Before you can rebound the ball, offensively or defensively, you need to know where to rebound it. Rebound location is dependent on three factors: 1) The angle from the basket, 2) the shot distance, and 3) the shooter's touch. Basically, the majority of the time, the rebound will occur on the side opposite the shooter.

Shot Angle:

On a shot from the wing the ball will bounce to the opposite side approximately 70% of the time. A minority of shots will bounce directly back toward the shooter or hit the edge of the rim and deflect straight down.	Low angle shots from along the base line because of the backboard have a much narrower range. However, the percentages are about the same as a shot from the wing.	Shots taken from the top of the circle area are much more difficult to read since they involve a much wider range. In addition to being short or long, rebounders must determine if the shot is traveling directly to or is to the left or right of the basket.

Shot Distance:

Normally, the longer the shot, the further away from the basket it will bounce. The shooter's touch will also have an impact on the distance of a rebound. impact the distance. A shot with high arc and back spin will hit in paint while line drive type shots will rebound further away from the basket. Be alert for "Air Balls" and be the first to get to them.

Shooter's Touch:

Know the shooter's "shooting touch." A shooter with a soft touch and good back spin shot is most likely to rebound close to the basket. Shooters that shoot the ball hard or with little arch will rebound much further way from basket. However, rebounders must also analyze the path of the ball, and determine if the shot is long or short, headed straight toward the rim or is off to the left or right side of the basket. A shot that is short is most likely to rebound directly down or back towards the shooter.

Rebounding in Traffic.

Being in the right place at the right time is not enough when it comes to rebounding. To be highly successful, players must want, and be very determined, to get the ball. This mental aspect of rebounding is just as important as the actual physical techniques. Desire and determination is also what allows players with lesser physical abilities to out perform players with greater talent.

Defensive Rebounding - "Defense is not over until you get the rebound!"

Defensive Rebounding Fundamentals
Teaching Drills
Situations to Consider
Evaluating Defensive Rebounding Performance

Early Offense
Attacking Out Numbered Situations

Offensive Rebounding - "A missed shot is a good pass."

Offensive Rebounding Basics
Individual Offensive Rebounding Techniques
Maintaining Court Balance
Putbacks & Rebound Shooting
Teaching Drills
Evaluating Offensive Rebounding Performance

SOS Missed Shot Disruptions
SOS Full Court Disruptions