While boxing out a player can lead to a victorious ending in any game, making mistakes can have the opposite effect.
To avoid losing the ball and ultimately the game, take a look at these five common mistakes made when executing a basketball box out and the best ways to avoid them.
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The 5 Most Common Basketball Box Out Mistakes and Ways to Avoid Them
A box out on the court is preventing players from the opposing team from moving forward. You do this by boxing them in with your body and arms.
The correct way to box out a player in basketball is by engaging your core for optimal strength, widening your stance, and extending your arms to either side of the player.
This technique can be used by a defensive or offensive player, with the goal of getting into a good rebounding position. When done right, this position will prevent the player from gaining clear access to the net.
While it may sound simple, it is easy to make mistakes that can easily change the game’s outcome.
1. Not Dipping Low Enough
The first and most common mistake when boxing out in basketball is not keeping your hips low and your butt pushed back. Standing too high and straight can cause you to be off balance, making it easier for the opposing player to push you to the side.
How to Avoid: When boxing out the opposing player, bend your knees and push your butt backward. Doing this helps with leverage in rebound shots and will keep you secure in your stance.
2. Coming in at the Wrong Angle
Many new players will always box out straight in front of the opposing player. While this can be a great tactic, it can also fail when the player is taller than you, or they can still see everything happening in the game.
How to Avoid: Position yourself between the player and the rest of the game. Make it difficult for them to see what is going on around them. Also, boxing out from the back or side can make it hard for your opponent to get around you. Avoid boxing out a player straight on if they are taller than you.
3. Taking Your Eyes Off the Ball
Basketball is a busy game, and losing sight of the ball and the players surrounding you can be easy. While watching what is happening around you is incredibly important, never lose sight of the ball. In a split second, the player can maneuver around you, or you won’t have time to get in a good position for a rebound.
How to Avoid: When boxing out, look right at the ball and never turn your head away. Use your words to communicate with your team.
4. Not Extending Your Arms Enough
Extending your arms while boxing out your opponent is critical to keeping the opponent from maneuvering around you. A lot of players make the mistake of not extending their arms farther or keep them extended long enough.
How to Avoid: Extend your arms completely, giving you a wide space to block the opponent. This also allows you to obtain more height. If you get the rebound, firmly grab the ball with both hands and time the jump.
5. Not Communicating
Communicating with your teammates is critical in any sport. If you don’t call for the ball, the other players won’t know you are ready for a possible offensive or defensive rebound.
How to Avoid: Get into the best position possible between the opponent and the goal, maintaining your balance. Then call out to let your team know you are ready for the rebound. If possible, get as close as possible to the backboard right after the shot is taken.
Tips for the Perfect Box Out
Check out these professional tips for the perfect box out and to eliminate making silly mistakes that can cost you and your team the game.
- Make contact: You can make contact with the opposing player. Just be careful not to foul by pushing or becoming too aggressive.
- Do not hold the player: Widen your stance and stretch your arms up and out, but never wrap them around the player; this is considered holding, and it is a foul.
- Feel the player’s movements: Use your arms to determine which way the player is attempting to maneuver around you, then counteract this movement to push them in the opposite direction.
- Jump for the ball: Once the throw is complete, anticipate where the ball will end up and move towards it. You do this by jumping for the ball and preparing to get the rebound shot.
- Chin the ball: “Chinning” is the best way to maintain and secure the ball post-rebound. Hold the ball tightly in your hands and bring your elbows out as wide as possible.
- Don’t dribble right after a rebound: Hold onto the ball for a few seconds before dribbling the ball. This will ensure you don’t lose it to opposing players hitting it out of your hands. Be careful not to travel with the ball during this time.
Advantages of Good Box Outs
Mastering the skills of box outs can improve your performance on the court and will become a great asset in your game.
Once you have the technique down, you will notice it offers many advantages that will contribute to a well-played game.
- Obtains more rebounds for the team
- Gives more space to the shooter
- Forces your opponents out of position
Final Thoughts
No matter which positions you play, mastering the technique will give you the skills to control a rebound, make the winning basket, and redirect your opponent throughout the game.
By avoiding the common mistakes listed above, you are in a better position to perform the perfect box out and lead your team to victory.
