I am 1/2 way through "The Inner Game of Tennis". I would have to agree that this is an outstanding book. Really helps eliminate all those things that make you inconsistent. HIGHLY recommended.
I have also had good luck with the following books:
"The Pleasures of Small Motions" (Bob Francher): This one is a very rational disection of what is going on from a sensory-motor to a more thinking-based approach. Definitely some gems in there. There are some slow parts at the beginning that make the book seem like it will be overly complicated, but it isn't. Keep reading-its worth it.
Phil Capelle's book (Can't rememebr exact title. The Mental Game of Pool, or Play Your Best Mental Game, something like that). This is also full of some great concepts.
The Monk's "I Came to Win". This book was suprisingly helpful to me. There is a lot in there that many people would consider "fluff". Tim Miller is trying to convey some Eastern-inspired ideas in a way that might really hit you if you are already part of the way there. The number one concept I took from this book is this: rather than going out to SHOW how good you are (to yourself or others), instead go out to SEE how good you are. In other words, your goal is to answer the question "how good do I play right now". Then keep a really detached and uncritical mind open to the answer. I would say worth reading if you like Eastern philosophical concepts.
Of the bunch, it seems that "The Inner Game of Tennis" most quickly and concisely gets to the heart of the matter. I would still recommend the others though.
Hope this helps,
Kerry
PS-Dr. Cues Protege either didn't read the books carefully enough, has a VERY poor attitude, or just isn't really into learning new ideas. I recommend you disregard what he has to say on this subject. He isn't interested in it and you are, so you too are on totally different pages, so to speak.
I have also had good luck with the following books:
"The Pleasures of Small Motions" (Bob Francher): This one is a very rational disection of what is going on from a sensory-motor to a more thinking-based approach. Definitely some gems in there. There are some slow parts at the beginning that make the book seem like it will be overly complicated, but it isn't. Keep reading-its worth it.
Phil Capelle's book (Can't rememebr exact title. The Mental Game of Pool, or Play Your Best Mental Game, something like that). This is also full of some great concepts.
The Monk's "I Came to Win". This book was suprisingly helpful to me. There is a lot in there that many people would consider "fluff". Tim Miller is trying to convey some Eastern-inspired ideas in a way that might really hit you if you are already part of the way there. The number one concept I took from this book is this: rather than going out to SHOW how good you are (to yourself or others), instead go out to SEE how good you are. In other words, your goal is to answer the question "how good do I play right now". Then keep a really detached and uncritical mind open to the answer. I would say worth reading if you like Eastern philosophical concepts.
Of the bunch, it seems that "The Inner Game of Tennis" most quickly and concisely gets to the heart of the matter. I would still recommend the others though.
Hope this helps,
Kerry
PS-Dr. Cues Protege either didn't read the books carefully enough, has a VERY poor attitude, or just isn't really into learning new ideas. I recommend you disregard what he has to say on this subject. He isn't interested in it and you are, so you too are on totally different pages, so to speak.
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Unlike HS or College, I'm actually looking forward to this reading...what an odd change of events.
