The principle of the Taoist concept of ‘nonaction’ in modern tactical actions of basketball players

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Postgraduate student Wang Haowei1
Dr. Hab., Professor V.S. Makeeva1
1The Russian University of Sport «GTSOLIFK», Moscow

Objective of the study is to determine the role and ways of incorporating the Taoist concept of ‘non-action’ (wu-wei) into the modern tactics of student basketball teams' interaction through ball passing.
Methods and structure of the study. In the course of the research, an analysis of theoretical sources was carried out, a comparative analysis of traditional and new strategies for player interaction in attack was conducted, and the essence and rationale of the theory of ‘non-action’ when implemented in the tactics of modern teams was revealed.
Results and conclusions. The principle of ‘non-action’ (wu-wei) in modern basketball is presented as a special type of game interaction that goes beyond the mechanical passing of the ball, the essence of which is to achieve a result by disguising actions as random while they are strictly purposeful, with centimetre precision; performing movements without excessive effort, but with a devastating effect on the opponent's defence; unpredictability and calculation.
Achieving wu-wei in ball passing is possible when the conditions of naturalness and lack of tension in movements are observed; spontaneous reaction to the game situation instead of rigid adherence to the plan; harmonious integration into the overall rhythm of the team, when the pass becomes part of the collective ‘flow’.

Keywords: passing the ball in basketball; wu-wei; Taoist philosophy; player interaction; sports wisdom.

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