Rebound and Putback Wars 2-on-2
A 2-on-2 game under the basket where the teacher or a student shoots to miss and both pairs battle for the rebound; whoever grabs it attacks right away for a putback. Students work on boxing out, reading the ball's flight, and quick finishes.
How to play
- Make pairs in two pinnie colors and put two pairs in the lane at each basket, plus a shooter at the free-throw line (2 min).
- Review the box-out: turn to your opponent, make back contact without pushing, spread your arms, and go get the ball at its highest point.
- The shooter shoots; both pairs box out and battle for the rebound. Whoever grabs it may tip it or shoot right away without leaving the lane.
- A make earns 2 points for that pair; on a miss, the rebound stays live until someone scores or the ball leaves the lane.
- Play to 10; the winning pair stays and a new pair comes in, rotating the shooter every game (14 min).
- Wrap up by reviewing who boxed out first on the plays they won and how they protected the ball on the way down.
Rules
- Box out with your back and arms spread, never pushing with your hands.
- No going over an opponent's back.
- Safety: protect the ball at chest height and don't swing your elbows.
- A rebound that leaves the lane is a dead ball and the shooter shoots again.
Variations
Easier
Play 1-on-1 with the shooter calling which side the miss will come off.
Standard
Play 2-on-2 in the lane with a live rebound and putbacks worth 2 points.
Harder
Add a bonus point for a tip-in scored before the ball touches the floor.
Adaptations
- A student with limited mobility serves as the shooter and chooses each shot's angle.
- For students with low vision, use a brightly colored ball and allow one bounce before the catch.
- Group students by height and fitness so battles are fair.
Learning goals
- Box out the opponent before going for the rebound.
- Anticipate where the ball will go after a miss.
- Finish quickly while protecting the ball without fouling.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 6
- basketball hoops: 6
- pinnies: 24
Teacher tip
Watch for pushing: any hand push gives the ball to the other pair. Shoot from different sides so students learn that long rebounds usually come off the opposite side.
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