Hot Potato Rebounding

How to run the drill

1. 1Setup: three players form a shallow triangle around the elbows with one ball. A coach or waiting player calls the start. Begin by handing the ball around the triangle; use genuine handoffs rather than throwing it at close range.
2. 2Start: on a random shot call, the player holding the ball squares to the basket and shoots. The other two immediately find each other, make legal box-out contact and compete for the rebound. The shooter stays out of the contest.
3. 3Rules: the first rebounder attacks the same basket while the other player defends. They have five seconds and at most one dribble to score. A made initial shot is followed by the shooter collecting it and tossing a neutral ball off the backboard for the two rebounders.
4. 4Scoring and reset: the rebounder earns 1 point for securing the ball and a second point for a made put-back. The first put-back shot, a defensive steal or time expiry ends the rep. A ball out before a controlled rebound gives no points. Return to the triangle and resume handoffs.
5. 5Rotation: after every rep, players move one triangle spot clockwise. Use an unpredictable call so everyone shoots and rebounds. If someone has shot twice in a row, give the next start to another player.
6. 6Progression: spread out and pass rather than hand off before the call, so the two rebounders must find contact from different angles.

Coaching points

• Locate the other rebounder when the shot goes up
• Pursue the ball with two hands
• Land balanced, protect the ball and go up under control