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Basketball rebounding drills
These basketball rebounding drills teach players to find a body, box out, and go get the ball with two hands. Rebounding is mostly effort and positioning, so every player on the team can get better at it. Start with the box out drills, then add the games once players have the habit.
Box out drills
Box out drills teach players to make contact, get low, and hold their position until the ball comes off the rim.
Box out drill
This box out drill is a 3-on-3 rebounding drill.
Animated diagram and coaching pointsCircle box out
Put a ball on the floor in the middle of the center circle or jump circle. Offensive players start on the circle with defenders facing them. On the whistle, defenders reverse pivot and box out, and the offense tries to touch the ball within three to five seconds.
3-on-3 box out
Three offensive players spread around the lane with three defenders guarding them. The coach shoots, and each defender finds their player, boxes out, and goes for the ball. Give the offense a point for an offensive rebound and the defense a point for a clean defensive rebound.
Basketball rebounding drills for individuals
Drills that build timing, hands, and the habit of going up strong. Players can do most of these alone.
Mikan drill
The Mikan drill is a finishing drill where one player makes layups back and forth under the rim, right hand on the right side and left hand on the left side, without letting the ball touch the floor.
Animated diagram and coaching pointsSuperman rebounding drill
A player stands outside the lane and throws the ball off the backboard so it comes down on the far side of the lane. They move across, jump, and catch it with two hands, landing outside the lane. Repeat back and forth for 30 seconds.
Tip drill
A player tosses the ball high off the backboard and tips it back up with one hand, keeping it alive for a set number of tips. Then switch hands. Younger players can catch the ball and toss it back up with two hands.
Rebound and chin it
A partner tosses the ball up off the backboard. The rebounder goes up, grabs it with two hands, and brings it under the chin with elbows out. A second player can swipe at the ball lightly to make them protect it.
Rebounding games for teams
Competitive rebounding drills that reward effort. Good near the end of practice.
Rebound war
Three players stand in the lane and the coach shoots. Whoever gets the rebound tries to score while the other two defend, and play continues until someone scores a set number of baskets. Call only the hard fouls so players get used to contact.
Rebound and outlet
The coach shoots and a defender boxes out and grabs the rebound. The rebounder pivots to the sideline and throws an outlet pass to a guard on the wing, who dribbles up the floor. Rotate spots after each rep.
Rebounding points scrimmage
Run a normal half-court scrimmage but count offensive rebounds as a point for the offense. Count a defensive rebound after a box out as a point for the defense. Players start crashing the boards quickly once rebounds are on the scoreboard.
How to run rebounding drills at practice
Teach boxing out in steps: find your player, make contact with your backside, get low with a wide base, then go get the ball. Walk through the footwork before you add a live shot. The reverse pivot and the front pivot are both fine, as long as the player makes contact.
Put rebounding into your other drills. When the coach shoots in any drill, someone should be boxing out. Most rebounding happens on habit, and players only build the habit by doing it over and over.
Make rebounding drills competitive and physical, but keep them controlled. Blow the whistle on pushing and over-the-back contact so players learn what is legal. Keep groups small so every player gets a rebound on most reps.
Basketball rebounding drills FAQ
How do you teach boxing out in basketball?
Have the player find their opponent when the shot goes up, pivot so their back is to them, make contact, and sit low with a wide base and elbows out. Then they go get the ball with two hands. The box out drill and circle box out are the best drills to start with.
What is the Superman rebounding drill?
A player throws the ball off the backboard to the far side of the lane, then moves across, jumps, and catches it with two hands. They repeat it back and forth. It builds timing, conditioning, and the habit of catching at the top of the jump.
Why is rebounding important in youth basketball?
Young players miss a lot of shots, so there are a lot of rebounds in every game. A team that boxes out gets more possessions, and a player does not need to be tall to be a good rebounder.
Draw your own drills
Put players on the court, draw the drill step by step, and send it to your team or assistant coaches before practice.