Boxing out drills for basketball are designed to improve your ability to position yourself for a rebound. Although boxing out is essential for forwards and centers, it is also important for guards who lack a height advantage. To compensate for size, many players have to improve their boxing out skills to outrebound taller defenders. Boxing out is also important during jump balls. Strength training that focuses on developing your lower body and torso is another way to improve your boxing out abilities.
Types
Boxing out drills vary depending on the type of player you are. If you are an offensive specialist, your boxing out drills should focus on keeping players out of the key and below the elbow. If you are a strong defender, your boxing out drills should be based around the low block and the baseline. Some types of boxing out drills are designed to build up your stamina and endurance, making it easier for you to outhustle players for rebounds at the end of games.
Basic Boxing Out Drill
This boxing out drill helps improve your low post rebounding skills as well your inside scoring abilities. Have your team break up into two lines. The offensive line stands at the right wing and the defensive line stands at the foul line. On your coach's whistle, have a player in the offensive line take a shot from the wing. If you are on defense, box out the offensive player as soon as he takes the shot, bending your knees and positioning yourself in front of him. Attempt to grab the rebound without it bouncing. If the offensive player manages to get the rebound, you have to run a lap.
Circle Boxing Out Drill
This drill is designed to improve your box-out technique as well as your defensive slide. Have four players on your team circle around the free throw line. Have your coach stand on the wing with a basketball and wait for his whistle. On his whistle, start circling the foul line, making sure to keep your knees bent and shoulders square. When your coach blows the whistle again, stop moving and stay in your defensive stance. The coach then shoots a jump shot and whoever is standing closest to the rim has to box out the other players for the rebound.
Tossback Rebound Drill
This drill is designed to develop your jumping ability off the shot and to help you properly position yourself during the shot. Form a line at the elbow of the free throw line with the rest of your team. Have your coach stand to the side of the line with a basketball. As the first player in line runs toward the hoop, have your coach throw a pass at the backboard. As it bounces off the backboard, have the running player jump up and catch the ball in midair. On the descent, the player should keep the ball at shoulder height and extend his backside to adequately box out incoming players.
Basic Roof Boxing Out Drill
This drill simulates an unpredictable shot and helps with your rebounding reaction time and box-out abilities. Stand next to a house with a slanted roof with a basketball in hand. With a partner, throw the ball up on the roof and move into a defensive, box-out stance. Start boxing out your partner and watch as the ball rolls in different directions off of the roof. As it comes off the lip of the roof, jump out of your box-out position and grab the ball with both hands.
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