How can sports help us stay connected to God? In fact, through many sports analogies and experiences, we can find strong spiritual messages about relationships and faith.

In basketball terminology, author Jeff Balistrere argues that “God Doesn’t Play Zone Defense,” but rather plays man-to-man coverage. God is calling each one of us, he says – as family members, colleagues, and friends – to a very personal relationship.

Balistrere joined the Institute this summer for the Soul of Youth Sport Symposium, where he discussed how we can use familiar concepts like basketball and athletics to build greater strength and peace on the court and in life. Watch his full presentation below.