We hold belief systems with a variety of names - toughness, transition offense, zone defense, shot selection, analytics. Coaches study our nature including belief systems. Apply the best parts from any belief system for our ethos, earning the right to succeed.
Religions are codified belief systems. Three universal truths of Buddhism are change (anicca), unsatisfactoriness (suffering/dukkha), and not self (anatta).
Buddhism identifies five personal elements - the body, emotions, perception, thoughts, and awareness. All are in a state of flux, an impermanence argument against a fixed 'self'. We constantly evolve, for better or for worse. Instability of any impacts performance...imagine an emotional or thought disabled list, a rut.
Change is obvious. We are not the same person as we change moment to moment, aging, learning, evolving. Viktor Frankl advised understanding suffering as part of life in Man's Search for Meaning. Dissatisfaction with life, performance, lack of control are known to us. But self versus not self is vague. The Self (ego) limits us through selfishness, possessiveness, pride, anger, and hate.
Do these "truths" describe basketball?
Change. We're here to change, to improve. But within the game we change speed, direction, tempo of play, style of play, strategy. How does each player and the team function possession to possession, quarter to quarter?
Unsatisfactoriness. Coach Sonny Lane taught us, "I'm pleased but I'm not satisfied." Celebrate a victory while recognizing flaws, even in a blowout win. In Why the Best Are the Best, Kevin Eastman explains that in a winning NBA Finals game the Celtics allowed 32 Laker points off defensive mistakes. But 'unsatisfactoriness' impacts players during the game. Some sulk or quit without touches and shots. "Get past bad, sad, and mad."
Not self. Maybe not self is reality, truth, and vision of the game. That which is outside of us. Better ensues as we work as a whole, connected and selfless.
Collaboration among the players and coaching staff creates a harmony and joy that produces the best results. Every coach knows that each team is different and some teams can't find oneness on the court.
Lagniappe: Game changing...
Lagniappe 2. I'm devoting extra attention to SLOBs this season as in Massachusetts BLOBs are eliminated this season and entries occur at the foul line extended with the closest defender six feet from the passer. Special situations have always been a strength for us as we initiate play during O-D-O (offense-defense-offense) three possession games during practice.
"Great offense is multiple actions." Break this Lakers' play down as - Z - I - E
1) Zipper action to inbound
2) Iverson cut to clear the inbounder
3) Elevator screen for shot or two-man game
