rebounding

Rebounding refers to gaining possession after the ball bounces off a surface or after a missed shot. The term is widely used in basketball, but it also describes similar processes in physics and medicine. In sports contexts, rebounding determines how long a team holds possession and can shape defense and transition play. The concept depends on position, timing, and the ability to secure the ball cleanly.

In basketball, rebounds are categorized as offensive rebounds (offensive team retains possession after a miss) and defensive rebounds (defensive team gains the ball). Box-out technique, ball positioning, and anticipation are key skills. Rebounding rates measure effectiveness; players who excel at rebounding often contribute to defense and second-chance scoring. Rebounding can also influence pace, with teams preferring quick outlets after stops.

In physics, rebound describes the reflection of a moving object from a surface. The extent of rebound is described by the coefficient of restitution, ranging from 0 (perfectly inelastic, no rebound) to 1 (perfectly elastic, full energy retention). Real collisions involve energy loss through deformation, heat, or sound. Applications include sports equipment design, material testing, and impact safety.

In medicine and pharmacology, rebound can describe a temporary return of symptoms or physiological responses after a drug dose is reduced or stopped (rebound effect). Rebound tenderness is a clinical sign in abdominal examination, where pain increases after pressing and releasing the abdomen. The term also appears in discussions of withdrawal effects or rebound headaches.