The Inner Game of Tennis

By: Timothy Gallwey

Finished: April 28th, 2024 What's it about?: The inner game of tennis, in essence, the way to think about competition and how you mentally approach it.

Main takeaway: A few interesting ones. Tim talks a lot about "Self 1" and "Self 2". Self 1 is the conscious, voice in your brain that tries to takeover most situtaions and "get it right". It is the voice that tells you, "What are you doing dummy! Don't hit it like that!" It also will be the voice that tries to tell you instructions, "Okay roll your racket over, roll it over." In short, it is your forebrain and your highly intense, intent version of yourself.

Self 2 is the "background" you. It is the one that just reacts and somehow can hit a great shot, even when you didn't think you would even get to the ball. It is the unconscious, not thinking but existing and acting portion of yourself. Tim asks us to "just observe", and not to judge the actions that happen. Instead, view what happens but do not judge it as good or bad (because you hitting the ball out of bounds is good for your opponent but bad for you). Instead, observe these things and try not to judge; just see them for what they are. Additionally, he runs down the different types of competitors (I want to buy the book The Games We Play), the value of competition, and allowing self 2 to take over.

I think it's a great book, especially for any athlete like myself who tends to get frustrated. I needed this when I was 16 playing soccer.