#134 Coach Phil Jackson (4), turning the mundane into the sacred.

<p>All teams face the grind, the mundane, even the doldrums, throughout the course of their time together. How can coaches keep spirits up, and &quot;even make the mundane sacred?” Coach Jackson and Professor Miller discussed:</p>

<ol>

<li>The responsibility that players have for playing.</li>

<li>The coach can bring some fun and joy to the season.</li>

<li>Times of the season that can become a drag.</li>

<li>Giving out books to players. </li>

<li>Giving players a “shield.” “Name your hero. Who motivated you? Favorite music?…”</li>

<li>The “bulls-eye.” “What’s your relationship to the team? Where do you fit on the team? Using the bulls-eye as a discussion point. “Why did you place yourself outside of the circle?” Getting a personal relationship with the players.</li>

<li>Collected silly fines as winnings for shooting games. Fun and competition. “It changes up the day or gives them some little incentive... just something different.&quot;</li>

<li>Had rookies read &quot;20 principles of good behavior.” Then got to know players’ reading levels and gave other books.</li>

<li>Formal meditation session before videos.</li>

<li>George Mumford assessing, “How are we doing as a group (in relation to the mid-line)?” Conversation starter. Get to know lives of teammates.</li>

<li>Relating the 8-fold principles of Buddism to the offense.</li>

<li>Inserting comedian clips into the video. Bring humor into it.</li>

<li>Theme videos for particular opponents. Drawing from certain movies, etc. </li>

<li>Having players grit their teeth on pencils to demonstrate aggression. Led to laughter.</li>

<li>Tai Chi in front of big mirrors. Be willing to try new things!</li>

<li>Seeing an eagle fly by.</li>

<li>“Be patient with me, because I’m going to try different stuff.”</li>

<li>Giving players Sundays off. “It’s a day for you family. A day for your spiritual recovery.”</li>

<li>Working closely with trainers to gauge players’ recovery and readiness.</li>

<li>How to handle long lay-offs and keep players fresh.</li>

<li>The Thanksgiving practice routine: Turkey Trot game. Keeping things fresh and fun.</li>

<li>Using symbolism: “The Way of the Warrior,” “The Chase for the White Buffalo”</li>

<li>Shields, arrows, prayer arrow, headdress all in the team meeting room.</li>

<li>What is your space? How do you respond when someone comes into your space? Retaliation? Fight mode? Being centered.</li>

<li>Rubber band snap for re-centering.</li>

<li>Knowing Awareness Training (KAT). Players were having difficulty learning. </li>