The 5 Best Tennis Psychology Books To Read Right Now!

The Best Tennis Psychology Books

Tennis is a mental sport, and the mental side of it is as important as the physical. Our list has both old favorites and newer picks by today’s experts.

The Inner Game of Tennis, and Inner Tennis: Playing the Game, By Timothy Gallwey

You cannot go wrong with the classic “Inner Game” books by Timothy Gallwey. Both books were published in the mid-70s. So yes, they are coming up on 50 years old!

And both are as relevant today as they were when they first hit the bookshelves.

For the past fifty years, “The Inner Game of Tennis” has transformed the way millions of players approach the game. Elite athletes from every sport have benefited from this brilliant book.

In fact, Gallwey has written five more “Inner Game” books on topics like work, golf, and stress. There’s even one about the inner game of music!

The Inner Game of Tennis

From the book’s introduction:

“The Player of the Inner Game comes to value relaxed concentration above all other skills; he discovers a true basis for self-confidence; and he learns that the secret to winning any game is by not trying too hard. 

He aims at the kind of spontaneous performance that only occurs when the mind is calm and seems at one with the body…..the player of the inner game uncovers the will to win which unlocks all his energy, which is never discouraged by losing.” 

“The Inner Game of Tennis” is a straightforward and effective book.

It’s presented in a way that makes learning and remembering the information easy. Gallwey shows us that we all have two separate sides. One side is our chattering and self-defeating conscious mind. The other is our capable and trained body.

Gallwey skillfully guides the reader in silencing the first side so the second can reach its full potential. You’ll be surprised by how much you gain from this book and how well you remember it, even after reading it just once.

Inner Tennis: Playing the Game 

“Inner Tennis: Playing The Game” is the lesser-known follow-up to the original Inner Game. In this book, Gallwey delves even deeper into topics like self-image and shifting our minds away from judgment. He also takes a closer look at body awareness and applies the concepts from the first book to real-life situations.

While you can manage with just the original book, it’s most helpful to read both. Start with “The Inner Game of Tennis” first. It will lead you nicely into “Inner Tennis: Playing The Game.”

Master your Mental Game: 50 Mental Strategies and Tactics, By Ken DeHart

This book is a lot like “The Inner Game” books as it covers many of the same principles. Yet, unlike Gallwey’s focus on the inner self, “Master your Mental Game” also provides details on tactical strategies and how to outsmart an opponent.

The book is well-organized with short and clear chapters.

It includes pro-player profiles and their strategies. “Master your Mental Game” is a quick read and is especially helpful for new players. It’s also good for recreational players and those who dream of becoming professionals.

You probably don’t need both “Master Your Mental Game” and Gallwey’s “Inner Game” books. If you have to choose, we suggest starting with Gallwey’s books. Some may prefer DeHart’s quicker and more direct style. Keep in mind that a quicker read may not have as much lasting impact. Or bring the same mental changes as Gallwey’s books.

Winning Ugly By Brad Gilbert

Fans of professional Women’s Tennis will know Coco Gauff added Brad Gilbert to her coaching team right after the 2023 Wimbledon. Her transformation was almost immediate, and if you read “Winning Ugly,” you’ll see why. Being able to better understand how to approach pressure points in her game, she’s been able to make a difference on the court.

Much like “Master your Mental Game,” “Winning Ugly” covers both mental and on-court strategies. Including match preparation and understanding your opponent. Gilbert also dedicates a lot of time to teaching how to spot your opponent’s weaknesses and make the most of your own strengths. 

This approach, known as “Winning Ugly,” was Gilbert’s trademark during his ATP days when he routinely outsmarted higher-ranked players.

“Winning Ugly” is notable for a few reasons, one of them being its focus on club players. Some readers may find Gilbert a bit self-assured in certain parts, but it’s more about his straightforward narrative style. Occasionally, he veers off-topic to share personal stories from his time as both a coach and player. 

However, if you can look past the somewhat pompous tone, you’ll likely discover the content to be captivating and applicable. It leaves a lasting impact after you finish the book. In summary, “Winning Ugly” is an exceptional and time-tested addition to your book collection.

Essential Tennis By Ian Westermann

If you’re looking for a book that dives deep into technique, growth, and tactics, “Essential Tennis” might be what you’re after. This book is divided into three sections. The mental game takes the spotlight in section three. But is intertwined throughout the whole book. 

Sports psychology in tennis is a huge part of the game. Westermann covers the same concepts as the other books mentioned earlier, but he offers his unique perspective. 

He links the most significant mental hurdle to the tennis ball itself, like the desire to “hit the right shot,”. This can lead to destructive tension, among other things. 

One notable feature is the inclusion of a court diagram as a visual tool for developing strategies. Westermann designed the book to serve both as an educational resource and as a reference manual for use during matches.

Similar to “Winning Ugly,” “Essential Tennis” is designed with a user-friendly three-section layout, making it well-suited for practical use. It even has a chapter on self-correction that you can refer to during breaks. Another noteworthy aspect is the suggestion to record your play for self-assessment and to maintain a journal to track your progress.

A standout in “Essential Tennis” is the demonstration of Rafael Nadal’s 2008-2014 French Open statistics.

Presented in a simple table, it shows the percentages of matches (98%), sets (90%), games (65%), and actual points (56%) that Rafa won during those years. 

It provides a clear visual of how players can lose many points but still maintain a dominant position. For recreational players who struggle with confidence after each mistake, having this information at hand can significantly improve their attitude and overall game.

The idea that you only need to be slightly better than your opponent statistically to win a match is covered in some other books, but not in as much detail or with such a practical and perspective-altering approach as in “Essential Tennis.”

Which Is the BEST Tennis Psychology Book To Read Right Now?

If you must choose just one, go for the tried-and-true classics: “The Inner Game of Tennis” and, if possible, his second book, “Inner Tennis: Playing the Game.” 

Technically, these are two separate books, but we view them as one, and you will too after reading them. They are both truly outstanding.

Keen to Put the Psychological Tactics into Play?

If online learning is more your style, check out all the great courses right here on the Tennis Bros! We cover a wide range of tactics and strokes you’ll want in your tennis tool kit. With expert tuition from a former Pro and Master Coach, you’ll soon be winning more matches!

Singles Tactics

Doubles Tactics

Secrets of the Serve

The Art of Volleying

Check them out if you are ready to take your skills to the next level, and remember to always enjoy the game!

Article by Sarah Cormier