1) Determination
Be proud of rebounding, feel the rush, want it, desire it...there's no better feeling than grabbing a board under the glass and going back up with it to score!
As soon as a shot goes up, run for the rebound! Don't pause, even for a second. This is a mistake many players make. When the shot is released, they look at the ball and pause before they take off.
Instead, you should get ready for the rebound as soon as the shot is released from a player's hand...think fast and react quicker.
Many times, you'll have to fight for the rebound, jump 2, 3 or even
4 times before you'll be able to grab it. Don't give up and stay determined to grab the ball.
When you do come down with the rebound, make sure to bring the ball to your chest with your elbows out and wide. This helps protect the ball.
2) Positioning
First of all, try to get to the spot in the lane where you think the ball will land. This is very important. You have to anticipate beforehand where the ball is going to go. Even if you're wrong, its ok. With time and practice, you'll start becoming natural at anticipating where the ball will go.
Once you get to that spot, get down low with your knees bent and legs wide, so you have strong base.
Keep both of your hands raised about your shoulders and flex your abs.
3) Aggressiveness
The painted area is the best place to set yourself up for a rebound...but its also the toughest.
Be prepared to be shoved, pushed, and elbowed. If you can't handle being physical, then rebounding is not for you.
If your defensive man is fighting with you to get position, don't stop fighting even for a second. Never relax, keep on fighting stronger and harder.
True aggressiveness means that you don't waste any time at all. As soon as the shot is released, you should rush to get yourself in position. Don't wait to see if the shot is missed, assume that the shot's not going in.
75 percent of all missed shots go in a direction away from the shooter, so use this fact to your advantage. The further the shooter, the further the rebound is likely to be away from the rim.
Study and keep note of how different arcs of a shot bounce off the rim. Shots taken from the side typically go to the other side, shots taken straight on at the basket usually bounce back to the shooter.
