Sitting Courtside E5: Offensive Rebounding Philosophy and Systems

Summary

In this detailed breakdown of offensive rebounding, the speaker emphasizes its crucial role in modern basketball. He explains the cyclical nature of the game, the importance of offensive rebounding in maintaining defensive integrity, and how it impacts second-chance points and transition defense. Various systems for offensive rebounding are discussed, such as the tag-up system, the halfback-fullback-tailback system, and the Milwaukee Bucks’ strategy of using the three-point line as a designation for rebounders. The speaker also shares a modified system blending different strategies, urging teams to focus on consistent rebounding efforts and smart transition planning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Offensive rebounding is an essential but often overlooked part of basketball that plays a key role in maximizing scoring opportunities.
• 😀 The game operates in cyclical phases, including offense, transition defense, half-court defense, and transition offense, which overlap at times.
• 😀 Rebounding percentage (not total rebounds) is a better metric to track, with 40% being a solid benchmark for offensive rebounding success.
• 😀 Offensive rebounding forces the defense to work longer and harder, preventing them from leaking out into transition offense.
• 😀 Crashing the boards can enhance offensive effectiveness, as second-chance points are often high-percentage opportunities (60% for second-chance shots).
• 😀 The tag-up system, where players match up on the rise of the shot, can help a team crash the boards aggressively while also preventing transition offense.
• 😀 The halfback-fullback-tailback system, designed for position-specific rebounding, was effective for a time but eventually phased out in favor of a more positionless approach.
• 😀 Teams like the Philadelphia 76ers use a 'go guys and get back guys' system where some players focus on offensive rebounding while others focus on getting back to prevent transition.
• 😀 A modified tag-up system integrates concepts from multiple systems, allowing four players to crash the glass while one player stays back for defense.
• 😀 Offensive rebound kickout threes are often the highest percentage shot, especially when the ball is passed out from the paint to a stationary shooter.
• 😀 An effective offensive rebounding system requires a balance of aggression and caution to ensure a team can score efficiently without leaving themselves vulnerable in transition.

Q & A

Why is offensive rebounding often overlooked in basketball?

Offensive rebounding is often overlooked because many focus on the more obvious aspects of the game, like scoring or defensive plays. However, offensive rebounding is crucial as it creates extra scoring opportunities and disrupts the defense.

What is the 'cycle of the game' in basketball?

The cycle of the game refers to the four phases a team goes through: offense, transition defense, half-court defense, and transition offense. These phases are interconnected, and teams must be aware of the overlap between offense and transition defense, particularly after a shot is taken.

What is the importance of offensive rebounding in the context of modern basketball?

Offensive rebounding has become increasingly important in modern basketball due to factors like the rise in three-point shooting and faster-paced games. It directly impacts a team's effective field goal percentage and overall ability to score points by generating additional shot attempts.

What is the ideal offensive rebounding percentage, and how is it calculated?

An ideal offensive rebounding percentage is around 40%. This percentage is calculated by dividing the number of offensive rebounds a team secures by the total number of possible offensive rebounds available in a game, with a higher percentage indicating better performance.

What are the advantages of offensive rebounding for a team's defense?

Offensive rebounding forces the defense to work harder, extending their possession and preventing them from quickly transitioning to offense. It disrupts their defensive flow and prevents them from leaking out early in transition.

How does offensive rebounding relate to transition defense?

Offensive rebounding and transition defense are closely linked. While crashing the boards could expose a team to fast breaks, a well-executed offensive rebounding strategy can prevent opponents from easily transitioning to offense. Systems can be designed to balance both.

Can a team be good at offensive rebounding and still be effective in transition defense?

Yes, a team can be both aggressive in offensive rebounding and effective in transition defense. By using strategies like the tag-up system, players can crash the boards while staying aware of their defensive responsibilities, limiting the risk of fast breaks.

What is the 'tag-up' system for offensive rebounding?

The tag-up system involves players matching up with their assigned offensive player on the rise of the shot. Instead of blindly rushing to the basket, players maintain their position and ensure they block out or prevent anyone from leaking out into transition.

How does the 'free throw line extended' system work for offensive rebounding?

In the free throw line extended system, players positioned below the free throw line go for the offensive rebound, while players above the free throw line are tasked with getting back on defense. This strategy helps ensure that players near the basket are in position to secure a rebound.

How can a coach blend multiple offensive rebounding systems to fit their team’s needs?

A coach can blend systems by adopting the most effective elements from various approaches, such as combining the tag-up system’s discipline with the Milwaukee Bucks' method of sending players through the elbows. This gives players more flexibility while maximizing their chances of securing offensive rebounds.