There are two times where you can get the ball off the boards: when you are on the offense and when you are on the defense. Whichever way, you must to learn these lessons to become a better rebounder for your team:

1. Rebounding is getting into the right location.

Your coach continuously yells "rebound!" and you are tired of hearing it because, no matter how high you jump, your opponent is still able to take the ball away from you. If this is your problem, then you might not be placing yourself in the right rebounding position. Remember this: rebounding doesn't start once you catch the ball on its way down, it starts on the ground. Thus, knowing where to position yourself to obtain the advantage is one secret to winning the rebound.

The ideal position is placing your body between your opponent and the ball. Take note that not all rebounds come from the basket or the backboard, so putting your body between the opponent and the basket is not always possible.

2. Rebounding is being able to anticipate where the ball will end up.

You get the correct spot but it is useless 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 probable that the basketball will rebound off strong. A short shot may well yield an opposite result. What you should do is to always observe the ball and the player taking the shot. Guess where the basketball will land and position yourself taking into thought lesson number 1. Take note that you can not always guess where the basketball will end up but knowing this will increase your odds.

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

As said by many, rebounding isn't all but who leaps high or who stands tall; it is about who desires the ball the most. This is the third lesson you have got to learn. The attitude is all it takes to turn into a first-class rebounder. You might know how to position before rebounding and you may know how to predict where the ball will end up, but if you don't want it, you will not get it.

Getting into the proper spot, being able to anticipate where the basketball will end up, and wanting the basketball the most are the 3 main factors to become a good rebounder. Understand these and you'll be controlling the board.

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.