The best 21 Sports Psychology books

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1
Sports Psychology Books: Get Your Mind Right by Todd Durkin

Get Your Mind Right

Todd Durkin

What's Get Your Mind Right about?

Get Your Mind Right by Todd Durkin is a motivational book that offers practical strategies to help you achieve mental clarity, focus, and resilience. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, Durkin guides readers on a journey to unlock their full potential and overcome mental barriers. Whether you're pursuing a fitness goal, career aspiration, or personal growth, this book will empower you to cultivate a strong and positive mindset.

Who should read Get Your Mind Right?

  • Individuals seeking personal growth and self-improvement

  • Athletes looking to enhance their mental toughness and performance

  • Entrepreneurs and business professionals aiming to develop a winning mindset


2
Sports Psychology Books: Be a Player by Pia Nilsson

Be a Player

Pia Nilsson

What's Be a Player about?

Be a Player by Pia Nilsson offers a fresh perspective on how to improve your golf game. Focusing on the mental and emotional aspects of the sport, the book provides practical advice and exercises to help golfers of all levels develop a winning mindset and perform at their best on the course.

Who should read Be a Player?

  • Amateur or professional golfers looking to improve their mental and emotional game on the course

  • Individuals who want to approach golf with a more holistic and mindful mindset

  • Coaches and instructors seeking innovative methods to help their students reach their full potential


3
Sports Psychology Books: Old School Grit by Darrin Donnelly

Old School Grit

Darrin Donnelly

What's Old School Grit about?

Old School Grit by Darrin Donnelly is a motivational book that delves into the concept of grit and how it can lead to success. Through real-life stories and practical advice, the author emphasizes the importance of perseverance, determination, and hard work in achieving your goals. It serves as a reminder that old-fashioned grit is still a valuable trait in today's fast-paced world.

Who should read Old School Grit?

  • Individuals seeking to develop mental toughness and resilience

  • People who want to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles

  • Readers interested in personal growth and self-improvement


What's Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success about?

Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success by John Wooden is a motivational book that outlines the principles and values necessary for achieving success in sports, business, and life. Based on the author's experiences as a renowned basketball coach, the book presents a pyramid of success with building blocks such as industriousness, friendship, and enthusiasm. It offers practical advice and inspiring stories to help readers reach their full potential.

Who should read Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success?

  • Individuals seeking personal and professional success

  • Athletes and coaches looking to improve their performance and leadership skills

  • Readers interested in learning from the wisdom of a legendary basketball coach


5
Sports Psychology Books: Shoot Your Shot by Vernon Brundage Jr.

Shoot Your Shot

Vernon Brundage Jr.

What's Shoot Your Shot about?

Shoot Your Shot by Vernon Brundage Jr. is a motivational book that encourages readers to take risks and go after their dreams. Drawing inspiration from basketball, the author shares stories of athletes who fearlessly took their shot and achieved greatness. Through practical tips and inspiring anecdotes, the book empowers individuals to step out of their comfort zones and seize opportunities.

Who should read Shoot Your Shot?

  • Anyone looking to achieve their goals and reach their full potential

  • Individuals who want to learn from the success stories of top athletes

  • People who are passionate about basketball and want to apply its principles to their own lives


6
Sports Psychology Books: Season of Life by Jeffrey Marx

Season of Life

Jeffrey Marx

What's Season of Life about?

Season of Life by Jeffrey Marx is an inspiring book that delves into the true meaning of masculinity and the power of mentorship. Through the lens of a high school football team and its coach, the author explores how we can redefine success and live a life of purpose and integrity. It challenges traditional notions of manhood and encourages readers to prioritize relationships and making a positive impact on others.

Who should read Season of Life?

  • Anyone looking for inspiration and guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life

  • Individuals interested in personal growth, self-discovery, and building strong relationships

  • Sports fans who want to explore the deeper lessons and values that can be learned from athletics


7

What's The Mental Toughness Advantage about?

The Mental Toughness Advantage by Douglas Comstock provides practical strategies and insights to help individuals develop mental toughness and resilience. Drawing on scientific research and real-life examples, the book offers valuable tips for overcoming challenges, managing stress, and achieving peak performance in various aspects of life. It is a must-read for anyone looking to strengthen their mindset and achieve their goals.

Who should read The Mental Toughness Advantage?

  • Individuals seeking to develop mental resilience and overcome challenges

  • Athletes looking to improve their performance and mental game

  • Professionals who want to enhance their leadership skills and decision-making abilities


8
Sports Psychology Books: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker PhD

Why We Sleep

Matthew Walker PhD

What's Why We Sleep about?

Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker explores the science behind sleep and its crucial role in our physical and mental well-being. From the impact of sleep on our immune system to its influence on our creativity and emotional stability, Walker delves into the importance of prioritizing quality rest for overall health. This book offers eye-opening insights and practical tips for improving our sleep habits.

Who should read Why We Sleep?

  • Anyone who wants to understand the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being

  • People who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders and are looking for solutions

  • Individuals interested in the latest scientific research on sleep and its impact on various aspects of life


9
Sports Psychology Books: Psyching for Sport by Terry Orlick

Psyching for Sport

Terry Orlick

What's Psyching for Sport about?

Psyching for Sport by Terry Orlick is a comprehensive guide to the mental aspects of athletic performance. It delves into the psychological skills and strategies that can help athletes reach their full potential. From building confidence to managing pressure, this book offers practical advice and real-life examples to help athletes develop a winning mindset.

Who should read Psyching for Sport?

  • Individuals involved in competitive sports seeking to improve their mental game

  • Coaches and trainers looking to enhance their athletes' performance through psychological strategies

  • Athletes who want to overcome mental barriers and achieve peak performance under pressure


10
Sports Psychology Books: How Bad Do You Want It? by Matt Fitzgerald

How Bad Do You Want It?

Matt Fitzgerald

What's How Bad Do You Want It? about?

How Bad Do You Want It? by Matt Fitzgerald delves into the psychology of endurance sports and explores the concept of mental toughness. Through real-life stories and scientific research, the book uncovers the incredible power of the mind in determining athletic performance. It challenges athletes to push past their perceived limits and reveals the strategies they can use to achieve their ultimate goals.

Who should read How Bad Do You Want It??

  • Individuals who are looking to improve their mental toughness and push past their physical limits

  • Athletes and sports enthusiasts who want to understand the psychology behind peak athletic performance

  • Coaches and trainers who want to help their athletes develop a winning mindset


11
Sports Psychology Books: Your Short Game Solution by James Sieckmann

Your Short Game Solution

James Sieckmann

What's Your Short Game Solution about?

Your Short Game Solution by James Sieckmann is a comprehensive guide to mastering the most crucial aspect of golf – the short game. Filled with practical tips, drills, and insights from Sieckmann's years of experience coaching professional golfers, this book will help golfers of all levels improve their chipping, pitching, bunker play, and putting. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this book offers valuable techniques to lower your scores and elevate your game.

Who should read Your Short Game Solution?

  • Amateur or professional golfers looking to improve their short game

  • Players who want to lower their scores and increase their confidence around the greens

  • Coaches and instructors seeking innovative techniques and drills to help their students


12
Sports Psychology Books: Inner Excellence by JIM MURPHY

Inner Excellence

JIM MURPHY

What's Inner Excellence about?

Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy offers a powerful guide to unlocking your full potential and achieving peak performance in any area of your life. Drawing on his experience as a mental skills coach, Murphy provides practical strategies and insights to help you master your mindset, overcome obstacles, and cultivate a winning attitude. Whether you're an athlete, business professional, or simply seeking personal growth, this book will inspire you to strive for inner excellence.

Who should read Inner Excellence?

  • Individuals seeking to improve their mental and emotional resilience

  • Athletes looking to enhance their performance and overcome mental barriers

  • Professionals aiming to develop a growth mindset and achieve success in their careers


13
Sports Psychology Books: Intangibles by Joan Ryan

Intangibles

Joan Ryan

What's Intangibles about?

Intangibles by Joan Ryan explores the often overlooked factors that contribute to success in sports. Through interviews with athletes, coaches, and experts, the book delves into the role of team chemistry, mindset, and other intangible elements that can make or break a game. It challenges the traditional focus on statistics and physical abilities, offering a fresh perspective on what truly makes a winning team.

Who should read Intangibles?

  • Individuals who are interested in understanding the intangible factors that contribute to team success

  • Coaches, managers, and leaders looking to improve team dynamics and performance

  • Sports fans who want to gain insights into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of their favorite teams


14
Sports Psychology Books: Bring Your "a" Game by Jennifer L. Etnier

Bring Your "a" Game

Jennifer L. Etnier

What's Bring Your "a" Game about?

Bring Your "A" Game by Jennifer L. Etnier is a comprehensive guide to improving your mental game in sports. Through real-life examples and practical strategies, the book teaches athletes how to develop focus, confidence, and resilience, ultimately enhancing their performance on the field or court. It's a must-read for anyone looking to take their game to the next level.

Who should read Bring Your "a" Game?

  • Young athletes who want to improve their mental game and reach their full potential

  • Coaches and parents looking to support and guide young athletes in their mental training

  • Athletes of all levels who are interested in understanding the importance of mindset and mental toughness in sports


15
Sports Psychology Books: The Hot Hand by Ben Cohen

The Hot Hand

Ben Cohen

What's The Hot Hand about?

The Hot Hand by Ben Cohen delves into the fascinating world of streaks and hot hands in sports, business, and everyday life. Through engaging storytelling and compelling research, Cohen challenges our beliefs about luck and skill, revealing the surprising ways in which streaks can impact our lives. This thought-provoking book will change the way you think about success and failure.

Who should read The Hot Hand?

  • Readers who are curious about the psychology of streaks and hot hands

  • Individuals interested in sports analytics and statistical analysis

  • Business professionals looking to understand patterns of success and failure


16
Sports Psychology Books: The MVP Machine by Ben Lindbergh, Travis Sawchik

The MVP Machine

Ben Lindbergh, Travis Sawchik

What's The MVP Machine about?

The MVP Machine by Ben Lindbergh and Travis Sawchik explores the cutting-edge technology and innovative training techniques that are revolutionizing the world of baseball. Through in-depth interviews and research, the book delves into the quest to build better players and the impact it's having on the game.

Who should read The MVP Machine?

  • Baseball enthusiasts who want to understand the latest trends in player development

  • Coaches and trainers looking to improve their approach to maximizing player potential

  • Sports fans interested in the intersection of technology and athletics


What's The Little Book of Breaking 80 - How to Shoot in the 70s about?

The Little Book of Breaking 80 offers valuable insights and practical tips for golfers looking to improve their game. Author Shane Jones shares his personal journey and provides a step-by-step guide to help players break through the 80-stroke barrier. With a focus on mental strategies, course management, and practice techniques, this book is a must-read for anyone striving to lower their scores on the golf course.

Who should read The Little Book of Breaking 80 - How to Shoot in the 70s?

  • Amateur golfers looking to improve their game and break the 80-stroke barrier

  • Players who want to understand the mental and strategic aspects of golf

  • Golfers who are open to unconventional and practical advice for lowering their scores


18
Sports Psychology Books: Finding Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Finding Flow

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

What's Finding Flow about?

Finding Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi explores the concept of optimal experience and how to achieve a state of flow in everyday life. Through research and real-life examples, the book delves into the conditions that lead to deep enjoyment, creativity, and a sense of fulfillment. It offers valuable insights and practical strategies for finding happiness and meaning in our activities.

Who should read Finding Flow?

  • Individuals seeking to understand and enhance their overall well-being

  • People interested in achieving a state of optimal experience and fulfillment

  • Readers who want to explore the concept of flow and its impact on personal growth and happiness


What's How to Be Better At Basketball in 21 days about?

How to Be Better At Basketball in 21 Days by James Wilson is a comprehensive guide for basketball enthusiasts who want to take their game to the next level. Through a structured 21-day program, the book covers essential skills such as shooting, dribbling, defense, and conditioning. With clear instructions and practical tips, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their basketball abilities within a short timeframe.

Who should read How to Be Better At Basketball in 21 days?

  • Aspiring basketball players who want to improve their skills and take their game to the next level

  • Coaches looking for a structured and effective training program to help their players develop

  • Parents or guardians who want to support their children in honing their basketball abilities


What's Master Your Tennis Game about?

Master Your Tennis Game by Ken DeHart offers practical strategies and exercises to help tennis players improve their mental toughness, focus, and overall performance on the court. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this book provides valuable insights and tips to elevate your game and achieve success in tennis.

Who should read Master Your Tennis Game?

  • Aspiring tennis players looking to improve their mental game and overall performance on the court

  • Coaches and trainers seeking new strategies to help their players reach their full potential

  • Fans of the sport who want to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological aspects of tennis


21
Sports Psychology Books: Tanking to the Top by Yaron Weitzman

Tanking to the Top

Yaron Weitzman

What's Tanking to the Top about?

Tanking to the Top by Yaron Weitzman delves into the controversial strategy employed by the Philadelphia 76ers in their quest for basketball greatness. Through in-depth interviews and meticulous research, Weitzman explores the team's deliberate decision to "tank" – intentionally lose games – in order to secure high draft picks and rebuild their roster. This thought-provoking book challenges conventional wisdom and offers a fascinating insider's look at the inner workings of professional sports.

Who should read Tanking to the Top?

  • Anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of a professional sports team

  • Basketball fans who want to understand the strategy behind "tanking" in the NBA

  • Readers who enjoy stories of unconventional leadership and thinking outside the box


Related Topics

Sports Psychology Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Sports Psychology book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard Get Your Mind Right as the ultimate read on Sports Psychology.

What are the Top 10 Sports Psychology books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Get Your Mind Right by Todd Durkin
  • Be a Player by Pia Nilsson
  • Old School Grit by Darrin Donnelly
  • Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success by John Wooden
  • Shoot Your Shot by Vernon Brundage Jr.
  • Season of Life by Jeffrey Marx
  • The Mental Toughness Advantage by Douglas Comstock
  • Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker PhD
  • Psyching for Sport by Terry Orlick
  • How Bad Do You Want It? by Matt Fitzgerald

Who are the top Sports Psychology book authors?

When it comes to Sports Psychology, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Todd Durkin
  • Pia Nilsson
  • Darrin Donnelly
  • John Wooden
  • Vernon Brundage Jr.