Offensive Rebounding Key to Winning

Our freshman team played the first game of a round-robin tournament today against a pretty good team. We won the game primarily due to our offensive rebounding. It was just one of those games where shots weren't going down, but we won the battle on the offensive glass to get some separation and the big win.

When you play without one of your best players, other players have to step up. The San Antonio Spurs have now found ways to win 2 huge games, 1 against the Mavs, and tonight against the Jazz. One of the key plays in the game tonight was off of an offensive rebound tap back by Fabricio Oberto to Michael Finley for the 3-pointer and the lead late in the fourth quarter, a lead the Spurs would not relinquish for the rest of the night. Watch the video and read my thoughts below,



Good teams find ways to win. It's all about getting the most from your players. Case in point, Fabricio Oberto. He usually averages 5.4 rebounds per game, tonight, he had 11 rebounds total, 5 offensive rebounds. None bigger than the tap back to Michael Finley in the clip. As for Finley, he hit 4-of-7 from 3-point for 15 points. Of course Manu was Manu, but everyone steps up to do their part in place of Tim Duncan.

Offensive Rebounding Emphasis:

I have to admit, I never really put that much thought into offensive rebounding. I know it is an important aspect, but now more than ever, I'm thinking it is really a critical stat. Obviously when you play against great fundamental teams that box out well, it's different, but I think you can steal games, simply by working the glass. I think our game would've been closer if we didn't get those offensive rebounds. The Spurs probably lose if they don't get those tap-backs. You also have to factor in the psychological demoralizing factor, the defense has worked hard to get the stop, but you've just destroyed that hard work by getting the rebound and scoring.

Here is a great rebounding drill adapted from the popular 3-on-3 or 2-on-2 rebounding,

Basically, this is now an offensive rebounding drill. If the offense rebounds the ball, they stay on. If they score off the offensive rebound, the defense has to run. If the defense rebounds the ball, the offense has to run. You switch in 3 new players each sequence.

If you're looking for more ideas to get your players to become 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. Discuss this and the rest of your favorite basketball topics at the X's and O's Basketball Forum .