What should a player focus on to effectively box out an opponent?

To effectively box out an opponent, a player should concentrate on positioning and body contact. This skill is crucial for gaining an advantage when trying to secure a rebound. Proper positioning involves anticipating where the ball is going to land and positioning oneself between the opponent and the basket. Establishing solid body contact allows a player to maintain control of their space and prevent the opponent from easily navigating around them to gain a rebounding position.

While height and jumping ability can certainly aid in rebounding, they are not the primary focus when it comes to boxing out. Instead, it's the correct use of body positioning and maintaining contact that ensures a player can effectively shield their opponent. Speed and agility are also helpful in many facets of basketball, such as transitioning and defense, but they are not as critical in the specific context of boxing out, where establishing a strong base and being physically present is more important.

Consequently, the emphasis should be on the tactical aspects of body positioning and effective use of one's body to maximize rebounding opportunities.