The lessons in this concise book can be applied to many sporting endeavors. ( )

My first choice for first chapter books. The gentle magic and amazing story makes parents and children smile. ( )

'introduced to The Inner Game of Tennis as a graduate student years ago, I recognized the obvious benefits of Gallwey's teachings....Whether we are preparing for an inter-squad scrimmage or the National Championship Game, these principles lie at the foundation of our program.'-from the Foreword by Pete Caroll, head football coach, USC

Master your game from the inside out!

With more than 800,000 copies sold since it was first published thrity-years ago, this phenomenally successful guide has become a touchstone for hundreds of thousands of people. Not just for tennis players, or even just for athletes in general, this handboook works for anybody who wants to improve his or her performance in any activity, form playing music to getting ahead at work. W. Timothy Gallwey, a leading innovator in sports psychology, reveals how to:

Focus your mind to overcome nervousness, self-doubt, and distractions.
Find the state of 'relaxed concentration' that allows you to play at your best.
Build skills by smart practice, then put it all together in match play.

Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Gallwey's engaging voice, clear examples, and illuminating anecdotes will give you the tools you need to succeed.

W. Timothy Gallwey has produced a series of bestselling Inner Game books, whch set forth a new methodology for the development of personal and professional excellence in a variety of fields. For the last twenty years Gallwey has been introducing the Inner Game approach to corporations looking for better ways to manage change. He lives in Malibu, California.

Contents

Foreword by Pete Carroll, Head Football Coach, USC Trojans
Preface by Zach Kleinman, Coach: Sports and Life
Introduction
One Reflections on the mental side of tennis
Two The discovery of the mental side of tennis
Three Quieting self
Four Trusting self
Five Discovering technique
Six Changing habits
Seven Concentration: Learning to focus
Eight Games people play on the court
Nine The meaning of competition
Ten The inner game off the court

A book more about inner peace, breathing and meditation than about Tennis. Loved it even though I know nothing thing about Tennis. ( )

I hadn't expected a Zen book, but here we are. This book is short and to the point, and presents a couple of very good takes on not-just-tennis. It applies at the very least to every physical activity *and* anything that works like a competition. The insights on physical activity have been immediately helpful for me in everyday life, and the thoughts on competition will do the same once I've had time to think about them for a bit. Highly recommended. ( )