Techniques for Blocking Out
By George Felton, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Georgia
Courtesy of Winning Hoops at www.winninghoops.com

Rebounding the basketball and winning games work hand-in-hand into day's fierce, competitive environment and effective blocking out is a key to rebounding strength. As a staff, you must insist that every time the ball is shot, every player block out aggressively and then go after the ball hard. It's very important to teach proper rebounding techniques and to put your players in enough practice situations that they will instinctively perform at game time.

Following this 9-step procedure is a good way to teach your players how to block out so they can become better off the boards:

      1.  KNOW YOUR ASSIGNED OPPONENT. As the ball is shot, find your assigned player and make aggressive contact, then pivot to get him or her on your back (rear and lower back). Remember when pivoting to open to the ball.

      2.  SOLID CONTACT. Stress contact, taking your opponent out of the paint. Set your feet a little wider than your shoulders. As you make contact, pivot and hold your opponent with a wrap. Do this by placing your hands on the opponent to feel where he is. But remember that this should be for just a brief second.

      3.  STANCE/POSITIONING. As you complete the pivot, look up to the rim and bring your elbows out and up to shoulder level.

      4.  HANDS. Open your hands to the basket.

      5.  KEEP AWARE. As you step toward your assigned opponent, if he or she doesn't come, turn and get back in the play.

      6.  ATTACK THE BALL. As the ball comes off, jump toward it; rebound with two hands.

      7.  SECURING THE BALL. As you bring the ball down, keep your elbows out. Never bring the ball lower then your chest. Be strong.

      8.  LOOKING FOR THE OUTLET. After making contact with the ball, make a half-turn to the outside to look for the outlet pass.

      9.  BALANCE. Keep your feet spread, with weight on both feet. When a player takes a shot, the person who's guarding the shooter must callout, "Shot!" This tells the other defensive players to find their opponents and block out.