In basketball – as in life – true joy comes from being fully present in each and every moment, not just when things are going your way. Of course, it’s no accident that things are more likely to go your way when you stop worrying about whether you’re going to win or lose and focus your full attention on what’s happening right this moment.
Phil Jackson

The coach in the NBA with the most championship titles is Phil Jackson who owns a total of eleven championship rings. He also won two championships as a player with the New York Knicks in the early 70’s giving him an overall total of thirteen. While statistics and record books paint a vivid picture of success, Jackson is most known for his ability to develop player’s mental game for basketball, and manage superstars into their roles as teammates.

He won a total of six championships for the Chicago Bulls coaching the legendary Michael Jordan as well as Dennis Rodman, and Scottie Pippen. He later moved to the Los Angeles Lakers where he won five championships managing such great players as Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. Jackson retired from basketball in 2011, but has continued to offer advice in his books and speaking engagements with developing mental toughness and basketball confidence.

Often seen as the calm within the storm, Jackson pushed his players to develop their basketball mind as well as their physical play. Pregame rituals required exercises in visualization and relaxation. His pushed his players to consistently focus on the present with no fear of the future, and no regret of the past. This concept freed their minds to greater physical performance, and improved their overall mental toughness.

Jackson also called for his players to strengthen their character in accepting their role as an unselfish teammate, and that the role of the team was far greater than any individual accomplishment. Considering some of the superb talent he coached, this role as guide and team builder is often viewed as his greatest asset.

Jackson explained this mentality when he said, “once you’ve done the mental work, there comes a point you have to throw yourself into the action and put your heart on the line. That means not only being brave, but being compassionate towards yourself, your teammates and your opponents.

The sports psychology techniques Phil Jackson used during his coaching career revolutionized the motivation to develop mental toughness within players. He treated his players as individuals but with accountability, and created a team atmosphere where each member played a significant and necessary role.

When looking back on his career and his success he offered this insight into his upbringing and childhood, “When I was young, I was dedicated to become a minister — my brothers and I were formally brought in front of the congregation in a dedication ceremony, where we were dedicated to the future service of God. Today my mother likes to point out that none of us boys became ministers. But I like to say, “Well, you know, my parish is just fifteen.” My team is my parish. That’s who I am here to nurture.

Phil Jackson forever changed the role of basketball coach, and his motivational techniques challenged his players to achieve greater confidence on the basketball court and in their lives off the court as well.