Basketball Rebounding Drills to Build Toughness & Game-Winning Habits

You know how costly second-chance points can be…they can make or break a game.

For that exact reason, we drill this phrase into our players: “The possession isn’t over until we secure the rebound.” And when it comes time to practice, we approach rebounding with the same intensity and competitiveness as offense and defense.

Below, you’ll find two game-ready drills designed to help your players develop the toughness, timing, and finishing skills they need to dominate the glass.

And after you check out these two drills, here are a few we recommend:

1. How to Train Rhythm and Confidence with the One-Minute Basketball Shooting Drill
2. 2-on-2 Entry Passing Drill: Mastering Ball Pressure and Clean Entry Passes
3. Basketball Shooting Drill: Mastering the ‘3 For’ Progression

Rodman Basketball Rebounding Drill

Train your players to rebound like a beast even when they only get one hand on the ball. The Rodman Rebound drill teaches players how to fight for position, secure the rebound, and finish against live defenders.

Watch the Rodman Basketball Rebounding Drill

Reaction Basketball Rebounding Drill

Help your players develop quick reaction time and rebounding instincts by flipping between offensive and defensive rebounding in this live-action drill. Players work on reading the ball, high-pointing it, and pursuing it with purpose.

Watch the Reaction Basketball Rebounding Drill

Coaching Reminder

Basketball rebounding drills don’t just build physical toughness. They develop:

• Mental habits to finish defensive possessions
• Timing and instincts around the rim
• Confidence to rebound in traffic
• Finishing skills through chaos and contact

At the end of the day, we tell our players: “You don’t get to play offense unless you rebound.” These drills are how we build that mindset every day in practice.

FAQ: Basketball Rebounding Drills to Build Toughness, Timing, and Game-Ready Habits

Q: Why is rebounding considered a game-winning skill?

A: To put it simply, a defensive possession doesn’t end until the rebound is secured. After all, it takes a single rebound and put-back to determine the result of a close game. Rebounding builds toughness, effort, and mental discipline—traits that carry over into every part of the game. Teams that dominate the glass usually control the pace and outcome.

Make rebounding a non-negotiable part of your program’s culture.

Q: What does the Rodman Rebounding Drill teach players?

A: The Rodman Drill trains:

• One-handed rebound control
• Fighting for inside position
• Finishing through contact
• Securing the ball in chaos

It’s designed to simulate real rebounding battles where the ball isn’t cleanly available. Inspired by Dennis Rodman’s relentless pursuit, it develops both physical toughness and spatial awareness.

Run the Rodman Drill to prepare players for high-traffic rebounds under pressure.

Q: How does the Reaction Rebounding Drill improve instincts?

A: The Reaction Drill focuses on:

• Reading ball trajectory
• Switching between offense and defense
• High-pointing rebounds
• Reacting with urgency

It sharpens players’ ability to read bounces, adjust angles, and attack the ball—skills essential in fast-paced, unpredictable game moments.

Use this drill to improve your team’s quickness to the ball and rebounding awareness.

Q: How often should rebounding drills be used in practice?

A: Integrate rebounding drills 3–4 times per week, ideally:

• After defensive breakdowns
• As part of competitive small-sided games
• In early practice segments to set a tone

Short, intense reps focused on toughness and technique have high return on investment.

Commit to a weekly rebounding emphasis to shift team mentality and performance.

Q: What coaching cues help players improve rebounding habits?

A: Key phrases include:

• “Hit, find, pursue” (box out, locate ball, go get it)
• “Two feet in the paint, two hands on the ball”
• “Ball in air, you’re already moving”

These verbal anchors build aggressive instincts and consistent habits.

Ingrain language that triggers immediate rebounding action in live play.

Q: Can these drills be used with all positions?

A: Yes. Guards, wings, and bigs all need to rebound. These drills teach:

• Guards to pursue long rebounds and get into the fight
• Forwards to secure position and finish plays
• Bigs to lead on toughness and interior control

Rebounding is a team-wide responsibility, not just for post players.

Include every position group in rebounding reps to reinforce full-team accountability.

Q: How do I keep rebounding drills competitive and high-energy?

A: Add:

• Point systems (e.g., +1 for each clean rebound)
• Short time limits (30–60 seconds of intensity)
• Live defenders or scoring finishers

Competition raises effort and keeps players mentally and physically engaged.

Track top rebounders each week to fuel internal motivation and effort.

Q: What finishing skills are developed through rebounding drills?

A: Players learn to:

• Finish through contact with balance
• Use quick second jumps
• Convert after gathering in traffic
• Keep composure in physical chaos

These finishing reps closely mimic real-game scenarios at the rim.

Encourage players to secure and score with urgency after every rebound.

Q: How do these drills build mental toughness?

A: Rebounding is a grit-based skill—players must want the ball more. These drills:

• Demand full-effort reps
• Create physical contact conditions
• Require quick resets after misses

They help players stay mentally locked in even when the game gets physical or messy.

Frame rebounding drills as mindset training, not just skill development.

Build Rebounding Into Your Team Identity

With the right drills and consistent emphasis, rebounding becomes more than a skill—it becomes a mindset. Use these drills to teach your players how to pursue, finish, and own every possession.

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TJ

Check out all of our offensive drills and strategy resources here.

About the Author

TJ Rosene

Coach TJ Rosene, head coach of the Emmanuel University men’s basketball team and Director of Coach Development for PGC Coaching, has spent his career shaping young athletes both on and off the court. With over 400 career wins and 12 seasons of 20+ wins, Rosene’s coaching experience is extensive and impressive. His teams have competed in six national championship games, winning three NCCAA National Championships. Under his leadership, the Lions made their NCAA Division II debut in 2018-19 and quickly captured two season titles and one tournament title, along with an appearance in the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 in 2021.

Rosene’s success expands far beyond the scoreboard. He’s been named National Coach of the Year three times and Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year twice. But for Coach Rosene, the most meaningful part of his work is the lasting impact he has on his players’ lives. As he puts it, “Coaching is a rare opportunity to shape and mold the lives of young people. It’s a privilege that I never take for granted.”

Related Resources

• Shooting Drills → 5 Game-Like Shooting Drills to Build Confident, Consistent Scorers
• Defensive Drills → 5 Must-Have Defensive Drills for High-Energy, Game-Ready Teams
• Finishing Drills → 5 Game-Like Finishing Drills Every Coach Should Use to Build Tough, Confident Scorers
• Passing Drills → 5 Passing Drills to Build Tough, Smart, and Unselfish Basketball Players