Today’s Playbook

Here’s what’s been on my mind in this week’s newsletter:

• 🏀 Friction Removers: Making It Easier to Win

• 🌱 Why Basketball Players Should Meditate

• ▶️ YouTube → How I Prepare for a BRUTAL Euroleague Season

🏀Friction Removers: Making It Easier to Win – On and Off the Court

In the last newsletter, we talked a bit about Friction Removers. This time, I’d like to share how I’ve personally dealt with the frictions I’ve experienced.

A friction remover is anything that eliminates the small obstacles that could slow you down or tempt you to skip what matters. They make the right choice, the easy choice, no excuses.

Every athlete has experienced that nightmare moment: you get to the gym, open your bag, and realize something’s missing. Or maybe you had to rush out the door because something came up, and the whole ride you’re thinking, “Did I forget my shoes? My socks? My shooting sleeve?

That little bit of doubt can completely throw off your pre-game rhythm. And if your game doesn’t go the way you want, your mind starts replaying those mistakes from earlier, the rush, the distractions, the missing gear, instead of staying focused on the court.

That’s why I rely so heavily on friction removers. At the pro level, it’s not just about talent or work ethic, it’s about consistency. Friction removers are what eliminate the small obstacles so I can lock in and perform at my best.

How I Use Friction Removers as a Pro Player

Here are some examples:

• Morning Training Prep:
  If I have a morning workout, I lay out my practice gear the night before: shoes, socks, shorts, shooting shirt, all in one place. My water bottle is filled, and my bag is packed. That way, I’m out the door in minutes, no scrambling.

• Recovery Readiness:
  My foam roller, massage ball, and resistance bands live in one bag so I can start recovery work right after games, eliminating the need to search for equipment when I’m tired.

• Film Study Efficiency:
  I bookmark game film clips and keep my notes organized. This way, when it’s time to review, I can dive straight into the important plays without wasting time hunting for the footage.

Why It Matters

At the pro level, you can’t afford wasted energy. If I’m wondering whether I packed the right socks, that’s mental focus I’m not putting into reading defenses or preparing for matchups. Friction removers give me peace of mind. They let me walk into the arena knowing everything is handled, so all my attention is on the game itself.

When my system is tight, my mind is clear. And when my mind is clear, that’s when I play my best basketball.

And remember Faith + Consistency™. That’s the formula.

🌱Why Basketball Players Should Meditate

Basketball isn’t just a physical game; it’s a mental battle.
From making split-second decisions under pressure to staying focused through exhaustion, the mental demands of the sport are intense. If your body is ready but your mind isn’t, your performance will suffer.

One of the most powerful (and underrated) ways to train your mind is meditation.

Why Meditation Matters

• Sharper Focus → Stay locked in on plays, strategies, and your role on the court.

• Calm Under Pressure → Handle clutch moments without letting nerves take over.

• Emotional Control → Prevent frustration, anger, or overexcitement from affecting your game.

• Faster Mental Recovery → Reset your mind after games or training sessions.

A Challenge For You

After finishing an intense practice, whether it’s sprints, tough drills, or heavy lifting, when your heart’s still racing and sweat’s pouring, try solving a quick puzzle in just a few seconds.

It might seem easy, but give it a shot and let me know how it goes!

That’s basketball in a nutshell! Your body is drained, but you still need to think clearly, make quick decisions within milliseconds, and execute the right play.

Meditation is like your mental gym. It teaches your brain to stay calm, clear, and focused even when you’re under physical stress.

How I Meditate as an Athlete

Here’s my post-stretch meditation routine:

1. Find a Quiet Space → Somewhere with minimal distractions. In your backyard, on your terrace, in a park, on a bench outside, or even in my car.

2. Sit Comfortably → Back straight, shoulders relaxed, hands resting on knees.

3. Set a Timer → 10 minutes is enough to reset the mind.

4. Focus on Breathing → Inhale deeply through the nose for 4 seconds, hold for 2, exhale slowly for 6.

5. Anchor the Mind → If thoughts drift, I bring my focus back to my breath or silently repeat a word like “focus” or “calm.”

6. End with Gratitude → Before opening my eyes, I think of one thing I’m grateful for in my training or life.

When to Meditate

• After Stretching → Muscles relaxed, body still, mind ready.

• Before a Game → To calm nerves and lock in.

Takeaway

Meditation isn’t just for yogis, it’s for competitors. Just like weightlifting builds strength, meditation builds mental toughness. Add it to your training routine and you’ll notice the difference not only in your game, but in your overall well-being.

Here’s the link, as always, to my full list of guides, available to you as a part of the Playbook Community! Playbook Guides (Workouts, Pro Tips, Mobility Guides, Recovery info, Pilates Workout etc)

▶YouTube Journey

After 7 pro seasons, I’ve learned this: the offseason is everything.

In this video, I break down my full summer routine, including recovery, skills, mindset, and structure, as well as the approach I use to come back stronger every year.

Whether you're chasing minutes, a contract, or just levelling up, this will help.

Keep Reading

Thank you for grabbing your Playbook 🙏

If you have comments, questions, or suggestions, PLEASE respond to the newsletter about anything. I want to hear from you and I promise, I read every response. My goal is to continue making a great Playbook and building a great community where we all get better together. And you’re a part of that journey!

Let’s Build Confidence + Consistency™, on and off the court!

Elijah