The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance

Know Your 'Selves' Better

As most people can guess by the title, the "inner game" of tennis is the game that takes place iin the mind of the player and is played against barriers such as nervousness, self-doubt, etc.

To gain clarity on the mental problems in tennis, the book looks at the concepts of "Self 1" and "Self 2". Self 1 is the name that is given to the conscious ego-mind which likes the tell Self 2, you and your potential, how to hit the ball and play the game. Or, to put it another way, Self 1 is the "teller" and Self 2 the "doer". I found this to be an interesting idea, as we have all caught ourselves talking to ourselves or have seen others talking to themselves during a game. If you ask someone who they are talking to, they will usually say "I'm talking to myself." This, of course, implies that there are 2 "selves", "I" and "myself"- and so is born the idea of Self 1 and Self 2. Pretty astutue observation in my opinion.

Now according to the book, to achieve peak performance, the key is to resolve any lack of harmony between the two selves, as it is the contrary thinking of Self 1 which causes interference with the natural abilities of Self 2. This requires the learning of several inner skills, such as the art of letting go of self-judgements, letting Self 2 do the hitting, recognizing and trusting the natural learning process, and so on- which is what much of the books spends discussing.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who plays tennis (or any other sport for that matter) as it does a great job in dealing with the fact that many of our difficulties in tennis are indeed mental in origin. Other helpful books for tennis players I've come across include Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

A great book for athletes, coaches, teachers, and parents

I don't play tennis, but I do enjoy sports, and I find the process of learning new skills fascinating. This book greatly influenced my own understanding of how I learn, and it has helped me improve my aid to others who are learning a new skill. The relevance of the book goes far beyond tennis... anyone who teaches young children, who is learning or teaching any type of physical skill, or who simply wants a user-friendly insight into physical learning would benefit from this book.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great Book! Everyone can learn a lot even if you dont play tennis!

The best sports psychology book that can be applied to all sports, business, artwork, horse training and any other competetive situations.
It's great to have it read to you on an audiobook!

This is a must read for any athlete who needs to be focused.

I am so glad that this book was recommended to me to help with my bowling even though it says tennis on the cover. This book really explains how your mind can take control of what your body already knew how to do and ruin a perfectly good game. Excellent!

Just what a new player really needs to "hear"

As a new tennis player at 53, this book did more to improve my game than anything. It really puts the inner mind game to rest. The author makes the process very uncomplicted and it makes the reader wonder why no one has ever explained this game in this perspective before.

I recommend it to other players who are just starting and to those who keep repeating the same mistakes over and over and then are frustrated that they know what the fix is but, they don't do it.

I have now gone through several league games and practice sessions after reading the book over a few times and I have enjoyed my time on the court far more without beating myself up with, "Why can't I hit that shot? I know how to do that."

I think every tennis player regardless of skill level should add this to their library.

Know Your 'Selves' Better

As most people can guess by the title, the 'inner game' of tennis is the game that takes place iin the mind of the player and is played against barriers such as nervousness, self-doubt, etc..... To gain clarity on the mental problems in tennis, the book looks at the concepts of 'Self 1' and 'Self 2'. Self 1 is the name that is given to the conscious ego-mind which likes the tell Self 2, you and your potential, how to hit the ball and play the game. Or, to put it another way, Self 1 is the 'teller' and Self 2 the 'doer'. I found this to be an interesting idea, as we have all caught ourselves talking to ourselves or have seen others talking to themselves during a game. If you ask someone who they are talking to, they will usually say 'I'm talking to myself.' This, of course, implies that there are 2 'selves', 'I' and 'myself'- and so is born the idea of Self 1 and Self 2. Pretty astutue observation in my opinion..... Now according to the book, to achieve peak performance, the key is to resolve any lack of harmony between the two selves, as it is the contrary thinking of Self 1 which causes interference with the natural abilities of Self 2. This requires the learning of several inner skills, such as the art of letting go of self-judgements, letting Self 2 do the hitting, recognizing and trusting the natural learning process, and so on- which is what much of the books spends discussing..... I highly recommend this book for anyone who plays tennis (or any other sport for that matter) as it does a great job in dealing with the fact that many of our difficulties in tennis are indeed mental in origin.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Ferdinand Starbuck Review

An important concept in getting rid of self1 is the art of being able to focus. If we focus on the here and now, this place and time, self2 will have a better chance to perform. How many times have we start to wonder about our cat or our past mistakes or day-dream how nice it is for something to happen when what we should be doing is to focus on the task at hand. In a way, self1 and self2 are similar to the conscious and subconscious mind. Whichever way you choose to believe is not what's important. What is important is that by conceptualizing this way, the complexity is reduced, and results can be produced quickly. How else can humans conceptualize confidence? Confidence without doubt, is nothing. Just like you cannot have hot without cold or fast without slow.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Zen book of tennis!

When we trust ourselves, we can stay in the moment and we naturally maximize our present abilities. We all know this somewhere inside but tend to lose perspective and perform below our potential many times. Whether you are a tennis player or not, I think there is something in this book for everybody. If you'd like a book that explains how and why these experiences occur, read 'The Ever-Transcending Spirit' by Toru Sato. It is just a superb book discussing many of our important inner experiences in life in a way that everyone can understand!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Lessons for a lifetime

This book is helpful in approaching tennis from a mental standpoint - since top level tennis is almost entirely a mental game, this book is great for advanced players. However, the true appeal of this work is the lessons that apply to all aspects of life, not just tennis. Much of what is imparted by the author helps one understand one's own motivations and instincts. A very short read, but packed with great, thought provoking material - highest recommendation.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

It is a good book

I am learning to play tennis, and I found out this is good book to learn after you know the technical side knowledge

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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