How importan is Rebounding in Basketball

How important is rebounding in basketball?

"We lost the game right there because we don't get an offensive rebound and the ball hits the floor." Dirk Nowitzki

Roddman is famous for his superb rebounding ability.  Do you know why?

Imagine yourself standing in front of Rodman in the air, then you will know why.  I am not saying that Dennis gets all the rebounds by fouling.  This is because a good, aggressive play is just half a step away from a foul play.  Denis's strong power, will, andvertical leap makes him arguably the best rebounder in the NBA ever. 

Rebounding is one of the major aspects of the game.  For some players, rebounding is THE game, their only duty on the court.  It is typically a big guy's job. Under the rim, you will find warriors. They fight battles and they shed sweat and blood. That's not an exaggeration. Inside the paint, people literally fight for a superior position, they will push you, elbow you, and do every little things that might gain an edge against you.

Just how important is rebounding? Whenever you grab a rebound, your team gains a chance to shoot again while the other team actually loses it. The difference is double.
While good footwork and vertical leap is the major determinant of rebounds. It does require experience to become a good rebounder such as anticipating where the ball is landing. For example, the longer the shot or harder the rim, the farther the bounces. Simple physics.

For offensive rebounds, you will have to fight for the position under the basket. Remember that the point to offensive rebound is to earn you an edge. So do not commit the whole team to offensive rebound, else the other team will make you pay - one long pass will easily make the ball end up in the other side of the court. Always have someone stationed at the top of the key ready to retreat. If you are out-rebounded, stand in his face and prevent him from passing immediately.

Meanwhile, for defensive rebounds, you will probably be in a favorable advantage. So box out and prevent the perimeter offensive players from getting an offensive rebound and an easy basket. Your primary job should be thinking how to prevent the other team from grabbing it instead of grabbing the rebound itself. If you are unable to grab the rebound, but successful in preventing your guy from getting the rebound, you have done your job.