The title and design of W. T. Gallway’s best-selling sports coach (Timothy Galwey) leave no doubt that this is a manual for tennis players. Indeed, those who are already playing or are just about to pick up a racket will find a lot of useful tips here. However, it was not tennis that made the book successful, but the concept of the “inner game” that was first introduced in it, which later became the basis of coaching.
The title and design of W.T. Gallway (Timothy Galwey — this form of translation is better known — ed. note) leaves no doubt that we have a guide for tennis players. Indeed, those who are already playing or are just about to pick up a racket will find a lot of useful tips here. However, it was not tennis that made the book successful, but the concept of the “inner game” that was first introduced in it, which later became the basis of coaching. “You won’t achieve either perfection or joy in any game if you don’t pay attention to the subtle tricks of the “inside” game,” writes Gallaway. “It takes place in the mind of the player, in which he overcomes the inability to concentrate, nervousness, self-doubt and self-judgment.” The purpose of the «inner game» is to discover and realize the potential that is in each of us. And for this it is necessary to master some skills (the art of «relaxed concentration», trust and non-judgmental attitude towards oneself and one’s actions, achieving inner balance). “Freeing yourself from the habit of judging yourself by how you throw your backhand is the same as breaking free from the habit of judging your child or boss,” says Gallway. He offers readers ways to “break out of the rut” (this is the main goal of the “inner game”) and reconcile their mind with their body.
Olymp business, 208 p.