The Daily Drive

238. Practicing in the Dark

Austin Merrill

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In this episode of The Daily Drive, we explore one of Phil Jackson’s most unconventional coaching methods: practicing in the dark. It’s a tactic that may seem strange on the surface, but it’s rooted in a powerful psychological principle—inversion.


By removing the visual element, Jackson pushed his players to rely on their instincts, communication, and mental focus. This was more than just physical practice; it was about building mental resilience and preparing for the unpredictable nature of game situations—where external distractions and pressure are inevitable.


I break down how this inversion tactic helped players like Michael Jordan perform under extreme pressure and how it can teach us all to embrace discomfort, build adaptability, and stay focused when external conditions aren’t ideal.

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