There are two times when you can get the ball off the boards: when you are on the offense and when you are on the defense. Whichever way, you must to learn these lessons to turn into a better rebounder for your team:
1. Rebounding is getting into the correct place.
Your coach constantly yells "rebound!" and you are weary of hearing it because, no matter how high you leap, your opponent is nevertheless able to grab the ball away from you. If this is your predicament, then you might not be placing yourself in the right rebounding position. Remember this: rebounding doesn't start once you get the ball on its way down, it begins on the ground. Thus, understanding where to put yourself to get the advantage is one secret to winning the rebound.
The best position is putting your body between your opponent and the ball. Take note that not all rebounds come from the basket or the backboard, so putting your body between the opponent and the basket is not always possible.
2. Rebounding is anticipating where the basketball will land.
You get the correct position but it is useless if you do not understand how to anticipate where the ball is going to go. This requires common sense. For example, if the shot is taken from the perimeter, it is probable that the basketball will bounce off strong. A short shot might yield an opposite result. What you must do is to always look at the ball and the player taking the shot. Predict where the ball will land and situate yourself taking into consideration lesson number 1. Understand that you can not always guess where the basketball will land but knowing this will increase your odds.
3. Rebounding is all about attitude (you have to WANT the ball).
As said by many, rebounding isn't about who jumps high or who stands tall; it is about who desires the basketball more. This is the third lesson you have got to learn. The attitude is all it takes to turn into a good rebounder. You might know how to position prior to the rebound and you may know how to predict where the ball will land, but if you don't want it, you will not get it.
Getting into the proper spot, anticipating where the ball will end up, and wanting the basketball the most are the 3 main factors to develop into a first-rate rebounder. Learn these and you will be controlling the board.
One final thing to think about that can make you a better rebounder is being able to jump higher. One way to learn how to jump higher is to use a program that give you instructions on improving your vertical leap. There are several good vertical jump programs available that can help you add inches to your vertical jump. Check them out to see which fits you best.
