There are two occasions when you can get the ball off the boards: while you are on the offense and while you are on the defense. Whichever way, you need to understand these lessons to become a better rebounder for your team:
1. Rebounding is getting into the right location.
Your coach always yells "rebound!" and you are weary of hearing it since, no matter how high you leap, your opponent is still able to grab the ball away from you. If this is your problem, then you might not be placing yourself in the right rebounding position. Think of this: rebounding doesn't start when you catch the ball on its way down, it begins on the ground. Thus, understanding where to locate yourself to obtain the advantage is one answer to getting the rebound.
The ideal location is placing your body between your opponent and the ball. Take note that not all rebounds come from the basket or the board, so putting your body between the opponent and the basket is not always doable.
2. Rebounding is anticipating where the ball will land.
You get the right position but it is worthless if you don't understand how to predict where the ball is going to go. This requires common sense. For example, if the shot is taken from the outside, it is likely that the basketball will rebound off strong. A short shot may produce an opposite outcome. 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 thought lesson number 1. Take note that you can't 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 is not all but who leaps high or who is taller; it is about who wants the ball the most. This is the third lesson you must learn. The attitude is all it takes to turn into a good rebounder. You might know how to position before 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 correct location, being able to anticipate where the ball will end up, and wanting the ball more are the three most important factors to turn into a first-rate rebounder. Learn these and you will be controlling the boards.
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 leap. Check them out to see which fits you best.