Many basketball shoe companies have boasted claims of higher jumping and rebounding results because of their shoe technology. Designs have included air pockets, springs and miniature catapult mechanisms. While clever marketing has made these shoe ideas appealing, the real secrets to being a better rebounder comes down to skills.
Myths About Shoes
Some shoes have shown marginal increases in jumping height, but it is difficult to attribute gains solely to the shoe design. In a recent Sports Illustrated test of a shoe of the APL - Concept 1, improvements were largely found to be inconclusive. While the shoes were able to show slight improvements, they were realized in specific tests as opposed to during game situations. The increased performance was also attributed to a possible placebo or elastic muscle memory effect.
Jump Training and Endurance
Training to become a better jumper will yield far more results than a magic pair of shoes. Plyometrics, also known as jump training, helps you strengthen the major muscle groups used in jumping. If done in a controlled manner, it will promote proper form. Repetition of the proper jump mechanics will help you be a better rebounder by allowing you to consistently jump higher. Training this way will also help give you more endurance, which is a major factor in rebounding as a game goes on.
Positioning Advantage
Rebounding can also be improved by gaining the proper position advantage. When the basketball is shot, work to get in front of your opponent and in an efficient jumping position while the ball is in the air. An added advantage can be gained by attempting to knock your opponent off balance so they cannot make an efficient leap. Many coaches teach making contact to stand the opponent up in a one on one rebounding situation. This will allow you to make a better jump than them in the hopes of gaining control of the ball.
Coordination & Practice
Being a good rebounder requires hard work. It takes extra effort to make good attempts at gaining possession after each miss. However, effort must be combined with the experience of learning how to time your jump. This can only come with repetition of the skill in practice, so the more chances you get at rebounding, the better you will become.
Myths About Shoes
Some shoes have shown marginal increases in jumping height, but it is difficult to attribute gains solely to the shoe design. In a recent Sports Illustrated test of a shoe of the APL - Concept 1, improvements were largely found to be inconclusive. While the shoes were able to show slight improvements, they were realized in specific tests as opposed to during game situations. The increased performance was also attributed to a possible placebo or elastic muscle memory effect.
Jump Training and Endurance
Training to become a better jumper will yield far more results than a magic pair of shoes. Plyometrics, also known as jump training, helps you strengthen the major muscle groups used in jumping. If done in a controlled manner, it will promote proper form. Repetition of the proper jump mechanics will help you be a better rebounder by allowing you to consistently jump higher. Training this way will also help give you more endurance, which is a major factor in rebounding as a game goes on.
Positioning Advantage
Rebounding can also be improved by gaining the proper position advantage. When the basketball is shot, work to get in front of your opponent and in an efficient jumping position while the ball is in the air. An added advantage can be gained by attempting to knock your opponent off balance so they cannot make an efficient leap. Many coaches teach making contact to stand the opponent up in a one on one rebounding situation. This will allow you to make a better jump than them in the hopes of gaining control of the ball.
Coordination & Practice
Being a good rebounder requires hard work. It takes extra effort to make good attempts at gaining possession after each miss. However, effort must be combined with the experience of learning how to time your jump. This can only come with repetition of the skill in practice, so the more chances you get at rebounding, the better you will become.
