Rebounding, in both real basketball and NBA 2K22, is all about positioning, anticipation, timing, and tenacity. Here are several common sense tips in chronological order for 2K vets and beginners alike to own the glass in NBA 2K22.
Rebound Prep
1) Learn the Basic Controls to Rebounding
Learning the basic controls of rebounding is step #1 to becoming a GOAT snagger. Here they are below:
- Move Player: LS / LS
- Rebound: Y / Triangle
- Boxout: LT / L2
- Putback: Hold X/ Square (when attempting an offensive rebound)
2) Use 2K Camera Angle
Every camera angle has its distinct pros and cons, and 2K Cam is the best for seeing the trajectory of the ball and vision of the different angles for rebounding. Use the default 2K Cam settings for best vision of the ball.
3) Create or Choose Player w/High Rebounding Badges, Attributes, Height & Wingspan.
Equip rebounding badges: Rebound Chaser, Box, Worm, and Putback Boss. Increase rebounding attributes: Offensive Rebound, Defensive Rebound (80 minimum), Strength, and Vertical. Increase physical attributes: height and wingspan.
Before & During the Shot
4) Anticipate Everything
From tipoff and throughout the game, make it a point of emphasis to observe and study tendencies of players, to anticipate what the opponent’s rebounder(s) will likely do when the shot is up, whether on offense or defense. Anticipate how fast a player can get into position to rebound, anticipate when someone will shoot, etc. With practice, it becomes instinctual to have a “nose for the ball” and great timing to getting boards.
5) Assume it’s a MissÂ
Get in the habit of assuming that every shot is a miss every time (except “greens”). This way on every shot you’ll be looking for the rebound.
6) Focus on the Trajectory of BallÂ
Rebounding is also about anticipating the physics of the basketball and rim, so having a sense of where the ball is going to go will give you a leg up on the competition. NBA 2K uses real basketball rim physics, so deflections behave the same way as they do in real basketball. For example, shots hitting the front of the rim straight on will usually deflect straight back, and so on. This also means you should take distance, height, and speed of the bounce into consideration when making your move to snag the board. Many players just get near the hoop and jump straight up and expect to get the rebound, but it all depends on where the ball is headed – which means you might have to back up, scoot in, or run for the rebound.
Another thing to factor in is “flight time”. Flight Time is the amount of time it takes for the ball to leave a shooter’s hand until it gets to a position where it can be rebounded. Â
7) Gain Inside Position + Box Out
The best way to be in the best position to get the board is to box out by getting between the opponent and the hoop and pressing LT / L2. Better yet, it makes even more basketball sense to specifically target the opponent’s best rebounder to box out. Chances are, it will be a big man snagging most of the boards, so focusing on them instead of shorter players will pay off. Good rebounders shouldn’t only rely on size and jumping ability, but on seeing situational opportunities to gain inside position, constantly playing the angles and fighting for position. Also, use the Box Badge for boosts to box outs.
8) Pay Attention to the Position of Your Teammates
Another thing to keep in mind of is to be aware of the position of your teammates. Usually you want to be on the opposite side of your teammate when both players are ready to get the rebound. This way, if the ball goes left or right, one of you will be in position to get the board. If your teammate is close to the hoop, go on the opposite side and a few feet back to be in position for a longer deflection on the opposite side. But in general don’t always assume a teammate will get the rebound.
9) Be TenaciousÂ
Even if you don’t get the rebound some times, being tenacious will mean the opponent will always have to worry about your player on the offensive and defensive glass. Be relentless and tenacious in looking for opportunities to grab the rebound, but at the same time, defer to a teammate if they are in better position. At the end of the day, you have to want the ball more than the opponent.
After the Rebound
10) Secure the Reb
A lot of times opponents will try to go for the on-ball or passing lane steal immediately after someone gets a rebound. Be aware of this by protecting the ball, using patience, and pass fakes (B + YÂ / Triangle + O).
11) After a Def. Reb
Options after securing a defensive rebound are a few, and the best decisions will depend on the situation. Most players pass to the open man close by, or down court to jump start the fast break. Icon pass (RB / R1) is preferable for more accuracy on who to pass to, but you can also press LB + RB / R1 + R2 to automatically chuck the ball down court to the furthest teammate. Equip the Break Starter Badge for more accurate and crisp downcourt passes after getting the defensive rebound. Or you could take it yourself for a one-man fast break, like a player like Draymond Green or LeBron James does.
12) After an Off. Reb
After an offensive rebound you have a few options. You could go back up for a shot (use Putback Boss & Fast Twitch badges to help with this), dribble it out, or kick out to the open man (use Post Playmaker Badge to help with this).
There you have it! Be sure to put these tips into practice to help you own the glass in NBA 2K22!
