Is it BLOCK OUT or BOX OUT? It actually doesn’t matter. I prefer to call it a “box out” but you can refer to it as a block out also.
When I first started coaching basketball I always used the term “box out” but questioned myself when I heard a parent yell “block out” during a game. After that experience I wondered if I was using the wrong term so I asked myself, is it “box out” or block out”?
If you are reading this there is a strong chance that you have asked the same question and you want to know if you should use “box out” or “block out” when coaching basketball. Well, I am here to help! The correct answer to this question is that it really doesn’t matter if you call it boxing or blocking out. Both terms are completely acceptable but if you want to know a little more information to help you decide which term to use please continue reading.
What does the NBA say?:
The NBA added a box out stat to their analytics in 2017. I think it is safe to say that they prefer boxing out to blocking out!
What does the World Association of Basketball Coaches say?:
The World Association of Basketball Coaches calls it a block out on their website. They are a reputable and reliable source of information for all coaches and players.
The difference between “Box Out” and “Block Out”:
The only difference between the phrases “boxing out” and “blocking out” are the two words used. It doesn’t change the action! The act of blocking or boxing out happens immediately before the rebound. One player simply establishes a position in front of his matchup to gain the advantage for the rebound.
You can think of this as one player putting the other player in a “box” behind him or her so they can grab the rebound. Or the player “blocking” the other player from a better position on the court to get the rebound.
Should you use “Block Out” or “Box Out”?:
In my experience, the phrase “box out” is more commonly used than “block out”. I prefer to use the term box out and that is what I hear from most coaches. But honestly it really does not matter. You can simply call it whatever you like. Both phrases are perfectly accepted. The important thing is that you teach this very important skill to your players and use it during basketball games.
Summary:
To block out or to box out? That is the question! The answer is simple. You can use whichever one you like. The NBA prefers the term box out and the World Association of Basketball Coaches uses the term block out. Both are acceptable.
The next time you are watching a basketball game and there is a free throw shooting situation, listen to what the coaches (and parents) yell to the players in the blocks. They will either yell “box out” or block out”. Judge it for yourself!