Get the Feistiness of Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman is one of the most outrages and flamboyant pro basketball players of all time. You may remember him as the guy with the crazy hair and the one that played with Jordan. But he did back up his antics with extraordinary play on the court which reflected his personality as a person. I consider him also one of the most underrated and players to ever play.

Dennis Rodman's accolades include:

• 5x NBA Champion

• 2x NBA Defensive Player of the Year

• 7x NBA All-Defensive First Team

• 7x Rebounding Champion

• 2x NBA All-Star

These accolades stand out to me as one that would reflect an outstanding player like Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem, Tim Duncan, or any Hall of Fame basketball player. Rodman, a lot of times, does not get the recognition he deserves because his strengths are not on the offensive end.

What made Dennis Rodman so great of a basketball player was his feistiness on the court. He makes what we call "hustle plays." He was no doubt the grunt of the team, doing all the dirty work. Most of every successful basketball team has had one of the types of players on their team.

All teams look for shooters, players that can score points, dribble the ball, and pass well. But the "X Factor" goes to the team who has all of these things, but have a guy like Dennis Rodman, who is willing to do and provide EVERYTHING but those things. Not only would Rodman do those things, but he would accept his role and not overstep the role

So what are these "things"?

• Hustle for rebounds and loose balls (see that image above!)

• Defend his teammates (some say this was a bad thing, but intimidation and not backing down give a team strength and unity

• He was selfless. Rodman sacrificed his body in order to secure an advantage in a game.

• He was an on court trouble-maker. Thats right, he was a bully. He never backed down to anyone. He would get into the head of his opponents in attempt to knock them off of their game.

So what exactly can you do to help build your game like Dennis Rodman's?

Here's some tips:

• The obvious 1st step to becoming a better rebounder is boxing out your opponent. Boxing out, if you don't know already, means to put your body physically on someone and pushing them away from the basket. You are going to want to get low and backing your opponent away with the backside of your body.

• You want to develop a good sense of where the ball is going to be after a shot. Make sure to eye the ball all the way to the basket when it is shot. Estimate quickly where the ball is most likely to be and go for it. Another tip to getting rebounds is to avoid getting boxed out! Juke and spin from your opponents to get to closer to the basket.

• Lastly, become iron-headed. Understand that you may endure painful falls to the floor and contact with other players. Sacrifice the pain for the advantage in the ball game and for your teammates. Do not allow yourself or your teammates to back down and be intimidated by opponents. Encourage toughness!