Know Your "Selves" Better, 29 Sep 2008
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.

Inner Game of Nothing Special, 14 Jul 2008
I have not found the reason why people rave about this book. It basically tells you to make a clear mental image of what you want to achieve and trust your body to do it - that's it!

So good. Never forget what the author tells you in this exquisite book., 14 May 2008
This is beautiful. Every chapter just makes perfect sense. Gallwey has taught me many things through this masterpiece - how far in you can get away standing to receive even fast serves, that I was a "good-o" type player and why this mentality won't get you anywhere or at least any happiness, how you shouldn't *try* to win but instead make the *effort* to win, how breathing can transform your game, how awareness is the key to playing to your potential and thoughts are your obstacles, and so much more.

The only thing I lament is that I don't remember what he says in this book everytime I step on court and instead sometimes end up reverting to my erroneous thinking! But I think I'm getting better. I'm determined to win the inner game! What one really needs is to find a way of drilling his advice into their subconscious! I can only recommend continually rereading it!

You should also bear in mind that this book is a lesson on life as well as tennis, and can make you life more peaceful. I think Gallwey says somewhere in here something along the lines of "you can practise concentration to improve your tennis, or you can practise tennis to improve your concentration..." If you buy one book to improve your tennis get this one, no matter what level you're at. It will increase your enjoyment of the game.

A book for ALL coaches not just tennis, 01 Mar 2007
I was recommended this book not to improve tennis (I don't play at all) but to improve my understanding of coaching and improve my own coaching skills.

The book is written by a tennis coach and is of course about tennis, however it is more than that. The skills and principles of the inner self and the competing elements of `I' and `myself' can be applied to all types of coaching whether that be sports, lifestyle or executive.

If you are a coach or want to become a coach this is a great book to read.

The Missing link., 17 Oct 2005
My Tennis nowhere what it should have been, Ive been good at other sports, but not ball sports what this book addreses is we all know what to do and we are all capable of doing it, but we dont/wont for some reason . Not just tennis but with anything else we do. I was trying too hard and not allowoing my subconscieous to do its work it is so capable of.

This gives practical advice on how to concentrate, and blot out your interfearing nerves, easy to follow and straight forward. My favourite at the moment is the book tells of how if you concentrate you can slow the fast balls down in your minds eye, (which is how I would imagine top players do such incredible things) by, literally creating more moments as the ball travels towards you ie instead of saying a serve goes by in 1 moments you can say the saem time is 10 moments, as I understand it this is why everything seems in slow motion in a crash, excellent book. Fills the missing link in learning Tennis.

Know Your "Selves" Better, 29 Sep 2008
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.

Inner Game of Nothing Special, 14 Jul 2008
I have not found the reason why people rave about this book. It basically tells you to make a clear mental image of what you want to achieve and trust your body to do it - that's it!

So good. Never forget what the author tells you in this exquisite book., 14 May 2008
This is beautiful. Every chapter just makes perfect sense. Gallwey has taught me many things through this masterpiece - how far in you can get away standing to receive even fast serves, that I was a "good-o" type player and why this mentality won't get you anywhere or at least any happiness, how you shouldn't *try* to win but instead make the *effort* to win, how breathing can transform your game, how awareness is the key to playing to your potential and thoughts are your obstacles, and so much more.

The only thing I lament is that I don't remember what he says in this book everytime I step on court and instead sometimes end up reverting to my erroneous thinking! But I think I'm getting better. I'm determined to win the inner game! What one really needs is to find a way of drilling his advice into their subconscious! I can only recommend continually rereading it!

You should also bear in mind that this book is a lesson on life as well as tennis, and can make you life more peaceful. I think Gallwey says somewhere in here something along the lines of "you can practise concentration to improve your tennis, or you can practise tennis to improve your concentration..." If you buy one book to improve your tennis get this one, no matter what level you're at. It will increase your enjoyment of the game.

A book for ALL coaches not just tennis, 01 Mar 2007
I was recommended this book not to improve tennis (I don't play at all) but to improve my understanding of coaching and improve my own coaching skills.

The book is written by a tennis coach and is of course about tennis, however it is more than that. The skills and principles of the inner self and the competing elements of `I' and `myself' can be applied to all types of coaching whether that be sports, lifestyle or executive.

If you are a coach or want to become a coach this is a great book to read.

The Missing link., 17 Oct 2005
My Tennis nowhere what it should have been, Ive been good at other sports, but not ball sports what this book addreses is we all know what to do and we are all capable of doing it, but we dont/wont for some reason . Not just tennis but with anything else we do. I was trying too hard and not allowoing my subconscieous to do its work it is so capable of.

This gives practical advice on how to concentrate, and blot out your interfearing nerves, easy to follow and straight forward. My favourite at the moment is the book tells of how if you concentrate you can slow the fast balls down in your minds eye, (which is how I would imagine top players do such incredible things) by, literally creating more moments as the ball travels towards you ie instead of saying a serve goes by in 1 moments you can say the saem time is 10 moments, as I understand it this is why everything seems in slow motion in a crash, excellent book. Fills the missing link in learning Tennis.

What a Champion, 18 Jul 2008
what a book, intresting to read how arguably the best tennis player ever became what he is, from the highs which are winning winning at Wimbledon to the lows when his coached died while he was playing at the Australian open in 1996 in which Pete explains them so well, if your intrested in tennis it's a must buy!!

Know Your "Selves" Better, 29 Sep 2008
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.

Inner Game of Nothing Special, 14 Jul 2008
I have not found the reason why people rave about this book. It basically tells you to make a clear mental image of what you want to achieve and trust your body to do it - that's it!

So good. Never forget what the author tells you in this exquisite book., 14 May 2008
This is beautiful. Every chapter just makes perfect sense. Gallwey has taught me many things through this masterpiece - how far in you can get away standing to receive even fast serves, that I was a "good-o" type player and why this mentality won't get you anywhere or at least any happiness, how you shouldn't *try* to win but instead make the *effort* to win, how breathing can transform your game, how awareness is the key to playing to your potential and thoughts are your obstacles, and so much more.

The only thing I lament is that I don't remember what he says in this book everytime I step on court and instead sometimes end up reverting to my erroneous thinking! But I think I'm getting better. I'm determined to win the inner game! What one really needs is to find a way of drilling his advice into their subconscious! I can only recommend continually rereading it!

You should also bear in mind that this book is a lesson on life as well as tennis, and can make you life more peaceful. I think Gallwey says somewhere in here something along the lines of "you can practise concentration to improve your tennis, or you can practise tennis to improve your concentration..." If you buy one book to improve your tennis get this one, no matter what level you're at. It will increase your enjoyment of the game.

A book for ALL coaches not just tennis, 01 Mar 2007
I was recommended this book not to improve tennis (I don't play at all) but to improve my understanding of coaching and improve my own coaching skills.

The book is written by a tennis coach and is of course about tennis, however it is more than that. The skills and principles of the inner self and the competing elements of `I' and `myself' can be applied to all types of coaching whether that be sports, lifestyle or executive.

If you are a coach or want to become a coach this is a great book to read.

The Missing link., 17 Oct 2005
My Tennis nowhere what it should have been, Ive been good at other sports, but not ball sports what this book addreses is we all know what to do and we are all capable of doing it, but we dont/wont for some reason . Not just tennis but with anything else we do. I was trying too hard and not allowoing my subconscieous to do its work it is so capable of.

This gives practical advice on how to concentrate, and blot out your interfearing nerves, easy to follow and straight forward. My favourite at the moment is the book tells of how if you concentrate you can slow the fast balls down in your minds eye, (which is how I would imagine top players do such incredible things) by, literally creating more moments as the ball travels towards you ie instead of saying a serve goes by in 1 moments you can say the saem time is 10 moments, as I understand it this is why everything seems in slow motion in a crash, excellent book. Fills the missing link in learning Tennis.

What a Champion, 18 Jul 2008
what a book, intresting to read how arguably the best tennis player ever became what he is, from the highs which are winning winning at Wimbledon to the lows when his coached died while he was playing at the Australian open in 1996 in which Pete explains them so well, if your intrested in tennis it's a must buy!!

Entertaining, 23 Sep 2008
I have given my first copy of this book away - hence I'm now re-ordering. It is a very entertaining read as well as being very informative on strategies - both from opponents and for oneself. The book advises on how to capitalise on weather, distractions etc. and gives real examples.

Know Your "Selves" Better, 29 Sep 2008
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.

Inner Game of Nothing Special, 14 Jul 2008
I have not found the reason why people rave about this book. It basically tells you to make a clear mental image of what you want to achieve and trust your body to do it - that's it!

So good. Never forget what the author tells you in this exquisite book., 14 May 2008
This is beautiful. Every chapter just makes perfect sense. Gallwey has taught me many things through this masterpiece - how far in you can get away standing to receive even fast serves, that I was a "good-o" type player and why this mentality won't get you anywhere or at least any happiness, how you shouldn't *try* to win but instead make the *effort* to win, how breathing can transform your game, how awareness is the key to playing to your potential and thoughts are your obstacles, and so much more.

The only thing I lament is that I don't remember what he says in this book everytime I step on court and instead sometimes end up reverting to my erroneous thinking! But I think I'm getting better. I'm determined to win the inner game! What one really needs is to find a way of drilling his advice into their subconscious! I can only recommend continually rereading it!

You should also bear in mind that this book is a lesson on life as well as tennis, and can make you life more peaceful. I think Gallwey says somewhere in here something along the lines of "you can practise concentration to improve your tennis, or you can practise tennis to improve your concentration..." If you buy one book to improve your tennis get this one, no matter what level you're at. It will increase your enjoyment of the game.

A book for ALL coaches not just tennis, 01 Mar 2007
I was recommended this book not to improve tennis (I don't play at all) but to improve my understanding of coaching and improve my own coaching skills.

The book is written by a tennis coach and is of course about tennis, however it is more than that. The skills and principles of the inner self and the competing elements of `I' and `myself' can be applied to all types of coaching whether that be sports, lifestyle or executive.

If you are a coach or want to become a coach this is a great book to read.

The Missing link., 17 Oct 2005
My Tennis nowhere what it should have been, Ive been good at other sports, but not ball sports what this book addreses is we all know what to do and we are all capable of doing it, but we dont/wont for some reason . Not just tennis but with anything else we do. I was trying too hard and not allowoing my subconscieous to do its work it is so capable of.

This gives practical advice on how to concentrate, and blot out your interfearing nerves, easy to follow and straight forward. My favourite at the moment is the book tells of how if you concentrate you can slow the fast balls down in your minds eye, (which is how I would imagine top players do such incredible things) by, literally creating more moments as the ball travels towards you ie instead of saying a serve goes by in 1 moments you can say the saem time is 10 moments, as I understand it this is why everything seems in slow motion in a crash, excellent book. Fills the missing link in learning Tennis.

What a Champion, 18 Jul 2008
what a book, intresting to read how arguably the best tennis player ever became what he is, from the highs which are winning winning at Wimbledon to the lows when his coached died while he was playing at the Australian open in 1996 in which Pete explains them so well, if your intrested in tennis it's a must buy!!

Entertaining, 23 Sep 2008
I have given my first copy of this book away - hence I'm now re-ordering. It is a very entertaining read as well as being very informative on strategies - both from opponents and for oneself. The book advises on how to capitalise on weather, distractions etc. and gives real examples.

Easy to read, informative and practical, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent book on conditioning. It gets on with the exercises with clear instructions and visuals. The book also provides ample detail and theory for people interested to know more about the subject.

The DVD is well laid out and easy to navigate.


Every tennis player and trainer must read this book and watch the DVD, 30 Dec 2007
This book comes with a DVD. I have read the book and watched the DVD carefully several times and liked them very much. I have been playing tennis for many years somewhere between intermediate and advanced level. I thought I was doing everything necessary to keep in shape for tennis until I watched this DVD. Then I realized what I was lacking and doing wrong and revised my conditioning program accordingly. It immediately reflected favorably into my tennis performance.

The conditioning exercises are categorized in the DVD as static, dynamic, stretching, strength, endurance stamina etc. types. Exercises done without any instruments, others done with medicine balls, weights, tennis drills with tennis balls and racket etc. Of course they overlap. They are very clearly explained and demonstrated in a high quality picture and sound DVD.

I believe anybody who would perform these conditionings regularly 3 times a week in addition to playing tennis could become a top player. And top players of course regularly do them, otherwise they would not be top players.

So I highly recommend this book and its DVD to everybody interested in playing tennis.

Safe & Scientific Conditioning, 10 May 1999
Most conditioning methods recommended by even some of the leading lights in tennis have been a regurgitation of methods which was non-progressive and relied heavily on `past, successful experiences'. Afterall, he won with those exercises and practices, so I don't see why .... This book stays closely to the latest research so that the exercises thus recommended are safe, time-saving, objective and practical - the last a criteria for adaptation into actual court strategy w/o too much of a hindrance. Language is simple. Coaches worth their salt should have a serious look at it before dismissing it as another scientific hoodwink by a bunch of scientists who'd never played the real game, except after work.

Know Your "Selves" Better, 29 Sep 2008
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.

Inner Game of Nothing Special, 14 Jul 2008
I have not found the reason why people rave about this book. It basically tells you to make a clear mental image of what you want to achieve and trust your body to do it - that's it!

So good. Never forget what the author tells you in this exquisite book., 14 May 2008
This is beautiful. Every chapter just makes perfect sense. Gallwey has taught me many things through this masterpiece - how far in you can get away standing to receive even fast serves, that I was a "good-o" type player and why this mentality won't get you anywhere or at least any happiness, how you shouldn't *try* to win but instead make the *effort* to win, how breathing can transform your game, how awareness is the key to playing to your potential and thoughts are your obstacles, and so much more.

The only thing I lament is that I don't remember what he says in this book everytime I step on court and instead sometimes end up reverting to my erroneous thinking! But I think I'm getting better. I'm determined to win the inner game! What one really needs is to find a way of drilling his advice into their subconscious! I can only recommend continually rereading it!

You should also bear in mind that this book is a lesson on life as well as tennis, and can make you life more peaceful. I think Gallwey says somewhere in here something along the lines of "you can practise concentration to improve your tennis, or you can practise tennis to improve your concentration..." If you buy one book to improve your tennis get this one, no matter what level you're at. It will increase your enjoyment of the game.

A book for ALL coaches not just tennis, 01 Mar 2007
I was recommended this book not to improve tennis (I don't play at all) but to improve my understanding of coaching and improve my own coaching skills.

The book is written by a tennis coach and is of course about tennis, however it is more than that. The skills and principles of the inner self and the competing elements of `I' and `myself' can be applied to all types of coaching whether that be sports, lifestyle or executive.

If you are a coach or want to become a coach this is a great book to read.

The Missing link., 17 Oct 2005
My Tennis nowhere what it should have been, Ive been good at other sports, but not ball sports what this book addreses is we all know what to do and we are all capable of doing it, but we dont/wont for some reason . Not just tennis but with anything else we do. I was trying too hard and not allowoing my subconscieous to do its work it is so capable of.

This gives practical advice on how to concentrate, and blot out your interfearing nerves, easy to follow and straight forward. My favourite at the moment is the book tells of how if you concentrate you can slow the fast balls down in your minds eye, (which is how I would imagine top players do such incredible things) by, literally creating more moments as the ball travels towards you ie instead of saying a serve goes by in 1 moments you can say the saem time is 10 moments, as I understand it this is why everything seems in slow motion in a crash, excellent book. Fills the missing link in learning Tennis.

What a Champion, 18 Jul 2008
what a book, intresting to read how arguably the best tennis player ever became what he is, from the highs which are winning winning at Wimbledon to the lows when his coached died while he was playing at the Australian open in 1996 in which Pete explains them so well, if your intrested in tennis it's a must buy!!

Entertaining, 23 Sep 2008
I have given my first copy of this book away - hence I'm now re-ordering. It is a very entertaining read as well as being very informative on strategies - both from opponents and for oneself. The book advises on how to capitalise on weather, distractions etc. and gives real examples.

Easy to read, informative and practical, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent book on conditioning. It gets on with the exercises with clear instructions and visuals. The book also provides ample detail and theory for people interested to know more about the subject.

The DVD is well laid out and easy to navigate.


Every tennis player and trainer must read this book and watch the DVD, 30 Dec 2007
This book comes with a DVD. I have read the book and watched the DVD carefully several times and liked them very much. I have been playing tennis for many years somewhere between intermediate and advanced level. I thought I was doing everything necessary to keep in shape for tennis until I watched this DVD. Then I realized what I was lacking and doing wrong and revised my conditioning program accordingly. It immediately reflected favorably into my tennis performance.

The conditioning exercises are categorized in the DVD as static, dynamic, stretching, strength, endurance stamina etc. types. Exercises done without any instruments, others done with medicine balls, weights, tennis drills with tennis balls and racket etc. Of course they overlap. They are very clearly explained and demonstrated in a high quality picture and sound DVD.

I believe anybody who would perform these conditionings regularly 3 times a week in addition to playing tennis could become a top player. And top players of course regularly do them, otherwise they would not be top players.

So I highly recommend this book and its DVD to everybody interested in playing tennis.

Safe & Scientific Conditioning, 10 May 1999
Most conditioning methods recommended by even some of the leading lights in tennis have been a regurgitation of methods which was non-progressive and relied heavily on `past, successful experiences'. Afterall, he won with those exercises and practices, so I don't see why .... This book stays closely to the latest research so that the exercises thus recommended are safe, time-saving, objective and practical - the last a criteria for adaptation into actual court strategy w/o too much of a hindrance. Language is simple. Coaches worth their salt should have a serious look at it before dismissing it as another scientific hoodwink by a bunch of scientists who'd never played the real game, except after work.

A detailed guideline for beginners, 29 Nov 2000
The very precise and detailed descriptions of various shots and movements on the court helped me to improve my game dramatically. However, reading once is not enough. At the beginning, you have to concentrate on each and every single details. If you take the book advices and you are not impatient the book guides you thematically to a definetly other level of squash. If you do not recognize your improvement you can find advices for all typical misstakes. You can also find the most usefull drills in the book. Now, I am coaching my partners. And it was just because of this book! Only one advice: Do not be impatient and read certain chapters several times if you do not feel really comfortable in a particular shot or game situation. Although I have read the book many times I still find new things in it!

Great Read, Well Structured, Worth Every Penny !!, 10 Jun 1999
Within 30 pages, this book had made me aware of 2/3 basic problems with my game and given me an insight into how to solve them as well.

Each chapter becomes a building block for successive chapters, allowing you to correct basic faults before trying any advanced techniques. At the end of every (all that I've read) chapter there is a table that lists Common errors found within the area being improved and methods to correct them - I FOUND THIS INVALUABLE!

If I had to find fault, then I wish there were more pictures/drawings to explain the techniques and drills covered. However this won't detract much from my enjoyment of the book!

If you play squash for fun or are a little more serious, this book will have something to help you improve. I only hope the practice goes as well as the theory!!

Know Your "Selves" Better, 29 Sep 2008
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.

Inner Game of Nothing Special, 14 Jul 2008
I have not found the reason why people rave about this book. It basically tells you to make a clear mental image of what you want to achieve and trust your body to do it - that's it!

So good. Never forget what the author tells you in this exquisite book., 14 May 2008
This is beautiful. Every chapter just makes perfect sense. Gallwey has taught me many things through this masterpiece - how far in you can get away standing to receive even fast serves, that I was a "good-o" type player and why this mentality won't get you anywhere or at least any happiness, how you shouldn't *try* to win but instead make the *effort* to win, how breathing can transform your game, how awareness is the key to playing to your potential and thoughts are your obstacles, and so much more.

The only thing I lament is that I don't remember what he says in this book everytime I step on court and instead sometimes end up reverting to my erroneous thinking! But I think I'm getting better. I'm determined to win the inner game! What one really needs is to find a way of drilling his advice into their subconscious! I can only recommend continually rereading it!

You should also bear in mind that this book is a lesson on life as well as tennis, and can make you life more peaceful. I think Gallwey says somewhere in here something along the lines of "you can practise concentration to improve your tennis, or you can practise tennis to improve your concentration..." If you buy one book to improve your tennis get this one, no matter what level you're at. It will increase your enjoyment of the game.

A book for ALL coaches not just tennis, 01 Mar 2007
I was recommended this book not to improve tennis (I don't play at all) but to improve my understanding of coaching and improve my own coaching skills.

The book is written by a tennis coach and is of course about tennis, however it is more than that. The skills and principles of the inner self and the competing elements of `I' and `myself' can be applied to all types of coaching whether that be sports, lifestyle or executive.

If you are a coach or want to become a coach this is a great book to read.

The Missing link., 17 Oct 2005
My Tennis nowhere what it should have been, Ive been good at other sports, but not ball sports what this book addreses is we all know what to do and we are all capable of doing it, but we dont/wont for some reason . Not just tennis but with anything else we do. I was trying too hard and not allowoing my subconscieous to do its work it is so capable of.

This gives practical advice on how to concentrate, and blot out your interfearing nerves, easy to follow and straight forward. My favourite at the moment is the book tells of how if you concentrate you can slow the fast balls down in your minds eye, (which is how I would imagine top players do such incredible things) by, literally creating more moments as the ball travels towards you ie instead of saying a serve goes by in 1 moments you can say the saem time is 10 moments, as I understand it this is why everything seems in slow motion in a crash, excellent book. Fills the missing link in learning Tennis.

What a Champion, 18 Jul 2008
what a book, intresting to read how arguably the best tennis player ever became what he is, from the highs which are winning winning at Wimbledon to the lows when his coached died while he was playing at the Australian open in 1996 in which Pete explains them so well, if your intrested in tennis it's a must buy!!

Entertaining, 23 Sep 2008
I have given my first copy of this book away - hence I'm now re-ordering. It is a very entertaining read as well as being very informative on strategies - both from opponents and for oneself. The book advises on how to capitalise on weather, distractions etc. and gives real examples.

Easy to read, informative and practical, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent book on conditioning. It gets on with the exercises with clear instructions and visuals. The book also provides ample detail and theory for people interested to know more about the subject.

The DVD is well laid out and easy to navigate.


Every tennis player and trainer must read this book and watch the DVD, 30 Dec 2007
This book comes with a DVD. I have read the book and watched the DVD carefully several times and liked them very much. I have been playing tennis for many years somewhere between intermediate and advanced level. I thought I was doing everything necessary to keep in shape for tennis until I watched this DVD. Then I realized what I was lacking and doing wrong and revised my conditioning program accordingly. It immediately reflected favorably into my tennis performance.

The conditioning exercises are categorized in the DVD as static, dynamic, stretching, strength, endurance stamina etc. types. Exercises done without any instruments, others done with medicine balls, weights, tennis drills with tennis balls and racket etc. Of course they overlap. They are very clearly explained and demonstrated in a high quality picture and sound DVD.

I believe anybody who would perform these conditionings regularly 3 times a week in addition to playing tennis could become a top player. And top players of course regularly do them, otherwise they would not be top players.

So I highly recommend this book and its DVD to everybody interested in playing tennis.

Safe & Scientific Conditioning, 10 May 1999
Most conditioning methods recommended by even some of the leading lights in tennis have been a regurgitation of methods which was non-progressive and relied heavily on `past, successful experiences'. Afterall, he won with those exercises and practices, so I don't see why .... This book stays closely to the latest research so that the exercises thus recommended are safe, time-saving, objective and practical - the last a criteria for adaptation into actual court strategy w/o too much of a hindrance. Language is simple. Coaches worth their salt should have a serious look at it before dismissing it as another scientific hoodwink by a bunch of scientists who'd never played the real game, except after work.

A detailed guideline for beginners, 29 Nov 2000
The very precise and detailed descriptions of various shots and movements on the court helped me to improve my game dramatically. However, reading once is not enough. At the beginning, you have to concentrate on each and every single details. If you take the book advices and you are not impatient the book guides you thematically to a definetly other level of squash. If you do not recognize your improvement you can find advices for all typical misstakes. You can also find the most usefull drills in the book. Now, I am coaching my partners. And it was just because of this book! Only one advice: Do not be impatient and read certain chapters several times if you do not feel really comfortable in a particular shot or game situation. Although I have read the book many times I still find new things in it!

Great Read, Well Structured, Worth Every Penny !!, 10 Jun 1999
Within 30 pages, this book had made me aware of 2/3 basic problems with my game and given me an insight into how to solve them as well.

Each chapter becomes a building block for successive chapters, allowing you to correct basic faults before trying any advanced techniques. At the end of every (all that I've read) chapter there is a table that lists Common errors found within the area being improved and methods to correct them - I FOUND THIS INVALUABLE!

If I had to find fault, then I wish there were more pictures/drawings to explain the techniques and drills covered. However this won't detract much from my enjoyment of the book!

If you play squash for fun or are a little more serious, this book will have something to help you improve. I only hope the practice goes as well as the theory!!

Badminton Steps to Success, 28 May 2004
I found the content easy to follow with clear explanations and drawn pictures. Some drills were basic but could be modified with little thought to advance them. As a Physical Education teacher up to GCSE level I have found this an invaluable tool to advance both my own and pupil knowledge.

Review from an Intermediate player, 27 Jan 2001
I found this book rather basic in the sense that it didn't cover enough material on the tactics for doubles or singles matches such as the 'Divorce' area. The section on serves was rather limited and did not cover the torpedo serves. The book would have greatly benefitted from photos rather than scrappy line drawings especially for a book published in 1996! All in all, I would say that this book is for beginners who don't have a proper clue or little prior knowledge on the game. Otherwise, for an intermediate player like myself, who wants to advance to a high level or near county standard, I would not recommend this book. The good thing about this book was that it featured lots of drills, although sometimes silly ones such as bouncing a shuttlecock on your racquet 30 times!

Serious is McEnroe's enormously entertaining story of how a shock-haired kid from Queens grew up on the world stage. Who would have thought that John McEnroe would evolve from Grand Slamming superbrat into the most refreshingly candid and authoritative elder statesmen of tennis? He is still kicking over the statues, but with a hard-won wisdom to temper the explosiveness that characterised his oncourt personality.

This book, written in collaboration with James Kaplan, grew out of a New Yorker profile of McEnroe that the journalist wrote a couple of years ago, but for the most part reads like unadulterated SuperMac, unfiltered and straight from the source--who lest we forget was one of the greatest tennis players of the modern era, and a Wimbledon legend.

I don't get tired of such compliments. I feel proud of having earned them. And--I admit it--there's a part of me that's addicted to the attention. It's one reason--I'll also admit this--that I'm writing this book. It's not just to get attention, but to do some serious thinking about how much attention I need, and why I need it.

This openness is occasionally a mixed blessing--there's a touch of the Oprah's about some of his attempts at self-justification--but overall McEnroe "thinking out loud" is as hugely entertaining as you might expect. Forthright opinions on just about everything, from heyday rivalries with the likes of Borg and Conners--through his battles with the tennis establishment and the media (touching on his occasionally tempestuous private life)--to what's wrong with the game today. Ace.--Alex Hankin

Know Your "Selves" Better, 29 Sep 2008
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.

Inner Game of Nothing Special, 14 Jul 2008
I have not found the reason why people rave about this book. It basically tells you to make a clear mental image of what you want to achieve and trust your body to do it - that's it!

So good. Never forget what the author tells you in this exquisite book., 14 May 2008
This is beautiful. Every chapter just makes perfect sense. Gallwey has taught me many things through this masterpiece - how far in you can get away standing to receive even fast serves, that I was a "good-o" type player and why this mentality won't get you anywhere or at least any happiness, how you shouldn't *try* to win but instead make the *effort* to win, how breathing can transform your game, how awareness is the key to playing to your potential and thoughts are your obstacles, and so much more.

The only thing I lament is that I don't remember what he says in this book everytime I step on court and instead sometimes end up reverting to my erroneous thinking! But I think I'm getting better. I'm determined to win the inner game! What one really needs is to find a way of drilling his advice into their subconscious! I can only recommend continually rereading it!

You should also bear in mind that this book is a lesson on life as well as tennis, and can make you life more peaceful. I think Gallwey says somewhere in here something along the lines of "you can practise concentration to improve your tennis, or you can practise tennis to improve your concentration..." If you buy one book to improve your tennis get this one, no matter what level you're at. It will increase your enjoyment of the game.

A book for ALL coaches not just tennis, 01 Mar 2007
I was recommended this book not to improve tennis (I don't play at all) but to improve my understanding of coaching and improve my own coaching skills.

The book is written by a tennis coach and is of course about tennis, however it is more than that. The skills and principles of the inner self and the competing elements of `I' and `myself' can be applied to all types of coaching whether that be sports, lifestyle or executive.

If you are a coach or want to become a coach this is a great book to read.

The Missing link., 17 Oct 2005
My Tennis nowhere what it should have been, Ive been good at other sports, but not ball sports what this book addreses is we all know what to do and we are all capable of doing it, but we dont/wont for some reason . Not just tennis but with anything else we do. I was trying too hard and not allowoing my subconscieous to do its work it is so capable of.

This gives practical advice on how to concentrate, and blot out your interfearing nerves, easy to follow and straight forward. My favourite at the moment is the book tells of how if you concentrate you can slow the fast balls down in your minds eye, (which is how I would imagine top players do such incredible things) by, literally creating more moments as the ball travels towards you ie instead of saying a serve goes by in 1 moments you can say the saem time is 10 moments, as I understand it this is why everything seems in slow motion in a crash, excellent book. Fills the missing link in learning Tennis.

What a Champion, 18 Jul 2008
what a book, intresting to read how arguably the best tennis player ever became what he is, from the highs which are winning winning at Wimbledon to the lows when his coached died while he was playing at the Australian open in 1996 in which Pete explains them so well, if your intrested in tennis it's a must buy!!

Entertaining, 23 Sep 2008
I have given my first copy of this book away - hence I'm now re-ordering. It is a very entertaining read as well as being very informative on strategies - both from opponents and for oneself. The book advises on how to capitalise on weather, distractions etc. and gives real examples.

Easy to read, informative and practical, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent book on conditioning. It gets on with the exercises with clear instructions and visuals. The book also provides ample detail and theory for people interested to know more about the subject.

The DVD is well laid out and easy to navigate.


Every tennis player and trainer must read this book and watch the DVD, 30 Dec 2007
This book comes with a DVD. I have read the book and watched the DVD carefully several times and liked them very much. I have been playing tennis for many years somewhere between intermediate and advanced level. I thought I was doing everything necessary to keep in shape for tennis until I watched this DVD. Then I realized what I was lacking and doing wrong and revised my conditioning program accordingly. It immediately reflected favorably into my tennis performance.

The conditioning exercises are categorized in the DVD as static, dynamic, stretching, strength, endurance stamina etc. types. Exercises done without any instruments, others done with medicine balls, weights, tennis drills with tennis balls and racket etc. Of course they overlap. They are very clearly explained and demonstrated in a high quality picture and sound DVD.

I believe anybody who would perform these conditionings regularly 3 times a week in addition to playing tennis could become a top player. And top players of course regularly do them, otherwise they would not be top players.

So I highly recommend this book and its DVD to everybody interested in playing tennis.

Safe & Scientific Conditioning, 10 May 1999
Most conditioning methods recommended by even some of the leading lights in tennis have been a regurgitation of methods which was non-progressive and relied heavily on `past, successful experiences'. Afterall, he won with those exercises and practices, so I don't see why .... This book stays closely to the latest research so that the exercises thus recommended are safe, time-saving, objective and practical - the last a criteria for adaptation into actual court strategy w/o too much of a hindrance. Language is simple. Coaches worth their salt should have a serious look at it before dismissing it as another scientific hoodwink by a bunch of scientists who'd never played the real game, except after work.

A detailed guideline for beginners, 29 Nov 2000
The very precise and detailed descriptions of various shots and movements on the court helped me to improve my game dramatically. However, reading once is not enough. At the beginning, you have to concentrate on each and every single details. If you take the book advices and you are not impatient the book guides you thematically to a definetly other level of squash. If you do not recognize your improvement you can find advices for all typical misstakes. You can also find the most usefull drills in the book. Now, I am coaching my partners. And it was just because of this book! Only one advice: Do not be impatient and read certain chapters several times if you do not feel really comfortable in a particular shot or game situation. Although I have read the book many times I still find new things in it!

Great Read, Well Structured, Worth Every Penny !!, 10 Jun 1999
Within 30 pages, this book had made me aware of 2/3 basic problems with my game and given me an insight into how to solve them as well.

Each chapter becomes a building block for successive chapters, allowing you to correct basic faults before trying any advanced techniques. At the end of every (all that I've read) chapter there is a table that lists Common errors found within the area being improved and methods to correct them - I FOUND THIS INVALUABLE!

If I had to find fault, then I wish there were more pictures/drawings to explain the techniques and drills covered. However this won't detract much from my enjoyment of the book!

If you play squash for fun or are a little more serious, this book will have something to help you improve. I only hope the practice goes as well as the theory!!

Badminton Steps to Success, 28 May 2004
I found the content easy to follow with clear explanations and drawn pictures. Some drills were basic but could be modified with little thought to advance them. As a Physical Education teacher up to GCSE level I have found this an invaluable tool to advance both my own and pupil knowledge.

Review from an Intermediate player, 27 Jan 2001
I found this book rather basic in the sense that it didn't cover enough material on the tactics for doubles or singles matches such as the 'Divorce' area. The section on serves was rather limited and did not cover the torpedo serves. The book would have greatly benefitted from photos rather than scrappy line drawings especially for a book published in 1996! All in all, I would say that this book is for beginners who don't have a proper clue or little prior knowledge on the game. Otherwise, for an intermediate player like myself, who wants to advance to a high level or near county standard, I would not recommend this book. The good thing about this book was that it featured lots of drills, although sometimes silly ones such as bouncing a shuttlecock on your racquet 30 times!

From subway-rider to seniors' tennis player, 03 Oct 2008
In an earnest moment of this frank autobiography John McEnroe tells us that "I'm very proud of my tennis career". The record books show that he has every right to be pleased with himself. In his professional career he won 77 singles tournament and 77 doubles - a total of 154 ("more than any other pro to play the game", as McEnroe helpfully points out). Serious is his personal attempt to convey how he went from being "a kid from Queens, a subway rider" to becoming a father of six, a key player on the seniors' tennis circuit, commentator, musician and art dealer.

Unsurprisingly, he finds that the answer, to a large extent, rests in self-belief. It is the reader's choice as to whether you find this attitude to be infuriating and wearying or impressive and inspiring. McEnroe clearly could not care less either way. He points out that to be the number one player requires "major league ego... You need ego to get there, and ego to stay there". Fortunately, McEnroe has plentiful supplies of the stuff. That is evidenced in his contentious statement that his vision and reflexes are still sharp and quick enough that, on a given day, he could "give anyone on the men's tour a run for his money for a set or two".

Many autobiographies by sportsmen are chock-full of platitudes and circumlocution for fear of offending anyone. McEnroe, an individual never shy of expressing his opinion, does not take this evasive route in Serious. He moans about spectators who are "eating cheese sandwiches, checking their watches, and chatting with their friend about the stock market", whilst he is on court "by myself, fighting to the death". His first impressions of Wimbledon in 1977 left him outraged . "All that bowing and curtsying to royalty... It felt like the class system at its worst", he growls. These protests show that McEnroe, the bad-boy of tennis, has made the transition from angry young man to angry middle-aged man.

The candour with which McEnroe expresses his feelings of self-doubt and weakness is revealing. Repeatedly, he makes reference to the fact that reaching the apex of men's tennis had not satisfied him. In an almost casual aside he speaks of "not enjoying competitive tennis that much... [of] being afraid to lose". It seems, on the basis of what McEnroe says, that it can be lonely at the top. McEnroe also displays a self-awareness that belies much of his aggressive and arrogant public image. He confesses that his late career downturn could be ascribed to a variety of factors, including: "having kids", "appreciating the good life" and "going Hollywood". However, he also has the chutzpah to acknowledge that instead of retiring, for the last half-decade of his career he "chose world-class mediocrity". Why? McEnroe gives a clear, concise and remarkably honest explanation: "I just couldn't walk away from that kind of money".

That self-effacing mentality is reinforced in his words of approval and admiration for his arch-rival Bjorn Borg. The journalist Tim Adams picks up on this in his short analysis On Being John McEnroe [2003] observing that both McEnroe and Borg seemed "immediately to see in the other qualities and philosophies that they lacked in themselves, both as players and people". Serious bears out that assertion. Occasionally, McEnroe comes across, in the superlatives that he uses to describe Borg, as an awestruck fan: "I thought he was incredible looking", "I thought that he was magical - like some kind of Viking god" and his belief that he is "the best athlete I've ever seen on a tennis court".

With his anecdotes about having dinner with Madonna and Sean Penn, meeting George Harrison, Chrissie Hynde and Van Morrison backstage at a Bob Dylan concert and his revelation that the first time he and his first wife - the actress Tatum O'Neal - made love "we were high [on drugs], and it was terrible", John McEnroe shows that he is not your average sportsman. Serious provides a vivid and colourful exploration and contextualisation of why McEnroe is so very different.


Very interesting read, 10 Aug 2008
I am too young to have watched McEnroe playing at his peak, but still I found this a very interesting and entertaining read. McEnroe writes openly and honestly about himself and it's fascinating to read about how he developed from such an angry 'wild child' into the mature and clearly intelligent man you see commentating on Wimbledon today.

I thought he achieved an appropriate balance between writing about tennis and his achievements in his career and writing about his personal life and his development as an individual. I learned some things about him I would never have known and the book furthered the respect I have for the man he is today and the interest I have in the game of tennis.

Wonderful book., 21 Jul 2008
Never was really into tennis but thought I would get this book as he seems such a funny guy on this years wimbledon. It gives an insight into the joys and downfalls of one of tennis great entertainers from his early days and a brief indicatio of his battles with other tennis greats. A must have biography.

A "Seriously" good autobiography., 15 Aug 2007
Serious is an autobiography for any tennis fan. McEnroe clearly expresses his feelings throughout the book in his journey from a young boy into number 1 in the world.

John McEnroe is a tennis legend. He has enjoyed an incredible career at all levels and owns 77 singles titles including 7 Grand Slam titles. McEnroe, even though one of the greats on the singles tour, he was also a success in doubles. He was ranked number 1 in the world for a record 257 weeks and 74 doubles titles including 8 Grand Slams.

The book gives an insight to McEnroe's feelings and mentality from his early days, up to his last (non-senior) game including his famous rivalries between Conners and Borg.

On a personal level, I thought the most interesting section of the book was his struggle to regain his number one ranking. This, I felt, showed me how much mental resilience and determination McEnroe had. I also found his marriage to Tatum O'Neal intriguing as well as his experiences and troubles with the media- which I deeply sympathized with.

As I said before, this should be read by all tennis fans. Have a good time reading!


Seriously interesting, 13 Jul 2007
An interesting insight into the great tennis player's background and mental processes. Although I am generally sympathetic towards him and regard him now as an outstanding commentator, the book is in places a bit overly defensive and self-justificatory, e.g. he still cannot seem to accept he might ever have been wrong about a linecall.

Know Your "Selves" Better, 29 Sep 2008
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.

Inner Game of Nothing Special, 14 Jul 2008
I have not found the reason why people rave about this book. It basically tells you to make a clear mental image of what you want to achieve and trust your body to do it - that's it!

So good. Never forget what the author tells you in this exquisite book., 14 May 2008
This is beautiful. Every chapter just makes perfect sense. Gallwey has taught me many things through this masterpiece - how far in you can get away standing to receive even fast serves, that I was a "good-o" type player and why this mentality won't get you anywhere or at least any happiness, how you shouldn't *try* to win but instead make the *effort* to win, how breathing can transform your game, how awareness is the key to playing to your potential and thoughts are your obstacles, and so much more.

The only thing I lament is that I don't remember what he says in this book everytime I step on court and instead sometimes end up reverting to my erroneous thinking! But I think I'm getting better. I'm determined to win the inner game! What one really needs is to find a way of drilling his advice into their subconscious! I can only recommend continually rereading it!

You should also bear in mind that this book is a lesson on life as well as tennis, and can make you life more peaceful. I think Gallwey says somewhere in here something along the lines of "you can practise concentration to improve your tennis, or you can practise tennis to improve your concentration..." If you buy one book to improve your tennis get this one, no matter what level you're at. It will increase your enjoyment of the game.

A book for ALL coaches not just tennis, 01 Mar 2007
I was recommended this book not to improve tennis (I don't play at all) but to improve my understanding of coaching and improve my own coaching skills.

The book is written by a tennis coach and is of course about tennis, however it is more than that. The skills and principles of the inner self and the competing elements of `I' and `myself' can be applied to all types of coaching whether that be sports, lifestyle or executive.

If you are a coach or want to become a coach this is a great book to read.

The Missing link., 17 Oct 2005
My Tennis nowhere what it should have been, Ive been good at other sports, but not ball sports what this book addreses is we all know what to do and we are all capable of doing it, but we dont/wont for some reason . Not just tennis but with anything else we do. I was trying too hard and not allowoing my subconscieous to do its work it is so capable of.

This gives practical advice on how to concentrate, and blot out your interfearing nerves, easy to follow and straight forward. My favourite at the moment is the book tells of how if you concentrate you can slow the fast balls down in your minds eye, (which is how I would imagine top players do such incredible things) by, literally creating more moments as the ball travels towards you ie instead of saying a serve goes by in 1 moments you can say the saem time is 10 moments, as I understand it this is why everything seems in slow motion in a crash, excellent book. Fills the missing link in learning Tennis.

What a Champion, 18 Jul 2008
what a book, intresting to read how arguably the best tennis player ever became what he is, from the highs which are winning winning at Wimbledon to the lows when his coached died while he was playing at the Australian open in 1996 in which Pete explains them so well, if your intrested in tennis it's a must buy!!

Entertaining, 23 Sep 2008
I have given my first copy of this book away - hence I'm now re-ordering. It is a very entertaining read as well as being very informative on strategies - both from opponents and for oneself. The book advises on how to capitalise on weather, distractions etc. and gives real examples.

Easy to read, informative and practical, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent book on conditioning. It gets on with the exercises with clear instructions and visuals. The book also provides ample detail and theory for people interested to know more about the subject.

The DVD is well laid out and easy to navigate.


Every tennis player and trainer must read this book and watch the DVD, 30 Dec 2007
This book comes with a DVD. I have read the book and watched the DVD carefully several times and liked them very much. I have been playing tennis for many years somewhere between intermediate and advanced level. I thought I was doing everything necessary to keep in shape for tennis until I watched this DVD. Then I realized what I was lacking and doing wrong and revised my conditioning program accordingly. It immediately reflected favorably into my tennis performance.

The conditioning exercises are categorized in the DVD as static, dynamic, stretching, strength, endurance stamina etc. types. Exercises done without any instruments, others done with medicine balls, weights, tennis drills with tennis balls and racket etc. Of course they overlap. They are very clearly explained and demonstrated in a high quality picture and sound DVD.

I believe anybody who would perform these conditionings regularly 3 times a week in addition to playing tennis could become a top player. And top players of course regularly do them, otherwise they would not be top players.

So I highly recommend this book and its DVD to everybody interested in playing tennis.

Safe & Scientific Conditioning, 10 May 1999
Most conditioning methods recommended by even some of the leading lights in tennis have been a regurgitation of methods which was non-progressive and relied heavily on `past, successful experiences'. Afterall, he won with those exercises and practices, so I don't see why .... This book stays closely to the latest research so that the exercises thus recommended are safe, time-saving, objective and practical - the last a criteria for adaptation into actual court strategy w/o too much of a hindrance. Language is simple. Coaches worth their salt should have a serious look at it before dismissing it as another scientific hoodwink by a bunch of scientists who'd never played the real game, except after work.

A detailed guideline for beginners, 29 Nov 2000
The very precise and detailed descriptions of various shots and movements on the court helped me to improve my game dramatically. However, reading once is not enough. At the beginning, you have to concentrate on each and every single details. If you take the book advices and you are not impatient the book guides you thematically to a definetly other level of squash. If you do not recognize your improvement you can find advices for all typical misstakes. You can also find the most usefull drills in the book. Now, I am coaching my partners. And it was just because of this book! Only one advice: Do not be impatient and read certain chapters several times if you do not feel really comfortable in a particular shot or game situation. Although I have read the book many times I still find new things in it!

Great Read, Well Structured, Worth Every Penny !!, 10 Jun 1999
Within 30 pages, this book had made me aware of 2/3 basic problems with my game and given me an insight into how to solve them as well.

Each chapter becomes a building block for successive chapters, allowing you to correct basic faults before trying any advanced techniques. At the end of every (all that I've read) chapter there is a table that lists Common errors found within the area being improved and methods to correct them - I FOUND THIS INVALUABLE!

If I had to find fault, then I wish there were more pictures/drawings to explain the techniques and drills covered. However this won't detract much from my enjoyment of the book!

If you play squash for fun or are a little more serious, this book will have something to help you improve. I only hope the practice goes as well as the theory!!

Badminton Steps to Success, 28 May 2004
I found the content easy to follow with clear explanations and drawn pictures. Some drills were basic but could be modified with little thought to advance them. As a Physical Education teacher up to GCSE level I have found this an invaluable tool to advance both my own and pupil knowledge.

Review from an Intermediate player, 27 Jan 2001
I found this book rather basic in the sense that it didn't cover enough material on the tactics for doubles or singles matches such as the 'Divorce' area. The section on serves was rather limited and did not cover the torpedo serves. The book would have greatly benefitted from photos rather than scrappy line drawings especially for a book published in 1996! All in all, I would say that this book is for beginners who don't have a proper clue or little prior knowledge on the game. Otherwise, for an intermediate player like myself, who wants to advance to a high level or near county standard, I would not recommend this book. The good thing about this book was that it featured lots of drills, although sometimes silly ones such as bouncing a shuttlecock on your racquet 30 times!

From subway-rider to seniors' tennis player, 03 Oct 2008
In an earnest moment of this frank autobiography John McEnroe tells us that "I'm very proud of my tennis career". The record books show that he has every right to be pleased with himself. In his professional career he won 77 singles tournament and 77 doubles - a total of 154 ("more than any other pro to play the game", as McEnroe helpfully points out). Serious is his personal attempt to convey how he went from being "a kid from Queens, a subway rider" to becoming a father of six, a key player on the seniors' tennis circuit, commentator, musician and art dealer.

Unsurprisingly, he finds that the answer, to a large extent, rests in self-belief. It is the reader's choice as to whether you find this attitude to be infuriating and wearying or impressive and inspiring. McEnroe clearly could not care less either way. He points out that to be the number one player requires "major league ego... You need ego to get there, and ego to stay there". Fortunately, McEnroe has plentiful supplies of the stuff. That is evidenced in his contentious statement that his vision and reflexes are still sharp and quick enough that, on a given day, he could "give anyone on the men's tour a run for his money for a set or two".

Many autobiographies by sportsmen are chock-full of platitudes and circumlocution for fear of offending anyone. McEnroe, an individual never shy of expressing his opinion, does not take this evasive route in Serious. He moans about spectators who are "eating cheese sandwiches, checking their watches, and chatting with their friend about the stock market", whilst he is on court "by myself, fighting to the death". His first impressions of Wimbledon in 1977 left him outraged . "All that bowing and curtsying to royalty... It felt like the class system at its worst", he growls. These protests show that McEnroe, the bad-boy of tennis, has made the transition from angry young man to angry middle-aged man.

The candour with which McEnroe expresses his feelings of self-doubt and weakness is revealing. Repeatedly, he makes reference to the fact that reaching the apex of men's tennis had not satisfied him. In an almost casual aside he speaks of "not enjoying competitive tennis that much... [of] being afraid to lose". It seems, on the basis of what McEnroe says, that it can be lonely at the top. McEnroe also displays a self-awareness that belies much of his aggressive and arrogant public image. He confesses that his late career downturn could be ascribed to a variety of factors, including: "having kids", "appreciating the good life" and "going Hollywood". However, he also has the chutzpah to acknowledge that instead of retiring, for the last half-decade of his career he "chose world-class mediocrity". Why? McEnroe gives a clear, concise and remarkably honest explanation: "I just couldn't walk away from that kind of money".

That self-effacing mentality is reinforced in his words of approval and admiration for his arch-rival Bjorn Borg. The journalist Tim Adams picks up on this in his short analysis On Being John McEnroe [2003] observing that both McEnroe and Borg seemed "immediately to see in the other qualities and philosophies that they lacked in themselves, both as players and people". Serious bears out that assertion. Occasionally, McEnroe comes across, in the superlatives that he uses to describe Borg, as an awestruck fan: "I thought he was incredible looking", "I thought that he was magical - like some kind of Viking god" and his belief that he is "the best athlete I've ever seen on a tennis court".

With his anecdotes about having dinner with Madonna and Sean Penn, meeting George Harrison, Chrissie Hynde and Van Morrison backstage at a Bob Dylan concert and his revelation that the first time he and his first wife - the actress Tatum O'Neal - made love "we were high [on drugs], and it was terrible", John McEnroe shows that he is not your average sportsman. Serious provides a vivid and colourful exploration and contextualisation of why McEnroe is so very different.


Very interesting read, 10 Aug 2008
I am too young to have watched McEnroe playing at his peak, but still I found this a very interesting and entertaining read. McEnroe writes openly and honestly about himself and it's fascinating to read about how he developed from such an angry 'wild child' into the mature and clearly intelligent man you see commentating on Wimbledon today.

I thought he achieved an appropriate balance between writing about tennis and his achievements in his career and writing about his personal life and his development as an individual. I learned some things about him I would never have known and the book furthered the respect I have for the man he is today and the interest I have in the game of tennis.

Wonderful book., 21 Jul 2008
Never was really into tennis but thought I would get this book as he seems such a funny guy on this years wimbledon. It gives an insight into the joys and downfalls of one of tennis great entertainers from his early days and a brief indicatio of his battles with other tennis greats. A must have biography.

A "Seriously" good autobiography., 15 Aug 2007
Serious is an autobiography for any tennis fan. McEnroe clearly expresses his feelings throughout the book in his journey from a young boy into number 1 in the world.

John McEnroe is a tennis legend. He has enjoyed an incredible career at all levels and owns 77 singles titles including 7 Grand Slam titles. McEnroe, even though one of the greats on the singles tour, he was also a success in doubles. He was ranked number 1 in the world for a record 257 weeks and 74 doubles titles including 8 Grand Slams.

The book gives an insight to McEnroe's feelings and mentality from his early days, up to his last (non-senior) game including his famous rivalries between Conners and Borg.

On a personal level, I thought the most interesting section of the book was his struggle to regain his number one ranking. This, I felt, showed me how much mental resilience and determination McEnroe had. I also found his marriage to Tatum O'Neal intriguing as well as his experiences and troubles with the media- which I deeply sympathized with.

As I said before, this should be read by all tennis fans. Have a good time reading!


Seriously interesting, 13 Jul 2007
An interesting insight into the great tennis player's background and mental processes. Although I am generally sympathetic towards him and regard him now as an outstanding commentator, the book is in places a bit overly defensive and self-justificatory, e.g. he still cannot seem to accept he might ever have been wrong about a linecall.

"Fire it up one time...BAM!", 26 Sep 2007
There are many cases in which professional athletes have come back from devastating injuries and personal problems to regain their place in the spotlight. However, there are only a few of these stories that are as inspiring as the case of James Blake. A series of events in 2004 changed the life of this tennis player forever. He broke his neck in a practice session, lost his father to cancer and then became ill with zoster, a stress related disease that among many drawbacks, affects equilibrium. And then, just when things could not get worse, the love of his friends and family catapulted James back to his rightful spot in the tennis world and in life.

Generally, when I read books of this kind, I cannot help feeling that the athlete is sharing only what the public expects, holding back facts that they may consider a little embarrassing. We usually see somebody struggling, but that also has a kind of bravado to face the situation. This could not be further from the truth in this case though. I felt that James is not holding anything back and is spilling his guts trying to get us to understand every detail of his struggle. Andrew Friedman definitely helps, displaying a proficient writing style and not letting the book get boring at any point.

Besides containing a fair amount of personal aspects related to the fight against adversity and the importance of friendship, this book has some very interesting insights into the mind of a tennis player. Blake shares with us the process by which he became a professional tennis player, but also what goes through the mind of a pro during a match and at the end of the year when it is time to take stock. There are many snippets of information about players on the tour and these keep us engaged and at times help lighten up the mood.

Blake is the kind of pro that plays from the heart, and you can see that passion in his storytelling too. It is no surprise that his mentor and idol is Andre Agassi, who also displays similar traits in the court. Or that Blake is amazed by the talent of Fernando Gonzalez, who plays without a safety net and goes all out in every point, looking for impossible winners. James Blake lives like this, fighting adversity and going for the break right after his serve has been broken, and he has proven he knows how to do this. Granted, he got some help along the way.

This is a story that can be appreciated by anyone. It does not matter whether you are a tennis player or not. In this regard, the author included a glossary of tennis terms to help the novice, and allow them full enjoyment. I hope that if you read this book you will love it as much as I did, and I wish James every success in his future tournaments. So far 2007 has been a pretty good year for him!

Know Your "Selves" Better, 29 Sep 2008
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,