Rebound (sports)
A loose ball or puck after a failed scoring attempt.
In sports, a rebound occurs when a shot on goal misses and the ball, puck, or other playing object becomes loose for either team to claim. Rebounds are a key part of the game because they can shift possession or give the attacking side a second, often better, chance to score.
In basketball and netball, "rebound" works as both a noun and a verb for successfully grabbing the ball in that situation. In sports with a designated goalkeeper, that player usually tries to catch and hold the ball or puck after a save, preventing a rebound.
**Rebounds in basketball** Basketball divides rebounds into two types: offensive rebounds, where the attacking team keeps the ball, and defensive rebounds, where the defending team takes control. Most rebounds are defensive because defenders are typically closer to the basket to retrieve missed shots. These are often tracked as rebounds per game, showing a player's or team's average over a series or season. The NBA single-game record for rebounds is 55, set by Wilt Chamberlain against the Boston Celtics on November 24, 1960.
**Football rebounder** A football rebounder is training equipment for soccer. A player kicks the ball into the frame, which returns it like a pass from a teammate, helping players anticipate passes and improve reactions. Rebounders come in many forms, such as small solid rebound boards that bounce the ball along the ground or through the air, or trampoline-like devices with a mesh net or wireframe stretched over a solid frame to return the ball in a way similar to a player.
**Rebounds in ice hockey** In ice hockey, a rebound happens when a shot on goal is stopped by the goaltender but the puck stays in play for another shot. These chances are dangerous because they force the goaltender to recover quickly and can leave defenders out of position. Controlling or clearing rebounds is a key defensive skill for goaltenders and defenders, while creating rebound chances is an important offensive tactic.
- Nba single-game record
- 55 rebounds, set by Wilt Chamberlain against the Boston Celtics on November 24, 1960
Lore & Background
In sports such as basketball and netball, the term 'rebound' is used as either noun or verb to describe the successful retrieval of the ball in that circumstance. In basketball, rebounds are divided into two categories: offensive rebounds, in which the ball is recovered by the offensive side and does not change possession, and defensive rebounds, in which the defending team gains possession of the loose ball. Generally, most rebounds are defensive because the team on defense tends to be in a better position (closer to the basket) to recover missed shots.
In ice hockey, a rebound occurs when a shot on goal is stopped by the goaltender but the puck remains in play and available for another shot attempt. Rebound opportunities are often considered dangerous scoring chances because they can force the goaltender to recover quickly and may leave defensive players out of position. In sports that have an assigned goaltender, after that player makes a save, they may (and if they are able, usually should) then retain immediate possession of the puck themselves, thus preventing a rebound from occurring.
A football rebounder is a piece of training equipment used for practicing football (soccer). The football is kicked into the frame, which then returns the ball back to the player mimicking a pass from a teammate. Football rebounders come in many forms, such as small solid rebound boards or frames with mesh net or wireframe stretched over them to create tension.
Reader's Guide
The concept of the rebound is significant across multiple sports, reflecting a fundamental dynamic of play: a failed scoring attempt does not end the opportunity. In basketball, rebounds are tracked as a key statistic, with the single-game NBA record of 55 rebounds set by Wilt Chamberlain. The distinction between offensive and defensive rebounds highlights how possession can shift or be retained, influencing game strategy. In ice hockey, controlling or clearing rebounds is treated as a key defensive skill for goaltenders and defenders, while generating rebound chances is viewed as an important offensive tactic. The presence of a goaltender introduces the possibility of preventing a rebound entirely by securing the puck after a save. In soccer, the term extends to training equipment—the football rebounder—designed to simulate passes and improve player reactions. Across these contexts, the rebound represents both a challenge and an opportunity, shaping how teams approach defense, offense, and player development.
Did You Know?
- In basketball, rebounds are divided into offensive and defensive categories.
- A football rebounder is training equipment that returns a kicked ball to mimic a pass.
More in Ice Hockey Terminology, Part 2 1-24
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