Dear Rebound Guy

I think everyone can attest to the frustration that occurs when your "rebound guy/girl" starts acting like they are more than they are. Don't get me wrong; a rebound guy/girl can certainly be moved into the starting lineup, however, the possibility of that is very rare. Below I have shared a little helpful insight on the How-To act as the rebound guy/girl. And no one should feel salty because everyone will be someones rebound at some moment in time. Please refer back to this blog whenever that is you!

Purpose
I think what's most important is that you understand your role on the team. Let's go with a scenario: Tied game, I tell my star player to take the 3 pointer (we're going for the win) and then I put you REBOUND GUY in the game in case he misses. I think what's important here is that as coach I do not really want the REBOUND GUY in the game, I'd rather my star athlete make the shot. However, in case he doesn't we do expect you, as the rebounder to do your job.

When Shit Changes
Now in most cases the the star player usually doesn't miss (that's why you made him your star), but if he does miss, the rebound guy usually doesn't even get the rebound, it just goes out of bounds or the other team gets it. We just end up going into over time and we bring the starters back in. No big deal. However, in those rare instances when the REBOUND guy/girl happens to get the rebound and get a put back and we get the win, the rebound guy starts getting ahead of himself. THIS IS NOT OKAY! The rebound guy must always remember that one highlight in the game does not compare to the countless wins that the star player already brought in. What's even more important is that as the rebound guy/girl you realize that when writing up the play, we as coaches rather the star player make the shot, your rebound and put back is something that we just say if ALL ELSE FAILS.

Helpful Hints:
Now, I have personally had lot's of fun with the rebound guy especially when starters are on injured reserved, or suspended for bad behavior, so do not get me wrong, I love rebound guys. My problem is when the rebound guy makes a big play and starts wanting the same treatment as Kobe but putting up Luke Walton numbers. The transition can be made from a rebounder to a starter, but a lot of work has to be done and it is a very fine line so be careful:

1. Do not expect anything as the rebounder.
This means everything from replied back text messages to hit ups when coach is in the area. Just always be grateful when it happens but never expect.

2. Always be ready for fun.
When the coach has to go deep in the bench to put you in, he's usually looking for a spark to get the energy up. The way to stay in the game is to always provide that spark. Same thing here. Always be fun and keep your problems to a minimum until you are fully in the rotation and the coach actually cares about your concerns.

3. Pick Up A Few Extra Talents
Yes as the coach I know that I could put you in for a rebound, however work on that perimeter shot as well, that way you can come in not only for your fantastic rebounding abilities, but by knocking down a few shots while you're in will keep you in. Same for boys... do more than the what's expected. Change it up, you know we get tired of the usual.


I hope this helps all rebound guy/girls and future rebound guy/girls as the try to climb the ladder of love.

always&forever