after a missed shot. This can happen after a missed field goal attempt, a missed free throw, or a foul that isn't a shooting or technical foul. Offensive rebounds are highly valuable as they reset the shot clock, giving the offensive team extended possession and increased chances to score. This provides the offensive team with a second opportunity to score while also frustrating the defense. It is important to note that offensive rebounds require players to crash the boards, fighting their way to the rim even if they are blocked out.

Defensive rebounds, also known as "D-Boards," occur when a player from the defensive team grabs the ball after an opponent misses a shot. A good defensive rebounder has the mindset of "one shot and out," limiting the offense to one shot. Defensive rebounds are crucial for preventing the opposing team from gaining second-chance points and controlling the pace of the game. A successful defensive rebound, combined with a quick outlet pass, can be an effective weapon, enabling fast breaks and quick transitions from defense to offense.

To be a successful rebounder, players must develop a rebounding mindset and possess a strong desire for the ball. While height and jump height are advantageous, technique and positioning are also crucial. Rodman, one of the best rebounders in NBA history, attributed his success to reading the basketball, anticipating misses, and positioning himself correctly under the rim. Additionally, players should focus on proper securing techniques, such as raising both arms for a two-handed rebound and pulling the ball towards their chest.

Frequently asked questions

Teach them that every rebound is theirs, and they should be aggressive on the boards. They should always assume that every shot will miss and that they should be the first mover.

One drill is to have your kid and other players stand in a line at the three-point line, with the first person holding the ball. The second person should try to go over the first person's back to get the ball. The coach then shoots the ball from a random spot on the court, and the three players will go after the rebound. Another drill is to have your kid and other players sprint from one end of the court to the other and back a total of five times.

Teach them to always know where the ball is and to get inside position. They should also study their opponents to learn where their shots typically miss from. When a shot goes up, your kid should turn and face the basket, bend their knees, and jump to grab the missed shot.

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