Dwight Howard Shows You How to Dominate The Glass

In order to be a dominant forward or center, you must be able to rebound the ball effectively both defensively and offensively. There is no easier basket for a big man than a put-back off a missed shot. In this TNT clip, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic shows you a couple of things to really own the glass. I like the tap move especially. Watch the video and then you can read my thoughts below.



As a coach, nothing bothers me more than when your defensive players cannot grab the rebounds. Especially when your team has worked so hard on defense to force a bad shot only to see the opposing team get an easy rebound and put-back. Same goes offensively, if you rebound well, it can keep you in games when your perimeter players are struggling with their shot.

Here are the key points from the video:

1. Box out, you hear this all the time. It's probably the most overused phrase, yet how many of your players actually do it. If you're playing M2M defense, this must be a reflex action, players must be programmed to box out automatically, not on your call.

2. Fight for position. People think you have to be 7-foot or have a 40-inch vert to rebound well. 90% of rebounds are caught below the rim. This is why Dennis Rodman and Charles Barkley are such good rebounders, they fight for the best position to get the ball.

3. Ball to chin. Secure the ball with two hands and take the ball to your chin with elbows out. Pivot and outlet the ball to start the break. I've watched too many balls ripped out of people's hands underneath our hoop who didn't secure the ball properly.

4. On offensive rebounds, anticipate the bounce. Shots from the wing will likely end up on the other side, so get in position to get the easy board and put-back.

If you're looking for ideas to get your players to be better rebounders, I recommend taking a look at Tom Izzo's DVD on Rebounding and Man Defense. Coach Izzo is the long-time head coach of Michigan State. I also have lots of notes so head over the X's and O's Basketball Forum to take a look and see what I have.