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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
Narrated by: Dan Woren
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About this listen

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. Personal Development Personal Success Sports Psychology Tennis Sports Game Sports Performance

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”)
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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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What you will learn from this book is of so much value not only for Tennis, or every sport, but for business and life in general as well.

One of the best insight books

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I enjoyed it. A very easy listen and some great lessons about how to preform at your best

Simple enjoyable book

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Playing piano under pressure has been a great challenge for me. The Inner Game has helped me explore mindfulness in a different way, to not give my inner voice (self 1) control me, but to trust my self 2 when I’m performing. The author relates and explains my trouble, without trying to say something unhelpful, like ‘positive thinking’ and ‘be in the moment’ like I’ve been told countless times in the past.

An insightful point of view to overcoming performance anxiety

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I have listened to the audio version twice and now purchased the hard copy. Key learnings and an important read imo.

Brilliant

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I’ve read and re-read this book over the years and it always provides new insights

An exploration of self

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