June 24, 2005, Newsletter Issue #218: THE FREE THROW BLOCK OUT-A POSSESSION STRATEGY

Tip of the Week

1. When opponent is shooting.

A) Be as far UP in your individual rebounding lane as allowed so you are as CLOSE to the next rebounder as possible.
B) Start with your feet very close together and your knees bent. This will allow you to take the farthest step possible into the lane.
C) We start with our hands down and raise them as the shooter shoots so we are consistent with our rule "shot goes up - hands go up"
D) Step with the foot closest to the shooter directly at the midpoint of the FT line. Create some space between you and the basket, make and maintain contact with the opponent that you are assigned to block out. Too many players step straight in and end up with a bad rebounding angle. Keep your hands up with your upper arms parallel with the floor. This will make you big, wide and hard to get around.
E) Make sure that you account for the free throw shooter and block him out, as well.
F) If a player in the 3rd spot up the lane does not have anyone to block out, he should then move DOWN the rebounding lane and be as CLOSE as possible to the player below him. When the shot goes up that player can then "pinch down", along with his underneath teammate who is blocking out the offensive rebounder.


2. When your team is shooting

A) Be as far UP in your rebounding lane as allowed so you are as far AWAY from the player blocking you out as possible.
B) If the player blocking you out steps straight in - try to ride him under the basket
C) If the player steps at an angle or into you - fake middle and swim to the outside, going behind the block out and try to get beside the block out.
D) The two offensive rebounders can also try to employ a "crossing action". This may allow them to avoid a good block out and create some confusion or congestion that makes blocking out difficult. That slight edge may enable the offensive rebounder to get possession, or at least get a hand on the ball.
E) With the relatively recent change to only allowing TWO offensive rebounders (which I really don`t like) don’t simply waste your other two players and have them simply stand back. Instead, involve them in a possession strategy. Have them on the 3pt line on either side of the FT shooter. If an opponent stands by ONE player, then that player rotates deep and the other player stays on the 3 pt line. If the rebounders cannot secure an offensive rebound then try to tip to their teammate for a shot or a regained possession.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.