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The Inner Game of Tennis

The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance

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The Inner Game of Tennis

By: W. Timothy Gallwey, Pete Carroll - introduction
Narrated by: Dan Woren
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About this listen

 The timeless guide to achieving the state of “relaxed concentration” that’s not only the key to peak performance in tennis but the secret to success in life itself—part of the bestselling Inner Game series, with more than one million copies sold!

“Groundbreaking . . . the best guide to getting out of your own way . . . Its profound advice applies to many other parts of life.”—Bill Gates, GatesNotes (“Five of My All-Time Favorite Books”)

This phenomenally successful guide to mastering the game from the inside out has become a touchstone for hundreds of thousands of people. Billie Jean King has called the book her tennis bible; Al Gore has used it to focus his campaign staff; and Itzhak Perlman has recommended it to young violinists. Based on W. Timothy Gallwey’s profound realization that the key to success doesn’t lie in holding the racket just right, or positioning the feet perfectly, but rather in keeping the mind uncluttered, this transformative book gives you the tools to unlock the potential that you’ve possessed all along.

“The Inner Game” is the one played within the mind of the player, against the hurdles of self-doubt, nervousness, and lapses in concentration. Gallwey shows us how to overcome these obstacles by trusting the intuitive wisdom of our bodies and achieving a state of “relaxed concentration.” With chapters devoted to trusting the self and changing habits, it is no surprise then, that Gallwey’s method has had an impact far beyond the confines of the tennis court.

Whether you want to play music, write a novel, get ahead at work, or simply unwind after a stressful day, Gallwey shows you how to tap into your utmost potential. No matter your goals, The Inner Game of Tennis gives you the definitive framework for long-term success. Personal Development Personal Success Sports Psychology Tennis Sports Performance

Critic Reviews

“A Zen classic for all of us. The Inner Game gave me faith. It convinced me that I only needed to get out of my own way.”—The Washington Post

“W. Timothy Gallwey’s handbook has been holy writ for generations of hackers and better players as well. Now it’s been reissued in a special 50th-anniversary edition as sleek as a Roger Federer backhand up the line.”—The Wall Street Journal

“In the history of coaching, this is a revolutionary moment. W. Timothy Gallwey discovers that performance is all about focus. The Inner Game of Tennis is not just a tennis book . . . because inner voices torture all of us—not just country-club tennis players.”—Michael Lewis, author of The Big Short
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Really enjoyed it but I found myself zoning out a bit when things got repetitive. Would still recommend listening/reading it however

Interesting but a bit long winded

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This book is not just about tennis it gives you tools to live a better life free of judgement if you listen well and clearly to it.

No just about tennis

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Great for tennis players at all levels.

I liked a lot of the examples and tips.

Can recommend it for most players but keep in mind it's not a technique instruction book.

Excellent tips

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The book strips back the noise of modern cognition training allowing for the simplistic yet fundamental expression of self to be exposed (this being self 2). A good reminder to remain grounded in any situation and allow our minds to learn and grow. A good commentary for continued mental stimulation and growth. Only criticism is the lack of depth in the role of enthusiasm, as this stoic approach can sometimes be misconstrued as a guide to a passive life (never to high, never to low). Thorough research will suggest otherwise, however, the message to the newcomer short be clear. Allowing self 2 to dominate, does not mean to not show vulnerability and enthusiasm. Quite the contrary in fact!

Good, easy listening.

Fitting for the modern psyche

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Not what I expected of this book but it’s a great reframe compared to how I’ve been thinking about the mental side of the game.

Great reframe for thinking about tennis

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