Phil Jackson was known to rarely call timeout. When he did it was effective. Here’s why.
Phil Jackson shares his insights on how he effectively utilized timeouts during games. Given the distractions of a heated game, especially in a big arena, Jackson didn’t always try to talk to his whole group of players to make a difference in play after a timeout. Instead, he pulled a single individual aside to talk.
In these 1-on-1 situations, Jackson tried to guide players to refocusing, often by asking them to draw strength from a safe spot inside of them that would lift them up during a rough point in a game. This visualization routine he used with his players came in handy when there was a need to refocus on the court. Jackson references his success with Shaquille O’Neal when he worked on this with him, and how it helped in high-tension situations.
Positive Coaching Alliance develops BETTER ATHLETES, BETTER PEOPLE through resources for youth and high school sports coaches, parents, administrators and student-athletes. In addition to 1,000+ free audio-video and printable tips and tools at PCADevZone.org, PCA has partnered with roughly 3,000 schools and youth sports organizations nationwide to deliver live group workshops, online courses and books that help those involved in youth and high school sports create a positive, character-building youth sports culture.