In basketball, the hoop is mounted 3 meters (9.8 ft) above the ground, and the basket is just big enough for the ball to pass through. A player holding the ball must dribble past defenders and aim precisely at the hoop suspended in the air to take a shot. The game moves quickly, but the shooting success rate is less than 50%. That’s why, in basketball, gaining control of a missed shot is as important as making the shot itself.
When the ball bounces off the backboard or rim after a failed attempt, the act of grabbing it is called a rebound. If the defending team gets the rebound, they can launch a fast break and go for a score. If the offensive team secures it, they have another chance to shoot. Points scored after an offensive rebound are called second-chance points. When facing a strong defense, some teams even strategize from the start to go after second-chance points.
There’s a saying: “He who controls the rebound controls the game.” Every missed shot is followed by a rebound. So even if you fail, don’t give up. The same goes for life as it does on the basketball court; if you see failure as another opportunity, then failure never truly defeats you.
Rebound! You can always try again.