REBOUNDING

rebounding is not about size, agility or leaping ability although those qualities help. It is about desire and ambition. If you are short, don't just give up a rebound because there are some giants in the paint. And if you are one of those giants, don't get too cocky; everyone else is going after the ball too.

Rebounding Tips

1. Keep moving - A good rebounding position is where you can effectively compete for a missed shot. That position, nonetheless, always changes as the predicted shooter dribbles left and right, or passes the ball to a teammate. The best rebounders, therefore, are the ones who keep moving.
2. Box out - While a missed shot is in the air, make contact with your opponent. Reach out and touch him, preferably with your forearm to his chest and our rear end to his thighs. It is an effective way to stop your opponent's momentum toward the ball.
3. Try to predict where the ball might go - To be a good rebounder, you've got to know where a missed shot is likely to land. Here are some tips for rebounding sleuths: 1.) Missed shots from a corner usually end up on the other side of the basket. 2.) Shots taken from the middle of the court usually return to the middle. But if it's left or right by just a little bit, it is likely to catch the inside of the rim, then hit the backboard and fall near the basket. 3.) Longer shots often mean longer rebounds. Since they are made with more force, they are more likely to produce a crazy bounce.
4. Two and two - Jump off both feet and grab the ball with both hands. With two hands, it is easier to catch the ball. With two feet, you can jump higher, for you use twice as much muscle to create the oomph.
5. Don't let them steal the ball back - After getting a rebound, your opponents will certainly try to poke the ball away from you. Here is what you can do to secure your possession of the ball. After rebounding, land on the floor with your legs slightly wider than your shoulders so that no one can knock you off-balance. Place your hands on the side of the ball. Keep your forearms parallel to the floor and your elbows out. Hold the ball firmly against your chest, just a bit below your chin. If a defensive player tries to slap the ball away from the side, he will risk fouling you on the arm. If he tries to tie you up for a jump ball, just pivot away, keeping your elbows wide. It is okay to pivot with your elbows wide, but keep in mind; don't swing them back and forth like weapons. You may get a technical foul.