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. Either way, you need to understand these lessons to turn into a improved rebounder for your team:

1. Rebounding is getting into the right position.

Your coach always yells "rebound!" and you are weary of hearing it since, no matter how high you jump, your opponent is nevertheless able to grab the ball away from you. If this is your dilemma, then you might not be placing yourself in the right rebounding position. Remember this: rebounding doesn't start when you get the ball on its way down, it starts on the ground. Thus, knowing where to locate yourself to get 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 arrive from the basket or the board, so placing your body between the opponent and the basket is not always possible.

2. Rebounding is being able to anticipate where the basketball will land.

You know the correct spot but it is useless if you do not know how to expect where the ball is going to go. This requires common sense. For example, if the shot is taken from the outside, it is probable that the ball will bound off strong. A short shot may well yield an opposite result. What you ought to do is to continually look at the ball and the player taking the shot. Foresee where the basketball 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 improve your chances.

3. Rebounding is all about attitude (you have to WANT the ball).

As said by many, rebounding is not just 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 may know how to position before the rebound and you may know how to predict where the ball will end up, but if you do not want it, you will not get it.

Getting into the correct position, anticipating where the ball will end up, and wanting the basketball the most are the three major factors to become a good rebounder. Learn these and you'll be controlling the boards.

One final thing to take into account 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.