Loading...
7th out of 154 books
—
30 voters
My rating:
add to my books
The Inner Game of Tennis
The Inner Game of Tennis is a revolutionary program for overcoming the self-doubt, nervousness, and lapses of concentration that can keep a player from winning. Now available in a revised paperback edition, this classic bestseller can change the way the game of tennis is played.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Paperback, 144 pages
Published
June 30th 2010
by Random House
There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!
sign in »
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
817)
by Timothy Gallwey, published in 1974.
As the title of this book suggests it deals with, mainly but not entirely, with the game of tennis and what goes on inside your mind during the tennis game as opposed to the physical aspects of hitting the ball.
That is not to say that Timothy Gallwey does not give practical advice on stroke production - one chapter deals specifically with that - but rather he outlines a philosophy taken from the yogi about how to deal with mind and bo...more
As the title of this book suggests it deals with, mainly but not entirely, with the game of tennis and what goes on inside your mind during the tennis game as opposed to the physical aspects of hitting the ball.
That is not to say that Timothy Gallwey does not give practical advice on stroke production - one chapter deals specifically with that - but rather he outlines a philosophy taken from the yogi about how to deal with mind and bo...more
This book was recommended to me by my vocal instructor because it isn't just about tennis, it's about learning to do anything more naturally, including singing. Our brains/ego -- "self 1" -- are not as smart as we think they are. There is no way that our brains can think through all of the small movements our body needs to do to hit a fast-coming ball with a tennis racket, or play a fast-paced jig on a fiddle. To do these sorts of things, we need to stop thinking and let our unconsciou...more
What a great book. As I was reading some of the reviews here on GoodReads, somebody mentioned something like "you should move this one up on your priority to-read list," so I did.
As a used-to-be avid tennis player who was constantly frustrated with a relatively weak forehand and somewhat inconsistent serve, this book hit my problems on the head. Furthermore, I suspect it'll help every tennis player diagnose and cure their "problems".
In fact, the best part of thi...more
As a used-to-be avid tennis player who was constantly frustrated with a relatively weak forehand and somewhat inconsistent serve, this book hit my problems on the head. Furthermore, I suspect it'll help every tennis player diagnose and cure their "problems".
In fact, the best part of thi...more
view 1 comment
This is one the most important books I've ever read (well, heard). Gallwey manages to teach us how both how to learn and how to teach in one book, and does so lucidly. The Self 1-2 abstraction is powerful and intuitive.
Not surprising but it seems this is the book that inspired the executive/business/personal coaching phenomenon in the 70s - but of all the self-development books I've read, this one tops them all!
---
It always amazes me when things I have learnt from d...more
Not surprising but it seems this is the book that inspired the executive/business/personal coaching phenomenon in the 70s - but of all the self-development books I've read, this one tops them all!
---
It always amazes me when things I have learnt from d...more
I am a musician, and this was recommended to me by another musician friend. As it turns out, many of my colleagues have read this book, so it seems as though I am the last! 'The Inner Game' has, without a doubt, been one of the most beneficial books I have ever read. Before I had even finished, some of the insights of the book had already begun to change the way that I practice, audition, and perform! I wont say that the author has come up with any ideas or concepts so revolutionary that the...more
Usually I do not read these kinds of books, but since I play tennis my dad thought that it would help me out. Not only is tennis a physical game, but it's mental too. This book really takes apart the mental side of the game, and how to improve and get better. You don't have to just play tennis, although it helps a lot if you do, to read this book. This book made me think and consider all of the points made. It is definitly not a read-in-one-day book. It takes awhile to digest everything. It also...more
I've needed to change the oil on my inner game for bout five years now so I took her in and the mechanic told me I needed new tires, an axle shift and some air freshener cause my shits stinks. Nothing BOOM explosive about the read cause most of the shit this guy drops is way old school, like Buddha, but thats what kinda makes it go Pow. Plus, if you ever drop a couple quick games to a pretty girl you underestimated you can employ chapter 2's "quieting the self techniques" which is very...more
Gwen Skrzat
added it
This book is a classic -- if you play tennis it's a must read. The author is a renowned sports and life coach who became famous with this book, in a large part because Harry Reasoner thought the principles in it couldn't possible work and challenged to author to prove them. He did, and it changed the reporters mind, and the way many of us look at how we play sports and also how we live.
It's primary thrust is to help the reader learn to apply some basic principle of non-judgment and fo...more
It's primary thrust is to help the reader learn to apply some basic principle of non-judgment and fo...more
I haven't played enough tennis since reading the book to judge whether or not it can help my game, but I think it's not an overstatement to say that it's a remarkably insightful discussion of how to approach action and activity, and--in a suitably restrained way--life more generally. Written by an academically high-achieving Harvard grad and very successful junior tennis player, the book's approach to tennis reflects a thoughtful inquiry into how one might, in a humane and ethical way, pursue e...more
I received this book as a gift a couple of years ago. I haven't played tennis in many years, but I was intrigued by the premise stated in the introduction.
Mr Gallwey asserts that each tennis player not only is playing the external game of tennis, but an inner game where the ego is fighting against the natural player inside. He terms these two opponents as Self 1 and Self 2. Self 1 wants to be in control and suffers from competitive pride. Self 2 is the natural learner, the body...more
Mr Gallwey asserts that each tennis player not only is playing the external game of tennis, but an inner game where the ego is fighting against the natural player inside. He terms these two opponents as Self 1 and Self 2. Self 1 wants to be in control and suffers from competitive pride. Self 2 is the natural learner, the body...more
I definitely agree with the core concepts espoused by this book. In short, let your subconscious (the author calls this "Self 2") do the work. Lots of good stuff in here on getting your conscious mind out of the way. I'm not entirely convinced that you should let go completely, but the author might say that's my "Self 1" talking. Perhaps that's the case. Some of the book felt a bit "woo"-ish, but overall, I enjoyed it a lot. Very easy to read, and left me with a bun...more
Definitely a worthwhile read for the athlete and non-athlete alike (but especially for the athlete). Some amazing insights given that this book preceded all of the empirical work within the field of psychology concerning the dual role of the conscious vs. unconscious mind in shaping behavior. The most difficult part is figuring out how to institute some of the suggestions in specific situations (especially in other sports). Most of the examples are of course heavily dependent on the tennis mediu...more
I finally gave up on this book after getting about 2/3 of the way through. Gallwey gets the heart of the issue pretty quickly and that's pretty much it to this book. Basically, the philosophy is yoga for tennis: be aware of what is happening in the present moment and you will stumble upon incredible insights. Also, quiet the critical mind (what Gallwey calls Self 1) and let your deeper, more instinctual impulses guide you (Self 2). In other words, trust yourself and turn off the unhelpful s...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Becca
rated it
Recommends it for:
anyone in a field that involves consistent practice and mental games.
As a classical musican, the lessons that Gallwey has taught me have been invaluable. Although he focuses on the applications of the inner game as it applies to tennis, the metaphor can easily be switched to any number of things. I know there is a book entitled The Inner Game of Music, which is much more specific to my field, but Gallwey's book says much more with fewer words.
The state of "relaxed concentration" is the one most desired for any stressful situation in which y...more
The state of "relaxed concentration" is the one most desired for any stressful situation in which y...more
I read this book because of all the wonderful reviews on it. Since I read it during months where I have not played tennis, I have yet to put the advice to work. Thus I cannot vouch for whether it really is useful in a practical sense. I can say it makes sense even without having put it to real use yet though, and can be applied to other areas. I think how successful someone is following it depends on the person. Even the best books can only do so much.
During all the years I have played sports, whether on a highly competitive or mediocre competitive stance, I have never received greater sports psychology than I have with this book. Timothy Gallwey takes about the game of tennis and how to overcome negative ideas, thoughts, and actions that interfere with one's success. The amazing part of his writing is that a non-tennis player can read this book and gain just as much if not more than the actual tennis player.
This book could also be named zen and the art of tennis. If you are a tennis player maybe it is more interesting and useful. For me it was just a recap of the basic principles of being present, focused on the hear and now, and letting go of your attachments, with a lot of tennis stuff interspersed. A useful message if you haven't been exposed to it before, but done better in other books than this one.
Well, this was one of the first books I read on tennis. I am a "late bloomer" in tennis. I started in my late thirties, and I can hit the ball (most of the time). I found Gallwey's style interesing and very freeing. It was almost buddhist. Then there is always the oxymoron that when you stop caring about winning, then you can win. (but then do you enjoy it?)
must read for anyone trying to improve in any sport, and probably other things too. Practice is no longer frustrating. A bad shot: I console myself that "Self 2" (the subconscious) has learned something. A surprisingly good shot? I don't dismiss it as "luck", it was Self 2 knowing what to do. I have taught myself a lot by using his principles.
While my tennis skills have long ago waned, I am a classical guitarist who, like many performers, experiences some significant performance anxiety. After reading this book, my playing in general and my on-stage performance in particular has improved immensely. I'm playing better and having a lot more fun doing it. Gallway offers both an honest, probing analysis of the mental games we play with ourselves on stage and a clear vision of the kind of mindset we could learn to have. It's difficult to ...more
This book was superb for those who play sports and are looking to improve. The book was about calming the mind to let your body play fluid throughout your game and techniques about winning mentally. I really liked when Gallwey referenced to his life experiences to get his point across. I recommend this book to all athletes.
The last 3 chapters were the most useful to me since I am not a regular tennis player anymore. Although I did understand the concepts in the first 7 chapters, I found the text somewhat dull. The application of the inner game to everyday life was of most interest to me, and I particularly enjoyed identifying myself in the "games people play" chapter. I would read the last few chapters again, or the whole book if I get back into tennis.
This book is actually pretty good. When tennis was my only passion and my only hobby, I got so far into it, even the psychological aspects were part of my book shelf. This book improved my game about 25%. It could also teach focus and mental discipline. I really enjoyed this and I enjoyed applying it to my game.
This book is actually pretty good. When tennis was my only passion and my only hobby, I got so far into it, even the psychological aspects were part of my book shelf. This book improved my game about 25%. It could also teach focus and mental discipline. I really enjoyed this and I enjoyed applying it to my game.
I read this book for a voice class while at BYU. Gallwey's theory of Self 1 and Self 2 working for and against each other is applicable to any sort of sport or activity that requires mastery. I only read it because I had to, but I still think about it whenever I am learning something new.
Amazing book about tennis from the inside out. The lessons from this book apply to anything and everything in life. The book mainly focuses on allowing our right brain to take over and not let the left brain get in the way of being in the moment and living in harmony with what is.
Great sports psychology book offering lessons that can be applied to any sport or life in general. I've only played tennis a handful of times in my life but, oddly enough, I found this book to be extremely helpful to both my golf game and my work in coaching basketball.
I found a dusty copy of the original in the campus library in college in 1985. Didn't entirely change my life, but went along way towards shaping my outlook on life.
Also, a really, really, really good book on focusing in any sport.
So good, on so many levels, in so many ways.
Also, a really, really, really good book on focusing in any sport.
So good, on so many levels, in so many ways.
I read this book because it was recommended to me by two people as a unique perspective on separating the inner critical mind with the natural mind. I really enjoyed reading it, but it was a little repetitive, with the entire premise summed up in the final chapter. Interesting perspective and way of examining how, in our quest for perfection and success, our mind can work against us.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Readers Also Enjoyed
W. Timothy Gallwey (born 1938 in San Francisco, California) is an author who has written a series of books in which he has set forth a new methodology for coaching and for the development of personal and professional excellence in a variety of fields, that he calls "The Inner Game." Since he began writing in the 1970s, his books include The Inner Game of Tennis, The Inner Game of Golf, T...more
More about W. Timothy Gallwey...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“When we plant a rose seed in the earth, we notice that it is small, but we do not criticize it as "rootless and stemless." We treat it as a seed, giving it the water and nourishment required of a seed. When it first shoots up out of the earth, we don't condemn it as immature and underdeveloped; nor do we criticize the buds for not being open when they appear. We stand in wonder at the process taking place and give the plant the care it needs at each stage of its development. The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change; yet at each state, at each moment, it is perfectly all right as it is.”
—
5 people liked it
More quotes…
