Five Key Basketball Skills

Formerly a founding partner with Zaher Investment Inc., Raji Zaher managed a number of domestic and international investment accounts. Currently the president of 5 PLY, Raji “R.J.” Zaher spends much of his free time coaching youth soccer and basketball teams.

Basketball provides an opportunity for children to improve coordination, endurance, and strength as they work on the following key skills:

1. Dribbling: Bouncing the ball while running requires the development of hand strength and coordination, as well as a great deal of control.

2. Passing: Learning how and when to pass the ball between players is a key part of working as part of a team.

3. Running: Whether running after an opponent on defense or running to score a basket, basketball helps children increase their stamina and heart health.

4. Jumping: A key movement for children, jumping is necessary in shooting, catching passes, and in grabbing rebounds before the opponent does.

5. Shooting: Proper shooting requires leg and arm strength to help the ball reach the basket, along with precise aiming to achieve an accurate shot. 

Developing an Effective Basketball Shooting Technique

Based in Michigan, Raji “RJ” Zaher owns and operates 5 PLY, LLC, a company that sources and distributes personal protective equipment. Passionate about sports, Raji Zaher maintains a strong community presence and coaches youth soccer and basketball.

When it comes to improving shooting accuracy in basketball, it’s important to focus on maintaining a comfortable stance, with the shooting foot just slightly in front of the non-shooting foot. Line up the pads of your fingertips along the ball’s horizontal seams, which allows backspin to be controlled.

Spread your fingers wide enough to ensure that the ball can be comfortably balanced in one hand, and leave some space between the middle palm and the ball. The elbow of the shooting hand should be bent and positioned under the ball, while the non-shooting hand should be positioned at the side of the ball. The non-shooting hand should provide stability and should not move or add any spin to the shot.

Shooting the basketball requires an uncoiling motion that involves the legs, core, and arm moving in tandem with the elbow and wrists, which extend straight toward the basket. With this straight-line orientation, the ball will come off the fingers with a symmetrical backspin that provides just the right arc into the basket.