It's really hard to get players to box out. Most players do 1 of 2 things when a shot goes up:

1. Nothing: They just watch the action - shockingly, this isn't good!
2. Run after the ball: The fact that they are going after the ball is good, but they aren't doing anything to prevent the offensive player from getting it.

If you want to get players to box out and rebound effectively, you must drill it!

Hit The Floor Rebounding

Purpose of the Drill:

Hit The Floor Rebounding is a great drill for teaching your players to box out FIRST before they pursue the ball.

Setup:

• Divide your team into 2 even squads. The diagram shows 5v5 but the drill can be done with smaller groups as well.
• The offensive team starts around the perimeter. The defense begins matched up.

Instructions:

• The coach shoots the ball.
• On the release of the shot, the defense must box out. The offense should go for the ball.
• If the ball hits the floor then the defense gets a point. If anyone touches the ball before it hits the floor, then the offense gets a point.
• You play to say 5 points and the loser does a yo-yo, push-ups, or some tough ball-handling drill.

Points of Emphasis:

• It is worth pointing out that NO ONE can touch the ball before it hits the ground. That includes the defense. If anyone touches the ball, the offense gets a point.
• Teach proper box out technique. Instead of waiting for the offense to get to them, the defense should step towards the offense to initiate contact.
• This creates more space to rebound the ball. When players wait for the offensive player, they are less aggressive and more susceptible to long rebounds going over their head.
• First contact should be made with the forearm. Many players try to make initial contact with the backside. This is hard to do. Players should make contact with their forearm and then reverse pivot to put the offensive player on their back.
• Once they have the offensive player on their back, the defense must drive out to create space.
• Defenders should have their hands up. This prevents long rebounds from going over their head.
• Offensive players should work on their offensive rebounding techniques. These could include swim moves or trying to spin off the defender.
• This is an excellent drill that forces the defenders to make and maintain contact on the block out. They need to learn to play physical and get low on the block out.

2 Enhancements To The Drill:

• Play it live after the shot until someone scores: You can do this a couple of ways:
  • The first team to score at the same hoop gets a point. Neither team has to take the ball out. They simply attempt to score.
  • The first team to score after the initial shot gets a point. If the defense rebounds, they transition the other way and try to score. If the offense gets the rebound, they attempt to score right away. Play continues until a basket is scored, and then the drill resets.
• Make the defense communicate: Instead of starting with the defense matched up, have defenders circle in the paint. On the rise of the coach's shot, defenders must communicate and find a player to box out.

One Critical Coaching Reminder:

At the beginning of this drill, we said rebounding consists of 2 parts - boxing out and pursuing the ball. Most players are better at pursuing the ball.

This drill focuses on the first part. Remind players that while boxing out is critical, they ultimately MUST pursue the ball.

If they put both of those elements together, you will be on your way to dominating the glass!

Related Resources

• Man To Man Defense With Jim Huber
• The Outer 1/3 Defense With Nick LoGalbo

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