Box out drill diagram
Box out drill step by step
- 1
O1 is the coach and shoots from the top of the key. Each defender yells "shot" and steps toward their player with a hand up.
- 2
The offense crashes toward the rim. Each defender makes contact first, then pivots to put their back into the offensive player's chest.
- 3
Defenders sit low with a wide base and arms up and hold the offense off. When the ball comes off the rim, they release and go get it.
- 4
The defender who rebounds chins the ball and outlets it back to the coach. Offense rotates to defense and the defenders go to the back of the line.
How to set up the box out drill
Put three offensive players around the perimeter: one on each wing and one in the corner is a common setup. Three defenders guard them from a step off. The coach stands at the top of the key with a ball. Extra players wait out of bounds under the basket and rotate in.
To start, the coach can call out when the shot goes up so players know when to turn. Later, shoot without warning.
How to run the box out drill
The coach shoots. Defenders yell "shot," find their player, and step into them. Many coaches teach a reverse pivot: make contact with the forearm, then pivot so your back ends up in their chest. Get low, keep your elbows out and hands up, and move your feet to stay in front of them.
Hold the box out until the ball comes off the rim, then go get it with two hands. The offense tries to get around the box out to the ball. Give the defense a point for each rebound and the offense a point for each offensive rebound. Play to five, then switch.
Box out drill coaching points
See your player
When the shot goes up, look for your player before you look at the rim. A defender who watches the ball first gets beat to the glass.
Make contact first
Step into the offensive player and make contact with a forearm before they get a running start. It is much harder to stop a player who is already moving.
Low and wide
Sit down with your feet wider than your shoulders and your arms up. A low, wide base is hard to push under the rim.
Hold, then go
Keep the box out until the ball comes off the rim, then pursue it. Grab the ball with two hands and bring it to your chin with elbows out.
Box out drill variations and other rebounding drills
1-on-1 box out
One offensive player and one defender at a time. This is the best way to start younger players because the coach can watch every rep.
Circle box out
Put a ball in the center of the jump circle. Defenders box out offensive players on the circle and try to keep them from touching the ball for three seconds.
Rebound and outlet
After the rebound, the defender pivots to the outside and passes to a guard on the wing to start a fast break.
Live 3-on-3 finish
If the offense gets the rebound, they play it out live until the defense gets a stop.
Box out drills for younger players
With 8U and 9U players, go 1-on-1 and have the coach call "shot." Walk through the pivot a few times before adding any speed. Keep the contact to a forearm and the back, and stop the drill if it turns into pushing with the hands.
Common box out drill mistakes
- Watching the ball and never finding a player to box out.
- Waiting under the rim for the offense to come, which lets them get a running start.
- Standing straight up so the offensive player pushes the defender under the basket.
- Pushing with the hands or holding, which is a foul.
- Holding the box out so long that no one goes after the ball.
Practice it at home
A one-player drill for the same skill, with a video clip, steps and a rep count.
Box out drill FAQ
How do you box out in basketball?
When the shot goes up, find your player, step into them and make contact, then pivot so your back is in their chest. Stay low and wide with your arms up and go get the ball when it comes off the rim.
What are good rebounding drills for youth basketball?
Start with a 1-on-1 box out drill, then move to a 3-on-3 box out drill like the one on this page. The circle box out and rebound-and-outlet drills are good ones to rotate in.
Should you reverse pivot or front pivot to box out?
Both are taught. A common rule is a reverse pivot when your player is close and a front pivot when you are farther away in help. Start young players with one so the footwork becomes automatic.
Is boxing out a foul?
A legal box out is not a foul. Pushing with your hands, holding, or backing into a player who already has position can be called as a foul.