A rebound in basketball is a statistic awarded to a player who retrieves the ball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds are credited to the first player that gains clear possession of the ball or to the player that successfully deflects the ball into the basket for a score. A rebound is credited to a team when it gains possession of the ball after any missed shot that is not cleared by a single player (e.g., deflected out of bounds after the shot, blocked out of bounds, bounced directly off the rim out of bounds) . Offensive and defensive players can rebound the ball and decide what to do next based on the situation they are in. On offense, it is called an offensive rebound, and a player can either pass, dribble, or shoot. While on defense, it is called a defensive rebound, and a player can either pass or dribble.
Rebounding is an essential part of basketball, and it can change the course of a game. Offensive rebounding gives a team extra chances and free throw opportunities, while defensive rebounding helps the team regain possession and prevent the opponent from scoring. Defensive rebounding requires getting inside position and "boxing out" the opponent to establish a triangle of players boxing out around the basket. Offensive rebounding requires players to be quick and aggressive in getting to the ball and securing the rebound.
