Gift Idea: The Inner Game of Tennis

At the start of this season, former NCAA tennis star Kurt Streeter wrote a piece for the LA Times involving a book called The Inner Game of Tennis.

That doesn't seem out of place until you find out the column was really about Pete Carroll.

Carroll first picked up the book when he was a graduate student, and it had a profound influence on his coaching philosophy. Written by W. Timothy Gallwey, the work was one of the first to dive into the now popular topic of sports psychology. While it focuses on tennis, the lessons are easily applied elsewhere.

The Inner Game has developed a big following since it was first published in 1972. Carroll is such a big fan that he wrote the foreword of the latest edition. He also reportedly had his three Heisman winners -- Palmer, Leinart, and Bush -- read the mere 122 pages. The latest Trojan to subscribe to the philosophy is team captain Lawrence Jackson.

To sum it up, Jackson pointed to an example in the book about a cat stalking a bird. "He doesn't have to think about how high to jump or how far to jump. When the bird takes off, he takes off. Whatever's necessary to get it, he's got it because he's so focused. When you start to calculate, 'I've got to jump this high' ... then you lose who you are and your natural ability to get it done."

Jackson said that the book isn't exactly assigned reading on the team (certain All-Americans I talked to hadn't even heard of it), but that Carroll shares it with players in certain situations.

"I do think that everybody should read it," Jackson added, "on our team or in life."

This gift is good for: Students of the game. Deep thinkers. People looking for zen in unusual places.

This gift is bad for: Fans with a casual interest. Young children. People looking for technical tennis instruction.

Price: $13-17

Where to find it: Available in most major bookstores and major online retailers. You can get more info on the book's website.

Comments

[West Nott]

Pete representing tennis! Rely on your instincts.