Rebound (basketball) - Types of Rebounds

Types of Rebounds

After Trey Burke attempts a layup, Glenn Robinson III makes an offensive rebound.

Rebounds are divided into two main categories: "offensive rebounds", in which the ball is recovered by the offensive side and does not change possession, and "defensive rebounds," in which the defending team gains possession. A majority of rebounds are defensive because the team on defense tends to be in better position (in other words, closer to the basket) to recover missed shots. Offensive rebounds lead to another opportunity to score for the offensive team, either right away or by resetting the offense. A block is not considered a rebound.

A ball does not need to actually "rebound" off the rim or backboard for a rebound to be credited. Rebounds are credited after any missed shot, including air balls.

Although not credited as a rebound, a ball that falls to the ground after a shot is unsuccessfully taken by another player on the same team can be classified as a recovery.

Rebounds are credited to the first player that gains clear possession of the ball or to a player that successfully deflects the ball into the basket for a score. A rebound is credited to a team when it that gains possession of the ball after any missed shot that is not cleared by a single player (e.g. deflected out of bounds after the shot, blocked out of bounds, bounced directly off the rim out of bounds). A team rebound is never credited to any player, and is generally considered to be a formality as according to the rules of basketball, every missed shot must be rebounded whether a single player controls the ball or not.

There are many attributes characteristic of great rebounders, the most common are height and strength. Because height is so important, most rebounds are made by centers and power forwards, whom are also often positioned closer to the basket. The lack of height can sometimes be compensated by strength to box out; for example, Charles Barkley once led the league in rebounding despite usually being much shorter than his counterpart. However, some shorter guards can be excellent rebounders; for example Jason Kidd, point guard for the New York Knicks, led the New Jersey Nets in rebounding for several years. Great rebounders must also have a keen sense of timing and positioning. Great leaping ability is an important asset, but not absolutely necessary. Players such as Larry Bird and Bobby Jones were good rebounders, although never known for their leaping ability. (Bird has been quoted as saying "Most rebounds are taken below the rim. That's where I get mine." )