All About Rebounding in Basketball

Rebounds are an important part of the game of basketball. They occur when a shot is missed. The first person to gain control of the basketball is given credit for one rebound. There are two types of rebounds. The first is called an offensive rebound. This is when a player shoots and misses. Then, a player from the same team is able to rebound the ball. The other type of rebound is called a defensive rebound. This occurs when a player shoots and misses. Then, a player from the other team gets the rebound. Due to the ability to position, the majority of rebounds are defensive. However, offensive rebounds lead to high percentage shots close to the basket or can lead to an open three-point attempt due to the defense scrambling.

A rebound is only credited immediately after a shot is missed. If the shot is blocked or deflected out of bounds, a rebound is not awarded for the player who gets it. If a shot is missed, only one player can be awarded the rebound, even if more than one have possession at the same time.

In order to be a successful rebounder, you must have certain traits. Height is the biggest advantage, as you are closer to the ball when it is missed. Therefore, mainly centers and power forwards are the highest rebounds in the game. A great rebounder must have a good sense of timing, as the ball will bounce back upward after a missed shot. A big advantage but not a necessity is a great leaping ability. This will allow you to get higher than your opponent. Most importantly, a player must be able to get into the right position. They must "box out" their opponent to get the ball. Boxing out is a technique used to push another player and position yourself in the best way to get the rebound.

So who are the greatest rebounders in the history of the NBA? The greatest is Wilt Chamberlain. He led the NBA in rebounding eleven times and has the most career rebounds. He also averaged almost 23 rebounds per game. He has the record for most in one game with 55, most in a playoff game with 41, and the most in All-Star Games combined, with 197. Bill Russell is another notible player. He is second on the all-time rebounding list. He had the second most in one game with 51. For his career, he averaged 22.5 rebounds per game.

Wikipedia, Rebound (basketball)