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StatisticBasketball

Rebounds (REB)

A rebound is gained when a player or team recovers the ball after a missed shot.

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Plain definition

A rebound occurs when possession is secured after a missed shot. Offensive rebounds are recovered by the team that took the shot, while defensive rebounds are collected after an opponent's miss. Rebounding therefore describes control of possessions as well as physical presence.

Derived terms

ORB

Offensive Rebounds: rebounds recovered by the team that has just missed a shot.

DREB

Defensive Rebounds: rebounds recovered after an opponent misses a shot.

REB%

Rebound Percentage: an estimate of the share of available rebounds collected by a player or team. It can be split into ORB% and DRB%.

Why it matters

Rebounds directly affect the number of possessions available. An offensive rebound extends an attack and creates a second chance, while a defensive rebound ends the opponent's possession. Rebounding adds important context to ratings, pace and shooting efficiency.

Practical example

A shot misses and hits the rim before a player secures the ball. That player earns a rebound, either extending the offence or ending the opponent's possession.

Related terms

StatisticBasketball

Pace

Pace estimates the number of possessions played, usually expressed over a standard game length.

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Points + Rebounds + Assists (PRA)

PRA is the sum of a player's points, rebounds and assists in a game.

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