Also a
basketball term for a
player gaining
possession of the ball after a missed
shot (either a missed
field goal or a missed
free throw).
A player's height and positioning are generally the most important aspects of rebounding. Numerous other things (such as having long arms and experience) also play a role.
When a player rebounds a shot attempted by his own team, it's known as an offensive rebound.
When a player rebounds a shot attempted by the other team, it's known as a defensive rebound.
The rebounding portion of the NBA record book is mostly the territory of Wilt Chamberlain. Chamberlain holds the NBA single-game (55 on 11/24/1960), single-season (2149, or 27.2 per game, in 1960-1961) and career (23,924) records for rebounds. Chamberlain also led the NBA in rebounds for a record 11 seasons.
Dennis Rodman led the league in rebounds a record 7 consecutive seasons (1992-1998). (Wilt only led the league 4 straight seasons, on two occasions)