Posting #7, August 11, 2008

THE VALUE OF A REBOUND (Introduction to Team Rebounding)

Basketball is about scoring points and that means shooting the basketball. However, the reality is, more than half of all shots are missed. That, alone, should awaken one to possibility rebounding is among the key ingredients to a team reaching near its potential. But when we statistically and psychologically analyze the effects of one single rebound, we see its value.

THE VALUE OF AN OFFENSIVE REBOUND
When a team gets an offensive rebound, they have, potentially, taken a shot attempt away from the opponent. It could have been a fast break or a set up play. Also, because the defense is not set when an offensive rebound is obtained, and because most offensive rebounds land close to the basket, the rebounder often has a high-percentage shot, not to mention the increased likelihood of generating a defensive foul when he puts the ball up.

If the offensive rebounder gets fouled, scores, and makes the free throw, he has scored three points for his team. Add the potential three points the offensive rebound took away from the other team, and you have six points. The bottom line is, an offensive rebound can be worth six points, not to mention another foul on the other team.

THE VALUE OF A DEFENSIVE REBOUND
When a team gets a defensive rebound, they have taken an offensive rebound away from the opponent. We already know that’s worth a potential three points. If the rebounding team scores, it’s worth another three points. That’s six.

Above, I have presented only the numerical value of the rebound. But controlling the boards also has powerful psychological effects on opponents. For example, when one team realizes they are only going to get one shot at the hoop, the pressure to make shots increases. When a great defensive rebounding team has a good fast break, the other team’s offensive rebounders can become less aggressive and retreat more quickly. Outside shooters on good offensive rebounding teams are more relaxed and have more confidence.

The value of a rebound is great, statistically and psychologically speaking. In the following lessons, I will be addressing how to improve your team rebounding. Stay tuned.