Obviously, the team that scores the most points wins, but what a lot of people fail to realize is that rebounds are nearly as important as points. How could rebounds be nearly as important as points scored? More rebounds means more opportunities for your team to score and fewer opportunities for your opponents.
 
Basketball coaches love players that work hard on the glass because they know how crucial winning the battle of the boards is to winning the game. If you aren’t getting the playing time you feel you deserve, a great strategy to earn more minutes is to improve your rebounding game. Use these tips to help you along the way:

1. Rebounds on Fast Breaks

When your team is pushing the ball in transition and has a fast break, run to the front of the basket. The defense typically will be out of position trying to stop the quick basket allowing you to either be open underneath for an easy score, or in a great position to collect a rebound and get a second chance if your teammates’ shot misses.

2. Clean Up Your Teammates’ Trash on Their Dribble Drive

If one of your teammates successfully penetrates using a dribble drive, follow behind them on their way to the hoop. In all likelihood, your teammate will attract the attention of multiple defenders, causing them to collapse on him. This will leave you open to grab an easy rebound if he shoots and misses, or maybe even put you in a position to make a layup.

3. Start Moving as Soon as Your Positive a Shot is Coming

If you react to a shot before your opponents, you will be able to get yourself in a more favorable position for the rebound.

Be careful not to be too quick when playing defense, as there is a fine balance between reacting too soon and too late.

This is because if you anticipate a rebound too early, you risk getting out of position defensively and letting your man get open for an easy bucket. However, once you are certain a shot is in progress, get yourself between the basket and your man so you can get to the rebound first.

4. Practice Drills that Force You to Rebound Everywhere

Many players will only make attempts at a rebound if the ball come close to them, and watch anything that seems out of reach.

That is the mark of a bad rebounder; effective rebounders will go after the ball no matter how far from it they may be.

To help teach yourself to work for rebounds no matter where they’re, have a friend throw a ball off the background and rim so that it lands far away from your position, and then sprint and get it, throwing it back to your friend and getting back in position to rebound again. This type of basketball training not only improves rebounding but also overall conditioning.

It is important when doing your basketball training that you’re focusing on the specific elements of your game you wish to improve. Broad training is better than no training, but if you want to accelerate your development you need to hone in on your deficiencies and work hard to correct them.

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