Kamis, 07 Agustus 2008

FUNDAMENTALS 1

DRIBBLE
How to Teach Youngsters to Dribble a Basketball
There are two ways to move the basketball. The preferred and quicker method is the pass; however, if the defense is tight and the passing lanes clogged, the dribble is used to set up the offense. Since the dribble can only begin and stop one time it is in a player's possession, he should make his dribble count. Every single dribble should have a purpose.

The dribble, along with the pass and the shot, is one of the offensive triple threats every player must have in his arsenal. Use the dribble to:

  1. Move the ball on offense.
  2. Blow past your man to the hoop.
  3. Escape from a tough and sticky defense.
  4. Shoot.
  5. Move around a screen and get off your shot behind it.
  6. Get a better passing angle.
  7. Freeze the ball in the closing minutes.

Don't pound the air out of the ball going nowhere. If you want to get from point "A" to point "B", do it with the least amount of dribbling that's possible. Once you put the ball on the floor, it should be to help you get where you want to go. If the dribble can't help you, pass to a teammate.

Isiah Thomas said, "The mistake that I see many young players make on the court is that they simply dribble too much. Many of these players don't realize they're hogging the ball because they're too intent on their own dribbling. But while they are playing with the ball, four other teammates are standing around waiting for something to happen. Before you know it, the defense begins to tighten. More often, than not, the dribbler gets trapped and turns the ball over to the defense, which often scores two easy points."

How to Dribble

Contrary to what many young players actually do, dribbling is not done while staring at the ball. You dribble with your fingertips and pads of the hands without looking at the ball. Keep your head up at all times. Keep your eyes focused on what's happening on the court.

A properly inflated basketball will always bounce straight up at least 75-percent of the height from which it was dropped. Therefore, you don't have to watch the ball as you dribble. "See" with your fingertips. Simply have your fingers there to feel and control the ball.

To dribble, push the ball down by spreading the fingers and flexing the wrist. You don't need to push it down hard. Light pressure is enough. Also, keep your legs flexed and your back straight, ready to make a quick move.

All players should learn to dribble equally well with both hands. This ambidextrous ability will open up your offensive game. It will help discourage the defense from trying to overplay you on your strong side.

There is one important rule to keep in mind whenever you decide to put the ball on the floor. Do not pick up your dribble, until you know what you are going to do with the ball!

Types of Dribbles

There are about as many types of dribbles as there are players. The important ones will be discussed in this chapter. If you want to be a good player, practice enough on all that you can use them whenever a situation arises.

The Low Dribble

The low dribble is to be used whenever you are closely guarded. This type of dribbling simply entails keeping the ball low to the floor and in your control. Extend your dribbling hand and arm down as much as possible to shorten the distance the ball has to travel. Keep the elbow of your dribbling hand close in at your side. Dribble the ball on the side of your body away from the defender. The palm of your dribbling hand is kept over the ball. Don't watch the ball as you dribble. Look over the court and prepare your options. Use your other forearm to shield the ball from the defender. While being tightly guarded, be careful not to blatantly push or shove the defender with your forearm.

The Speed Dribble

Once you're in the open court, you need to go as fast as you can with the ball while still remaining in control of the ball and your body. Since you are not tightly guarded, keeping the ball from the defenders is not a priority here; however, maintaining top speed is a priority.

To run fast and dribble at the same time, push the ball out in front of you at waist height and run after it. Keep your head up so you can see the entire court, your teammates, and whatever defenders are in front of you. The faster you run, the farther out in front of you the ball has to be pushed. With this type of dribble, your hand is not directly over the ball as in the low dribble, but behind it (at nearly a 45-degree angle to the floor) so you can push the ball hard and in front of you with your arm completely extended.

The speed dribble requires a high dribble, but make sure that the bounce is not higher than hip level, else you may lose control of the ball as you sprint down court.

The Change-Of-Pace Dribble

This dribble is one of the most common and is used to make the defender think that you're slowing down or going to pick up your dribble and stop.

When your man is closely guarding you, slow your dribble down and almost come to a stop. Straighten up your back as if you are looking for a teammate to pass to, but still keep your dribble.

Once the man guarding you loosens up his defense, quickly bend over, dribble the ball out hard and long. Explode by him at top speed, protecting the ball with your free hand as you move around him. The dribbling hand slides from the top of the ball to behind it, to nearly a 45-degree angle to the floor.

The Crossover Dribble

The crossover dribble requires dribbling with one hand, then as you get close to your defender, pushing the ball out in front of you, over to the other hand, and exploding past him. This move is a good way to lose your defender, but, since the ball is unprotected as you make the crossover, it can be stolen by the defense if the move isn't done smoothly.

Keep the ball low as you dribble. If you are dribbling with your right hand, once you get close to the defender, bounce it over to your left side near your left foot. The right hand must be kept on the side of the ball in order to push it over. Keep your left hand ready to receive the ball, with your palm held perpendicular to the floor for a split second to stop the movement of the ball and then push the ball out in front of you. Stay low, shifting your weight by pushing toward your new direction with the inside of your right foot. Lower your right shoulder and use your trunk to protect the ball from the defense. Cut as close to your defender as possible. For best results, combine the crossover dribble with a change of pace.

The Between-The-Legs Dribble

This dribble is a quick way to move the ball from one hand to the other when you are closely guarded or when being overplayed and you want to change dribbling direction.

Let's assume you are dribbling with your right hand and want to change over to your left. Keep your dribble low. On the last dribble you take before the changeover, put your right hand laterally on the outside of the ball and push it hard between your spread legs. You left hand must be close to your legs to receive the ball with the fingers spread out and pointed to the floor. Continue dribbling with your left hand.

The Reverse Dribble

This dribble is another to be used when you are closely guarded. Its major drawback is that the dribbler will momentarily lose sight of his own teammates and other defenders while the move is being made.

As you move toward the defender, stop hard for about a half second. Using your left foot as the pivot (assuming you are dribbling right handed), stay low and turn your back on your defender. To do this, without walking, move your right leg, right shoulder, and head to the left while pivoting on your left foot. Keep dribbling with your right hand as you pivot on your left foot. To maintain proper balance, don't keep your feet close to each other as you pivot. The right foot must be turned and pointed quickly in the new direction to assist the rest of your body in making the turn. For quick execution of the move, swing your right arm and shoulder to help with your rotation. Shift the right hand from the top of the ball over to your right side, pushing the ball from the side and swinging it around. Slap the ball hard on the floor with your first bounce. It must pass laterally over your left foot. The dribble is then continued with the left hand.

The Half-Reverse Dribble

Start the move just as you would the normal reverse dribble. Make a 90-degree turn and then come back to your original position. To be effective, the move must be done quickly. Keep your palm on the side of the ball for the first 90-degree turn and then switch it to the other side of the ball when you bring it back to the starting position.

The Hockey Dribble

The hockey dribble is a staggered dribble move, used to throw off a defender, that combines a head-and-shoulder fake and a change of pace. To make this move, stay low and keep the ball at your side. As you get close to the defender, make small "stutter" steps (short, quick, parallel steps) with your feet. At the same time make head-and-shoulder fakes to confuse the defense. If you are dribbling with your right hand, fake to the left with your left foot and left shoulder, continuing your dribble at the same time. Then quickly cut back, pick up speed, and push the ball out with your right hand. Move past the defender with your right leg leading the way. In some situations you may want to also use a crossover dribble to get by your man.

The Behind-The-Back Dribble

As you approach the defender on the right side, change your direction slightly to the left to make the move past the defender on your left. After you have taken your last dribble with your right hand, slide your palm over and then outside on the ball, swinging it behind and across your lower back, pushing the ball to your left side.

End the movement of your right arm as close to your left hip as possible. This will give you the most ball control. Once you have control of the ball with your left hand, increase your tempo as you make the first dribble.

To make this move work really well, it's important that the first bounce on the left side be made way out in front and to the side of the left foot.

The Backup Dribble

This is mainly a dribbling move used to escape a dangerous defensive situation. When dribbling with your right hand, turn your shoulder to the defender, push back on your left foot away from the defender, and simultaneously make a dribble back. Protect the ball with your left shoulder and arm.

Ball Handling & Dribble Drills

Dribbling is a skill that is only developed after many hours of having the ball in your hands. As with all offensive basketball moves, your dribbling skills will only improve through hard work.

When you practice dribbling, avoid as much as possible the temptation to look at the ball. An excellent drill for beginners is to simply take a basketball with you everywhere you go. Dribble the ball as you walk to school or go visit a friend. The next time you go out for a jog, take the ball with you and dribble it the entire distance. After some time you'll be dribbling the ball without looking at it because you've made it such a natural and instinctive act that you don't even think about.

Once you are adept with dribbling the ball without looking at it, start to work on the specific dribbling maneuvers (behind-the- back dribble, between-the-legs dribble, etc.) to perfect your court skills. It's important to remember that you first have to learn the actual dribbling mechanics of each move before trying to make the dribble move at game speed.

Practice them slowly, first. Increase the speed little by little after becoming comfortable with the ball at a slow speed. Following are some simple ball handling drills that you can work on by yourself.

Around The Legs

Keep your feet shoulder's width apart. Flex your knees and bend over at your waist. Holding the ball in your right hand, move it between your legs and around your left knee. Pick the ball up with your left hand, swing it around the front of your left knee and back to your right hand. Repeat. Do 20 repetitions of this drill on your left leg and then repeat it on your right leg.

Around The Knees

Keep your feet a few inches apart, flex your knees, and bend at the waist. Holding the ball in your right hand, pass it behind your knees to your left hand. Pass the ball around the front of your knees with your left hand to your right hand. Repeat the drill 20 times going in one direction as quickly as possible. Change direction and repeat the drill again.

Around The Waist

Stand up straight with your feet a shoulder's width apart. Hold the ball at waist level in your right hand and pass it behind your back as far as possible to your left hand. Pass the ball around the front of your waist as far as possible to your right hand. Repeat the drill 20 times going as quickly as possible. Change direction and repeat the drill again.

The Figure-8

Keep your feet spread wider than a shoulder's width, flex your knees, and bend forward at the waist. Holding the ball at knee level in your right hand, pass it behind your left leg to your left hand. Pass it around the front of your left leg to behind your right knee to your right hand. Pass it around the front of your right knee to the back of your left knee. Repeat the drill 15 times going as quickly as possible. Change direction and repeat the drill. Don't watch the ball!

Figure-8 With Drop In The Middle

This drill is done exactly as the figure-8, except each time that you bring the ball between your legs from the front, drop it. Picking it up on the bounce, continue the drill as before. Repeat the drill 15 times going as quickly as possible. Change direction and repeat the drill. Don't watch the ball!

Between-The-Legs Run

This ball-handling drill is a good prelude to the between-the- legs dribbling drill. Assume a crouched position and begin moving slowly down court. As you move, pass the ball quickly from your right hand between your legs to the back of your left leg to your left hand. With the left hand, pass the ball around the front of your left leg, between your legs to the back of your right leg to your right hand. Repeat the drill continuously while moving down court.

Between-The-Legs Bounce And Catch

Holding the ball over your head with two hands, spread your feet slightly further than shoulder's width. Swing the ball forward and bounce it on the floor between your legs near your heels. Swing your arms back quickly and catch the ball with your two hands as it bounces up toward your hips. Repeat this drill 15 times as quickly as possible.

Ball Drop/Hand Clap

Here's a tricky drill that requires quickness and, since you won't be looking at the ball, a sense of where the ball is. Flex your knees, keep your feet together, and bend forward at the waist.

Holding the ball behind your knees, let it drop to the floor. Bring your hands to the front of your knees, clap them together, then quickly bring them behind your knees to pick the ball up before the next bounce. Repeat this drill 15 times.

Sit Dribbling

Sit on the floor with your legs crossed in front of you. With the ball in your right hand, begin to dribble it around your back as far over to your left hip as possible. Pass it to your left hand and continue dribbling in front of you as far as you can to your right hand. Repeat this drill 15 times and then switch directions.

Full-Court Speed Dribble

Move quickly down the court with the ball waist high and far out in front of you. Make the lay-up and head back up court, repeating the speed dribble and lay-up. Do this 6 times. Shoot 10 free throws, then repeat the drill again.

Crossover Dribble

Set up a series of folding chairs on the basketball court about 10 to 15 feet apart. Pretend that they are defensive players trying to grab at the ball. Begin at one end of the court and dribble around the chairs, weaving your way to the end. As you approach each chair, change your dribbling hand, remembering to keep the ball low and close to your body.

Reverse Dribble

Place three chairs 15 feet apart on the court and pretend that they are defensive players. Dribble toward them and make your spin move, using proper form and technique. When you arrive at the next chair, repeat the move. On your return trip, try to make the move with the other hand.

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Passing and Catching the Basketball

The Five Passing Lanes

Each game situation presents the possibility for one perfect pass. Imagine yourself faced by a defender crouched over in good defensive position. What you should now see is not just this player, but actually, five possible passing lanes. These five lanes are:
  1. Over the top of the defender's head.
  2. Near the left side of his head.
  3. Near the right side of his head.
  4. Near his right leg.
  5. Near his left leg.

    If you are well guarded by your man you won't be able to pass the ball immediately where you want to. In cases like this, fake with the ball. Fake with your body; or, fake with your body and the ball. Once the defender goes for the fake, pass through one of the five lanes.

    Catching the Ball

    A pass is only good if it can be caught. Therefore, you should always be ready to catch the ball. You should anticipate both when and where the pass will be thrown. In order to catch the ball you should:
  6. Get as open as possible and present a good target to the passer.

    To receive the ball:

    • Keep your hands out from the chest.
    • Keep fingers pointed up and spread comfortably, with the thumbs almost touching each other. This position enables you to immediately get a good hold on the ball.
    • Between the passer and the receiver there is an unspoken signal to pass the ball: the raised and open hands of the receiver. This tells the passer, "I'm open! Give me the ball!
  7. Not every pass will be perfect. Be ready to move from side to side for a poorly thrown or deflected pass.
  8. Keep your eyes on the ball from the time it leaves the passer's hands until you actually touch the ball yourself. Taking your eyes off the ball for only a split-second can cause a fumbled pass.
  9. Step toward the ball as it comes to you with your arms out to decrease the length of the pass. Also, this prevents the defense from stepping in front and stealing the ball.
  10. After the ball hits your fingers, bend your elbows slightly and bring the ball in toward your chest. This cushions the impact of the pass and gives you better control of the ball.
  11. Now, that you have the ball at chest level, you are in a position to pass or shoot quickly.

Passing Sets Up Winning Shots

Passing is the quickest and most effective way to get the ball from player to player and move it around the court. The more passes that are made by the offense, the more you will challenge the defense. It keeps them scrambling, frustrated, and tired. The perfect end result of a series of well-executed passes will be to an open man close to the basket. He can take the ball and easily score.

When you break down the game of basketball to the most elemental form, it's not the shooting that wins games for you. It's the passes that went into setting up those winning shots.

Magic Johnson says, "I love to pass. It gives me a thrill to have the ball end up in the hands of the right player who's just ready to put it in the bucket for two points."

He goes on to say, "You can't overpower the ball. Your teammate won't be able to hold onto it. I try to make my passes soft enough so my teammate can catch and do something with it right away."

Magic offers more hints, "What I use for a target depends on the particular situation. With Kareem, because he is so tall, he'll hold up his hand and give me an easy target. With other players, I have to work harder, especially when I'm closely guarded. If my teammate is closely guarded, my target is to his outside open hand. When he's not closely guarded I aim the ball at the middle of his chest, right at his uniform numbers."

The Two-Handed Chest Pass

The chest pass is the most common pass you will throw in a game when there isn't a defensive player between you and your teammate. To execute this pass, start with the ball held in two hands chest-high and close to your body. Your elbows should be tucked in and fingers spread around the ball with your thumbs up. Don't spread your fingers out too far because this positioning will prevent you from making a quick pass. As you hold the ball, your wrists should be pointed upward. Holding them downward will force you, first, to turn them up before you pass. This is an unnecessary extra movement that only delays the pass.

When you are about to make the pass, step in the direction of your pass. Moving like this gives you body balance and gives your pass more power and speed. Don't overextend your step, because this tends to take away some balance.

As your arms stretch out to their full length, rotate your elbows and wrists outward so that your hands end up in a thumbs- downward, palms-out position. Release the ball with a snap of your wrist. Spin the ball with your, index fingers, middle fingers, and thumbs as it leaves your hands. This spin on the ball causes it to travel in a straighter line. This type of pass is easier to catch than a "flat spinless" pass.

The Two-Handed Bounce Pass

The basic mechanics of the bounce pass are the same as those of the chest pass; however, the game situation for each of the passes are different. A bounce pass is a good one to use on a back- door play. It is also the pass to use when passing to a teammate, guarded from behind in the low post, or in other situations when a defender is between you and the receiver.

Starting with the same position as the two-handed chest pass, take a strong step in the direction of your receiver. Quickly extend your arms and palms outward. Backspin is put on the ball as you go from thumbs up to a thumbs down release position. This backspin makes the ball easier to catch. The ball must hit the floor at least three-quarters of the distance to your receiver. It should come up to him at his thighs and waist.

The Two-Handed Overhead Pass

The overhead pass is commonly used for moving the ball around the perimeter, as a skip pass, a pass into the post area, and as an outlet pass. When you make this pass, always aim the ball a little over the head of the receiver.

To make an overhead pass, hold the ball over your head and slightly back of the center of your head. Don't hold the ball BEHIND your head. This wastes movement and time. Your fingers should be spread firmly around the ball, thumbs a couple of inches apart at the bottom of the ball. This pass gets its power from the flick of your wrists and fingers. As you step toward the receiver, snap the wrists and rotate both your arms and palms outward. Your hands should end with the fingers pointing upward.

The Lateral Pass

The starting position is the same as the two-handed chest pass. With your defender standing in front of you, step across his body with the foot opposite the ball. This protects the ball. Bring the ball to your side and extend your arms. Quickly cock your outside wrist, drop your helper hand, and snap the ball to your receiver.

A variation of this pass is the lateral bounce pass made with one or both hands. If you use this pass, the ball must be bounced to a spot, at least, three-quarters of the distance to the receiver.

The Push Pass

The push pass is a quick pass made with one hand. The pass originates near your ear and relies on your elbow being bent for its power. It can either be a straight or a lob pass. This depends upon the defensive alignment.

The Baseball Pass

This is a long-distance pass, usually thrown more than half- court. Generally, one baseball pass to a player headed down-court ahead of anyone else, is all that's needed for a quick two points.

To make the baseball pass, keep both hands on the ball as long as possible. This gives you better control and will enable you to stop the pass at the last moment, if needed.

Plant your back foot and bring the ball back above the shoulder and near the ear on your throwing side. The arm must be bent at a 45-degree angle. The upper arm should be parallel to the floor. This position will enable you to throw a quick, straight, and hard pass. Step toward the direction of your intended pass with the foot opposite your throwing arm. Make an overhead throw, snapping the wrist, and follow through with the arm fully extended. Remember to put a backward rotation on the ball to make it go straight.

The Behind-The-Back Pass

This pass used to be considered a "show-off" pass; however, it now has become a normal offensive weapon. Still, it MUST NOT be abused.

To make the pass, hold the ball with two hands. As you bring the ball back around your hip, your helping hand drops off. Your passing hand is on the side of the ball and must thrust the ball behind the back. The movement ends with the passing hand near the opposite hip, with the fingers pointing in the direction of the pass.

The Hand-Off Pass

This is a pass that doesn't require an extension of the arm. It is used to give the ball to a teammate who is either cutting or circling behind you.

Have one arm up and the ball laying on the palm of your other hand. Simply toss or flip it to the receiver. Another variation of this is to turn your body toward the receiver, or else, make a complete turn, face the receiver and give him the ball.

The Hook Pass

When you are closely guarded, hold the ball at shoulder level, elbows flared outward to protect the ball. Start to lift the ball up with two hands, with the wrist of the outside hand flexed. Drop your helping hand to face level. Extend your passing arm over your head with the ball. When you have stretched this arm out completely, flick the ball by snapping your wrist forward.

The Off-The-Dribble Pass

This is becoming a pass that is popping up at all levels of basketball. To make this pass work, on your last dribble, move your dribbling hand to the top quarter of the ball. Combine a lateral movement of the hand and arm, and push the ball forward with a snap of the wrist toward the receiver. This pass is quick and deceptive. It will usually catch the defensive man by surprise.

Passing Drills

Passing, like shooting, requires constant practice. If you will regularly work on the following drills, your passing mechanics will improve. However, it's only through team practice sessions and games, with your coach watching, that you will really learn WHEN to pass and HOW to get the pass over, under, or through the defender. Such situations will develop and sharpen your passing skills the most, turning your passing mechanics into valuable on-court skills.

Wall Passing

This will help you develop your two-handed chest pass as well as the bounce pass. Performing the drill regularly will improve your reflexes and form. Also, it will help you to develop ball rotation and arm strength. Do the drill like this:
  1. Stand six feet from a wall and pass the ball chest-high to a spot you have marked on the wall. Concentrate on your form. Make 20 passes like this.
  2. Step back two feet and take 20 more chest passes. This completes the set.
  3. Do another set, but, this time use bounce passes.
  4. Next, see how many chest or bounce passes you can make in a minute. Try to increase the number with each practice session.

Before you reach the end of this drill, your arms will begin to tire and your fingertips might even become sore. Keep concentrating and maintaining form throughout the drill.

Dead Ball Rule

When you play with your teammates or friends, play with the rule that dribbling is not allowed. If you do dribble, you lose possession of the ball. By playing with this "dead ball" rule, all players will be forced to concentrate on their passing game and look for the open man instead of dribbling the ball.

Bull In The Ring

Form a circle with players standing at least four feet from each other. Place one defensive man in the middle. The object of this drill is to pass the ball to each other without the defensive man touching, deflecting, or stealing the ball.

In this case, the passer who makes the mistake becomes the defender and the defender takes his place on offense. The other rule of this game is: you are not allowed to pass to players standing on either side.

I.U. Passing Drill

This drill requires several players and two balls. Players form a semi-circle, with one player (the in-the-barrel player) standing one step in from an imaginary line drawn between the two end players forming the semi-circle. Drill goes like this:
  1. The "in-the-barrel" player makes a correct form two-handed chest pass to one of the players in the semi-circle. At the same time he must call-out that player's name.
  2. The instant the ball leaves the man-in-the-barrel's hands, the player holding the second ball in the semi-circle, executes a correct form two handed chest pass to the man-in-the barrel. He, also, must call-out the man-in-the barrel's name.
  3. Passing continues at a rapid pace for one minute. Then players rotate clockwise, with a new man-in-the barrel. The drill continues until every player has had his turn in the barrel. There are four rules:
    • The passer must call-out the name of the receiver.
    • You must concentrate on the proper passing mechanics.
    • The "in-the-barrel" player can not make consecutive passes to side by side men in the semi-circle.
    • The "in-the-barrel" player must stay one step in from an imaginary line extending from the end semi-circle players.
  4. Repeat this drill, using bounce passes.

Two On One

Two offensive players with one ball line up across from each other at the half court or free-throw circle. One defensive man stands in the middle of the circle, trying to touch, deflect, or steal the ball. Using fakes, the two passers must pass the ball to each other without dribbling or taking steps. Once the ball is touched by the defender, the passer goes in the middle and the defender becomes a passer.

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Offensive Basketball Rebounding Wins Games

Height and good jumping ability have certain advantages in offensive rebounding. They are by no means the only factor in becoming a good rebounder. There are many instances, at all levels, that a seven foot center is out battled for a rebound, even out- rebounded for an entire game by a player as much as six inches shorter.
Rebounding is an important basketball skill that is developed and improved through these three ingredients:
  1. Aggressiveness
  2. Positioning
  3. Determination

Combine these factors, even though you are not 6'11'' and don't have good jumping ability. You will be well on your way toward being a good rebounder.

How do you pick off all the loose balls that come from your teammate's, and your own, missed shots? You try to anticipate where you think the ball will come off the rim. Position yourself so that you have a better position to get the ball. The big problem is that you usually have a defensive man in front, blocking you to keep you away from the basket. It always takes extra effort to establish good rebounding position, especially on offense.

One of the biggest mistakes young players make is standing around watching the flight of the ball, maybe only for a moment. They should be going for the rebound. If your teammate misses a shot, and you watch it first, before going for the rebound, you give the defense plenty of time to effectively box you out. This will keep you from ever getting to the basket.

A good way to get out of the habit of watching shots before going in for the rebound is to always think that every shot will miss. This will force you to think where the shot will come off the rim.

Determination

Your rebounding motto should be, "The ball belongs to me and, come hell or high water, I'm going to have it!"

Take a lot of pride in your offensive rebounds. They are harder to come by. It takes a lot of work to be good at rebounding; however, there is nothing more satisfying than a rebound pulled down in a crowd under the glass, and then going back up with it, scoring, and getting a foul shot, too.

Mental outlook is one of the most important factors in rebounding. You need the proper frame of mind when going for the ball. You have to be determined that you will do your best to get the ball. Rebounding starts with determination. There are nine other players on the court; but, you have to want the rebound the most. This mental and physical toughness will pay off.

Many times the ball will come off the rim and not be grabbed right away. It may even bounce off your fingers. It might slip through outstretch hands. A lot of times you have to go up two, maybe three times on one play to get one rebound. Rebounding is hard work; but, never give up. By concentrating, going up that many times for the ball, and then finally coming back down with it, and putting it back in the hole for two points, you can take the energy and heart right out of the other team.

One important thing to remember, once you have the ball in your hands, is to bring it down to your chest with elbows out wide. This protects the ball. When you land on the floor, with the ball, be sure to come down with a wide and strong position. This will keep you from being knocked over when the defense bumps you. This, also, helps you to protect the ball.

If you are in a crowd, under your offensive board, the tip-in is a good thing to use. Even if you miss, you are keeping the ball alive. Even if you can't get it with your second and third effort, perhaps a teammate might.

Positioning

Positioning for offensive rebounds is important. A good strong position is the secret of both offensive and defensive rebounding. First of all, you have to reach that spot in the lane where you think the ball will come down. Don't get too far under the basket. You don't want to be too far away from the rim, either.

Once you are here, you must be able to hold your position for two or three seconds. Keep low with knees bent, and legs wide to provide a large and strong base. This will keep you from being pushed out of position by the defense. Your back should be slightly bent forward and your arms at a 45-degree angle over your shoulders. By holding your arms like this, the defense will not be able to hook you and pin your arms at your sides. Do all these things and you will be in a good position to rebound.

Another thing you should always remember, don't try to dribble the ball when you grab a rebound and come back down to the floor. Immediately go back up strong to the basket.

Aggressiveness

The painted area is one of the most physical places in the world of sports. When you are there, your job is too rebound. Be prepared to be elbowed, shoved, pushed, or even knocked to the floor. That's the nature of the game. If you are not willing to take the pain, you will never develop into a rebounder.

Even though it is so physical in the paint, even in high school, you must be extremely aggressive to get in there and rebound. Whenever you are blocked out by your defensive man, keep moving around and try for a better position.

Quickly note where your teammate has shot from. Tell yourself, "That ball is not going in!" Then, move in aggressively for rebounding position.

Remember that 75 percent of all missed shots go in a direction away from the shooter. Generally, the further away the shooter is from the basket, the higher and further out the ball will bounce. Shots taken from the side have a tendency to bounce to the opposite side. Shots taken straight on at the basket will generally bounce straight back to the shooter.

Study the way your teammates shoot. Note the type of arc the give their shots. This will tell you approximately where you can go for the rebound.

How to Go for the Offensive Rebound

There are many simple moves you can make that will help you to become a good rebounder. Make yourself aware of them and use them in practice and games.

When Not Blocked Out

If your defensive man is facing you, when a shot is taken, and hasn't begun to block you out, take a strong step in one direction. Make a head and shoulder fake at the same time. Follow this with a change of direction and a change of pace to go over him.

When Blocked Out

If your defensive man has effectively blocked you out, lean on the middle of his back with your shoulder. Using his back as the pivot point, make a reverse by actually rolling around his back, placing your lead foot in front of his feet. If you do this correctly, you will end up in front.

Over With The Arms

Another trick to use if you find your defensive man beside you on a rebound is the old "hook the arm" trick. When your defensive man has his arms raised, raise your arms and hook one of them over the crook of his arm and push it down. As you do this, step in front of him and take his position. If you can't get in front of him, at least try to get parallel with him. Tip with your other hand. It may surprise you, how high you can reach. At least, you will have a better shot at keeping the ball alive.

Rebounding Drills

On a strictly physical level, rebounding is an explosive act that involves the contracting and tensing of the leg muscles. Then, jumping upward by straightening out those muscles. The higher you can jump, the better your chance of getting the rebound. Not everyone has natural jumping ability; however, everyone can improve what jumping capabilities he possesses. The following drills will help you improve your jumping ability and lateral movement.

Leg Bounds

This drill will develop strong muscles in your upper legs. This gives you the explosive power needed to leap quickly and continuously. The drill goes like this:
  1. Stand at an end line with your legs together.
  2. With your arms at your sides, bend your knees until you are in a half-squat.
  3. Jump out as far and as high as you can, thrusting out your arms and straightening your body.
  4. When you land, end in the same crouched position and take off again with your next bound.
  5. Continue these bounds until you reach the far end line.
  6. Grab a ball and shoot 10 free throws, then bound back.
  7. Start by doing this once, then gradually increase the number until you can do it five times each session.

Squat Jumps

This drill will develop tremendous leg strength. Remember to jump as high as possible on each jump. Perform the drill as follows:
  1. Stand with your feet shoulder's width apart.
  2. Put your hands behind your head, lacing the fingers of your hands together.
  3. Drop to a half-squat position and then explode upward as high as possible. Keep your hands behind your head.
  4. When you land, begin the squat-and-jump process all over again. Continue until you have completed 25 jumps. This constitutes 1 set.
  5. Do 3 sets and shoot 10 free throws between sets.

String Jumping

This drill will help develop quickness, endurance, and power in your legs. Perform this exercise as follows:
  1. Place two chairs about four feet apart. Tie a string between them, about 12 to 18 inches off the floor.
  2. Stand sideways on one side of the string with your feet together.
  3. Hold your arms at your sides and flex the knees until you are in a half-squat.
  4. Explode up and over the string using your legs and arms for power.
  5. Land on the balls of your feet.
  6. Repeat the motion and jump back over to the other side.
  7. Do this continuously for one minute, keeping track of how many jumps you performed.
  8. Grab a ball and shoot free throws for one-minute, then repeat two more times.

Back To The Basket

This drill will help develop power and quickness. You will need a friend to help you with this drill. Do it this way:
  1. Have your friend to stand about 6 or 8 feet from the backboard.
  2. You stand with your back to the backboard about 2 feet closer than your friend.
  3. Have your friend throw the ball up underhanded.

    When you hear the ball hit, pivot and face the backboard. Spot the ball as quickly as possible.

  4. Jump up for the rebound. Bring the ball down to your chest, with your elbows out wide.
  5. Spring up with the ball and put it in the hoop.
  6. Repeat this over 10 times. This constitutes 1 set. Shoot free throws for one-minute between sets. Do 3 sets per session.

Continuous Tap-Ins

This is a good exercise to develop jumping ability, timing, and fingertip control of the ball. Two players are needed to perform this drill. The drill goes like this:
  1. Start by facing the backboard, one player on the right side, the other on the left of the rim.
  2. The first player begins by tossing the ball over the rim to the opposite side of the backboard and then runs to that side.
  3. The second player then jumps up and taps the ball over to the other side of the backboard and then quickly runs over to that side.
  4. Repeat this drill 20 times, which constitutes 1 set. Shoot free throws one minute between each set. Do 3 sets per session.

Lateral Movement Drill

This is an excellent drill to enhance lateral movement, an important, yet, often neglected aspect of rebounding. Do it like this:
  1. With a basketball in your hand, stand four feet away from the backboard. Face the direction of the baseline with one foot inside the lane and the other, outside.
  2. Toss the ball over your head to the opposite side of the backboard.
  3. Quickly move and catch the ball, with arms extended, before it hits the ground.
  4. Step back, once again keeping one foot in the lane and one foot out, and toss the ball back up again. Repeat this until you have done it 10 times. This constitutes a set.
  5. Shoot 10 free throws and repeat.