The Inner Game of Tennis
Timothy Gallwey's 1974 classic on quieting self-criticism to perform under pressure
Timothy Gallwey, a tennis coach, argued in 1974 that every match is two games: the outer one against an opponent and the inner one against nerves, lapses in concentration and self-condemnation. His fix is to stop instructing yourself mid-shot and let the body do what it has practiced, an idea he sums up as not trying too hard. Coaches, musicians and managers have adopted the book, and Gallwey went on to write versions for golf, skiing and work. It is short, and the drills work without a court.
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- Bill GatesRecommends
Microsoft co-founder · Gates Notes reading lists
The best book on tennis he has read, first picked up in the mid-70s and reread several times, which he says is unusual for him. He still gives copies to friends and credits its approach to mistakes with how he critiques himself and manages teams.
Source: Gates Notes: The best guide to getting out of your own way
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