The Inner Game of Tennis

The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance

By: W. Timothy Gallwey

Narrated by: Dan Woren

Length: 4 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

An accessible, invaluable guide to mastering your “inner game” to ensure success on and off the court—part of the bestselling Inner Game series, with more than one million copies sold!

“Groundbreaking . . . [The Inner Game of Tennis is] the best book on tennis that I have ever read, and its profound advice applies to many other parts of life.”—Bill Gates, GatesNotes (“Five of my All-Time Favorite Books”)

Master your game from the inside out!

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 handbook works for anybody who wants to improve their performance in any activity, from 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.

©1997 W. Timothy Gallwey (P)2007 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Groundbreaking . . . The Inner Game of Tennis is just as relevant today as it was in 1974. . . . It’s the best book on tennis that I have ever read, and its profound advice applies to many other parts of life.”—Bill Gates, GatesNotes (“Five of my All-Time Favorite Books”)

This book is amazing!

The Inner Gane of Tennis change my self perception and create a balance in me.

Excellent for inside and outside the court

I’m not a tennis player but I do study ways to increase peak performance. I love the “self 1” and “self 2” references. This books makes it so easy to reflect and understand why we do the things we do and how to improve in our growth patterns. Highly recommend for anyone looking to “up” their inner game.

Great Book

This is a great book that lays out ideas of the mind and techniques to implement them.

Dry useful and applicable to everyday life

Though tennis is the topic that is the focus the techniques discussed as it relates to self 1 and self 2 is useful in many areas of life.

It really shows you how to let go of things.

I’ve read this book twice and neither time has it led me to the wrong direction! Great book!

The best book on peak performance

Too focused on tennis techniques. Nevertheless a great read and a total gem! Highly recommended

Self 1 v. Self 2

Overall, great book. As an athlete, this book was relatable in ways that I did not expect it to be. It provided solutions to the common problems I notice myself having, and also explained why I execute a particular performance without even realizing the causes. The highlight for me was when Gallwey discussed the impact of Self 1 & Self 2. This book just brought me a lot of self awareness that I anticipate on practicing more on & off the lanes.

An amazing journey into self-discovery!!

This book has given me priceless tools to find focus, calm and connect deeply to myself. I highly recommend it and I think playing the true inner game will bring more joy and fulfillment into my life. Let the games begin :)

I keep coming back to this book every now and then

As an overthinking tennis player, this book made me realize I have had the wrong approach to performing on a court my whole life. When I'm lost or stuck at a discipline that requires concentration, I come back to this book. It's a good read.

This is Gold

Best self discovery book on the market! Go find yourself a copy and buckle up for a mind blowing ride!