Coaching Beyond Control: Lessons from Eleven Rings

True leadership is not about domination but about presence. The greatest power a coach holds is the ability to guide without needing to control.

Phil Jackson’s Eleven Rings is more than a memoir of championships.

It’s a manifesto on coaching with balance, mindfulness, and trust. Jackson shows us that the role of a coach isn’t to shout louder or scheme harder, but to create environments where athletes can discover their own strength.

Here are five takeaways and how you can bring them into your coaching this season.

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1. Start One Practice with Silence

Before the first whistle, ask your team to sit in one minute of silence or guided breathwork.