April 18, 2026

The Box Out Drill a Great Technique for Young Basketball Players

The Box Out Drill is a great drill for teaching young players how to properly position themselves for a rebound. The drill simulates a real game situation where players must battle for position under the basket in order to grab a rebound.

Here’s how to set up the drill:

  1. Set up cones or chairs to create a “box” on the court. The box should be large enough for two players to stand inside.
  2. Pair up players and have them start on opposite sides of the box.
  3. On the coach’s signal, players must try to get in the best position to grab the rebound by pushing the other player out of the way with their hips and back.
  4. The player who gets the best position and grabs the rebound wins the drill.
  5. Repeat the drill for several rounds, switching players’ positions and partners.

This drill will help players develop their body control, balance, and strength. It will also teach them the importance of using their hips and back to create space between them and their opponents, which is an essential aspect of boxing out.

Additionally, this drill will help players understand the importance of positioning and timing, they will learn to anticipate where the rebound is going and be in the right position to grab it.

When teaching this drill, be sure to emphasize the importance of keeping your hands up and your feet shoulder-width apart, as well as keeping your eyes on the ball at all times. With practice and repetition, players will become more comfortable and confident in their ability to box out and grab rebounds in game situations.

An alternative to the Box Out Drill that can be used to increase the difficulty for more advanced players is to use a live ball and have players compete for the rebound as it comes off the rim. This will help players learn how to read the trajectory of the ball and anticipate where it will come off the rim.

Another variation of the drill can be to have a coach or another player shoot the ball and players must compete for the rebound, this will help them to understand how to react and position themself when the ball is in motion.

As a coach, you can also use this drill to teach your players how to box out different types of players. For example, you can have a smaller player go up against a taller player, or a less experienced player goes up against a more experienced player. This will help them learn how to use different techniques and strategies to box out different types of players.

It’s important to note that in order to be a good rebounder, you need to have good timing and positioning, as well as good footwork. Additionally, it’s important to have the good jumping ability and leg strength, so make sure to incorporate exercises to improve these areas into your training sessions.

In summary, the Box Out Drill is a great drill for teaching young players how to properly position themselves for a rebound. It will help them develop their body control, balance, and strength, and teach them the importance of using their hips and back to create space between them and their opponents. With practice and repetition, players will become more comfortable and confident in their ability to box out and grab rebounds in game situations.