One of the most successful coaches in NBA history, Phil Jackson provides an inside look at the higher wisdom of teamwork with Sacred Hoops—Jackson’s philosophy of mindful basketball and his life-long quest to bring enlightenment to the competitive world of professional sports.
A new paradigm of leadership based on Eastern and Native American principles, Jackson’s approach flies in the face of the egoistic, winner-take-all attitude that has changed the face of American sports. Rather than winning through intimidation, Jackson—who describes himself as a Zen Christian—stresses awareness, compassion and most of all selfless team play. Filled with stories about Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Toni Kukoc and other members of the Bulls, Sacred Hoops reveals how Jackson directs his players to act with a clear mind; to respect the enemy and be aggressive without anger or violence; to live in the moment and stay calmly focused in the midst of chaos, so that the “me” becomes the servant of the “we.”
In Sacred Hoops, Jackson takes us inside the mind of the thinking man’s coach as he builds one of the greatest teams of all time. Not just for sports fans, this inspiring memoir is for anyone interested in the potential of the human spirit.
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"This was a much better book then I thought it would be. When I was in elementary school, I started reading this book and within the first 20 pages I knew that I wouldn't last. There were all this vocab and ideas that I didn't know at the time which is why I stopped reading it disappointingly. Now that I'm older, I really understood all that Phil Jackson was trying to say which is why I enjoyed the book so much. What I liked about this book was that Jackson really went in depth while analyzing the game of basketball and his experiences. The most interesting part about his ideas were that they not only applied to the game of basketball, but they also applied to life. For example, he talked about having a clear mind and stay calm in times of commotion. What I didn't like about the book was the beginning because it was a little slow. I probably thought that because I wasn't as much interested in his autobiography as much as I was his teachings and what he has learned. Overall, Sacred Hoops was a very good read for me because I could relate to his life and teachings being the basketball player I am."
— Ben (4 out of 5 stars)
“An earnest and refreshing answer to the dollar driven soullessness of modern professional sports.”
— People“Sacred Hoops is not just for sports fans, but for anyone interested in the potential of the human spirit.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review“Considered a maverick for his unorthodox coaching methods, Jackson demonstrates how he adapts the precepts of Zen Buddhism, the ways of the Lakota Sioux, and other alternative styles to the task of coaching the National Basketball Association’s Chicago Bulls.”
— Library Journal“Thought-provoking reading.”
— Booklist" Phil Jackson shares his amazing experience coaching the Chicago Bulls and how he brings spirituality, mindfulness, compassion, etc. to the basketball court. Real life spiritual lessons from one who has learnt them through his own journey. Insightful and practical wisdom for anyone keen to learn real world spirituality. "
— Mark Devan, 9/26/2015" If you are in any way interested in Zen or in the Chicago Bulls, this is a wonderful read. Also, it's just a great example of how a coach was able to apply spiritual lessons to get his team believing in something bigger than winning, bigger than contracts, and something even bigger than the game they were playing. "
— Chapin, 2/2/2014" a combination of zen principles and basketball. what could be better than that? "
— Randy, 1/19/2014" one of my all time favorite coaching books! its a goodie "
— Michelle, 1/6/2014" To anyone coach , mentor or leader this book gives great insight on how to help and provide leadership for a winning team. I read this to become a better coach in my industry and it has stuck with me through the years. "
— Rondeann, 1/2/2014" Phil Jackson is a legendary coach in the NBA. He explores the way he coached the Chicago Bulls and LA Lakers to World Championships using the intellect and the philosophy of the Lakota Indians. This book is not just for sports minded people. This book is for people who want to be the best they can b, starting from a beautiful place and finishing with ones humility in tact. I read it again and again. "
— Wayne, 1/2/2014" A must-read book on spirituality in self development for knowledge workers, managers, executives, and entrepreneurs. "
— Lori, 12/15/2013" This was an interesting book and I learned a lot about Phil Jackson that I had never known. I love reading about sports! I also think some of the leadership lessons Phil talks about in Sacred Hoops are related to my job which is cool. "
— Anne, 11/22/2013" I highly recommend this book for ideas on leadership. Phil Jackson's ideas can be applied beyond the basketball court. "
— Susan, 11/1/2013" Gets pretty repetitive, but I absolutely love basketball, Michael Jordan, and Jackson's Christian-influenced coaching - so this was a win in my books! :) "
— Rita, 6/7/2013" lessons from the Zen master / genius hoops coach, Phil Jackson. I love the idea of mixing NBA basketball and Zen philosophy. It wouldn't hurt to be a fan of The Game before you read this book, but even if you're not, its interesting to see how Phil applies the tenants of Zen to playing basketball. "
— Jena, 4/7/2013" so far, Phil Jackson (current coach of the Los Angeles Lakers) is talking about his couching of the bulls and Michael Jordan. I have found it very interesting "
— Jacob, 4/13/2012" I enjoyed the book. It gave me a new look on the game of basketball. It opened my eyes to the hardships and journey that Phil Jackson. "
— Kevon, 2/25/2012" well written, even in 2011 I still refer to this, sound advice for life, business, really anything. Phil really is a thoughtful & thought provoking guy "
— Jim, 2/18/2012" team work and hard work will lead u to success and a team that prays together,stays together and a team that walks apart,falls apart "
— Mory, 5/13/2011" It was somewhat confusing about the Zen part. He also had a lot of detail. Other than that, I learned how he coaches: he makes his players focus, and play/practice hard. "
— I'm, 5/4/2011" This was a great surprise to me, not really at all what I expected, in a good way! "
— Carlamtaylor, 4/18/2011" well written, even in 2011 I still refer to this, sound advice for life, business, really anything. Phil really is a thoughtful & thought provoking guy "
— Jim, 3/26/2011" Great book about the connection between religion and basketball in the life of Phil Jackson. Insightful read both into the sport and Jackson's life. "
— Jacob, 1/24/2011" Very inspirational. I liked the way universal spiritual applications can empower us in all walks of life. "
— Morning, 11/4/2010" Great book about the early coaching years of the zen master. "
— Mike, 9/8/2010" so far, Phil Jackson (current coach of the Los Angeles Lakers) is talking about his couching of the bulls and Michael Jordan. I have found it very interesting "
— Jacob, 9/1/2010" Patience and spirituality really come through as important dynamics to coaching sports in this book. "
— Ryan, 7/22/2010" Read this book for the second time this weekend! Great Book! Full of life lessons. "
— Dwayne, 6/20/2010" An interesting read by one of Sports geniuses. His focus on the team over the individual, highlighted by his travails to get Michael Jordan on board is fascinating. <br/> <br/>Lots of things to absorb in our increasingly self absorbed world. <br/> <br/> "
— Charles, 4/6/2010Hugh Delehanty is a former editor for Sports Illustrated and People. He is also the co-author, along with Phil Jackson, of the bestselling memoir Sacred Hoops.
Phil Jackson is the NBA’s career leader in playoff victories and playoff winning percentage; he has won nine NBA titles, tying Red Auerbach for the most in a lifetime. He currently resides in Los Angeles, where he is the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.