The Inner Game of Tennis: The classic guide to the mental side of peak performance

This is an outstanding book first published in early 70s. This book is rated very high in sports circle and I came across this author and book in one magazine article. The book is written for Tennis and how to improve the game and technique using mind games like how to use visualization, how and why visualization helps improve the game, right attitude towards the game, how to focus attention at will, how focus improves the performance, etc. In one interview in magazine he has claimed that he can improve the aspect of game for any one in flat 20 minutes. When you read this book you will understand how he accomplishes that magic. Although the game used as an performance improvement example is Tennis this method and process can be applied in any game that involves mastery of some technique. The author has written a similar books on Golf and business also. When you read this book you will understand that the mind management techniques that he proposes to elevate your game can be applied in other sports and in other aspects of life. From the book it s obvious he is influenced by eastern mind management techniques. The similar techniques are used in martial arts also to do seemingly impossible deeds. His key message is focus improves the performance and if you visualize the desired result and trust your subconscious then it will often take you towards your goal faster than otherwise. He wants to avoid distracting self criticism that hinders our improvement. I think corporate HR folks should read this book to understand kind of damage caused by current feedback system. In the magazine articles that i read there were testimonials of basket ball and base ball players from the recent past and how they improved dramatically. It shows enduring appeal and usefulness of this book and methods even after 40+ years. I have used his method of instant focusing to improve my (recreational) running technique and form to good extent. Highly recommended to all aspiring sports people. Also recommended for stock traders and investors who want to improve their performance under stressful conditions. In fact any endeavor where you have to perform under great deal of stress e.g. sales presentation are fair candidates for his methods.

I have just witnessed the best book of my life, read it and found the new inner peace, not only for tennis, but for the way of living.

Great book

Though titled inner game of tennis, one can apply the concepts described in the book to most areas of life. Very interesting and useful and we’ll resonate with principles of Living in the present and mindfulness. Would recommend to everyone not just to tennis players.

There are very few books that truly give you a sense of clarity when you're done reading them. This book gave me that. I have seen countless instances of people trying too hard, and systematically getting worse. This is an eye-opening insight into why that happens, and how to get around it. How to elevate your game, and how to just get in the flow. I have played various sports at various different levels, and have grappled with the concepts of mastery, competition, and excellence, never really reaching a meaningful conclusion for myself. This book might just have got me there. There is still a long journey remaining, but this is certainly an excellent start. Would recommend it to every athlete and coach.

I recommend this book to all professionals who dispite having all skills have not achieved full potential due to lack of inner game, thanks

The book is a good reinforcement of the power of subconscious mind. The author presents a being as a combination of Self 1 (conscious) and Self 2 (subconscious) and highlights that peak performance in any field can be attained only by establishing harmony in these two pieces. Self 1 is presented as egoistical and limiting, while Self 2 as omniscient & omnipotent provided it is nurtured properly. Great emphasis has been laid on one's need to surrender to powers of Self 2. You would not find a lot of 'new' things in the book but it is a good reminder for you to let things happen than trying hard to make them happen.

I recommend this book for everyone who is in competition either you are student studying or a sports player. You face mental challenges and this book will coach you to overcome it.