What do you think?
Rate this book
Coach Wooden: The 7 Principles That Shaped His Life and Will Change Yours
When Coach John Wooden graduated from eighth grade, his father gave him a handwritten card and said, "Son, try to live up to this." On the card, his father had written seven simple yet profound life
Be true to yourself
Help others
Make friendship a fine art
Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible
Make each day your masterpiece
Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live
Give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day
These principles were the key to Coach Wooden's greatness--and his goodness. Through powerful stories and pithy advice, this book shares the wisdom that made Wooden happy and successful. This inspirational and conversational book, now in trade paper, will encourage, challenge, and motivate readers to build these principles into their own lives.
Be true to yourself
Help others
Make friendship a fine art
Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible
Make each day your masterpiece
Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live
Give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day
These principles were the key to Coach Wooden's greatness--and his goodness. Through powerful stories and pithy advice, this book shares the wisdom that made Wooden happy and successful. This inspirational and conversational book, now in trade paper, will encourage, challenge, and motivate readers to build these principles into their own lives.
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2011
64 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Pat Williams
199 books48 followersPatrick Livingston Murphy Williams was an American sports executive, who served as senior vice president of the Orlando Magic. Williams began his career as a minor league baseball player, and later joined the front office of his team. In the late 1960s he moved into basketball, with his biggest achievements being the 1983 title of the Philadelphia 76'ers and being a partner in the creation of the Orlando Magic.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 16, 2012
I really liked this book. This is another one I'm going to pay my kids to read. It discussed the 7-point creed John Wooden lived by. This creed was written down on a piece of paper by his father and given to Coach Wooden in the 8th grade. He kept the piece of paper all of his life. Here is the 7-point creed:
1. Be true to yourself.
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live.
7. Pray for guidance and counsel, and give thanks for your blessings each day.
Other take-aways:
* "Four things a man must learn to do,
If he would make his life more true:
To think without confusion clearly,
To love his fellow-man sincerely,
To act from honest motives purely,
To trust in God and Heaven securely." - Henry Van Dyke
* John Wooden's Dad also taught him the "two-set of 3s": Never lie, never cheat, never steal. Don't whine, don't complain, don't make excuses."
* Work very hard at the things I can control, and don't lose sleep over the rest of it.
* Discipline yourself and others won't have to.
* The Dirty Shoulders Principle: All great people have dirty shoulders. People of true greatness are always lifting people up and letting them stand tall on their shoulders.
* Talent is God-given: Be humble. Fame is man-given: Be thankful. Conceit is self-given: Be careful.
1. Be true to yourself.
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live.
7. Pray for guidance and counsel, and give thanks for your blessings each day.
Other take-aways:
* "Four things a man must learn to do,
If he would make his life more true:
To think without confusion clearly,
To love his fellow-man sincerely,
To act from honest motives purely,
To trust in God and Heaven securely." - Henry Van Dyke
* John Wooden's Dad also taught him the "two-set of 3s": Never lie, never cheat, never steal. Don't whine, don't complain, don't make excuses."
* Work very hard at the things I can control, and don't lose sleep over the rest of it.
* Discipline yourself and others won't have to.
* The Dirty Shoulders Principle: All great people have dirty shoulders. People of true greatness are always lifting people up and letting them stand tall on their shoulders.
* Talent is God-given: Be humble. Fame is man-given: Be thankful. Conceit is self-given: Be careful.
March 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011Book Review of Coach Wooden by Pat Williams
I must say this is one of the best books I have ever read, and I am humbled that there was ever a man who used Basketball to touch so many young men's lives, both on and off the court! A Christian man, father, coach, son, and husband who tried to apply seven basic principles,(given to him by his father) to his life and lives that he touched.
On a simple piece of paper laid seven principles that Coach Wooden's father had given him during his eighth grade graduation. Coach carried that paper in his wallet until the day he died. It was so aged, that you couldn't even read it anymore, but he carried it anyways.
The book aligns itself and goes into detail with examples and idea's on how to be successful at it.
The seven principles:
Be True to Yourself
Help others
Make Friendships a fine art
Drink Deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
Make each day your masterpieces.
Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live.
Give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day.
I enjoyed reading this book immensely and I recommend it to every one in all stages in life.
This book was given to me complimentary from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest book review.
I must say this is one of the best books I have ever read, and I am humbled that there was ever a man who used Basketball to touch so many young men's lives, both on and off the court! A Christian man, father, coach, son, and husband who tried to apply seven basic principles,(given to him by his father) to his life and lives that he touched.
On a simple piece of paper laid seven principles that Coach Wooden's father had given him during his eighth grade graduation. Coach carried that paper in his wallet until the day he died. It was so aged, that you couldn't even read it anymore, but he carried it anyways.
The book aligns itself and goes into detail with examples and idea's on how to be successful at it.
The seven principles:
Be True to Yourself
Help others
Make Friendships a fine art
Drink Deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
Make each day your masterpieces.
Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live.
Give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day.
I enjoyed reading this book immensely and I recommend it to every one in all stages in life.
This book was given to me complimentary from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest book review.
April 27, 2011
Wisdom for the ages. Coach Wooden's father passed down to him a 7-point creed that had a tremendous impact on him. Coach has touched so many lives over the years. He was an amazing man. I love this book.
July 31, 2021
A great read with a really encouraging message that is delivered through a look at the principles that drove John Wooden. The way the message was presented, however, did not resonate with me as much as I would have wanted.
May 18, 2024
After learning about Coach Wooden in group coaching sessions, it was nice to see his work as part of the Ted Lasso series.
Coach Wooden, the man, rates 5 stars and the book does a great job of describing his ethics, morality, care and how he took time to guide and coach university basketball players to be good men who worked as a team. His methods brought great success on the court but the real success is the legacy that he left in those who were impacted, those who carried his dad's creed in their pockets and those who have been inspired to make their own difference.
We can all learn leadership from the late Coach Wooden, who was married for over 5 decades, raised a family and supported countless others on the court or during his breakfasts in a restaurant after retiring. He lived a good life, passing away at age 99 and leaving a legacy!!
Coach Wooden, the man, rates 5 stars and the book does a great job of describing his ethics, morality, care and how he took time to guide and coach university basketball players to be good men who worked as a team. His methods brought great success on the court but the real success is the legacy that he left in those who were impacted, those who carried his dad's creed in their pockets and those who have been inspired to make their own difference.
We can all learn leadership from the late Coach Wooden, who was married for over 5 decades, raised a family and supported countless others on the court or during his breakfasts in a restaurant after retiring. He lived a good life, passing away at age 99 and leaving a legacy!!
October 1, 2020
I just added a new indirect mentor in my life.
What I learned from this book is the influence of a good father (plus family and friends) can do his children's lives
We need a role model whom we can emulate. Someone to help us along the way and build character.
The 7 Principles of Joshua Hugh Wooden are simple - but not easy. They are a great, timeless guide in living.
What I learned from this book is the influence of a good father (plus family and friends) can do his children's lives
We need a role model whom we can emulate. Someone to help us along the way and build character.
The 7 Principles of Joshua Hugh Wooden are simple - but not easy. They are a great, timeless guide in living.
March 13, 2021
It's a pretty light read. Wooden's clearly inspiring and Williams is inspired, so I'm glad I read it, but it's not meant to be an especially deep or challenging approach, even if it offers encouragement and stories/ideas worth reflecting on.
April 13, 2012
This book was so poorly written I finally quit on it. It wasn't worth navigating the mindless repetition and wandering line of thought. There certainly is some truth to Wooden's famous seven principles, but this book managed to relegate them to a series of trite cliches'. I'm intrigued by Wooden and would like to know more about what made him an such an effective leader and teacher, but this book was unreadable.
June 5, 2017
Great book to be read again and again
September 18, 2020
John Wooden was a spectacular coach with an unparalleled track record. But, this book is poorly written, full of truisms.
August 10, 2018
Despite the reference to John Wooden in the title, this book is not a biography of collegiate basketball’s most famous coach. Instead, it is a reflection on how John Wooden lived seven guidelines espoused by his father, Joshua Hugh Wooden. Joshua gave Johnny (as he was then known) a paper with seven pieces of advice when Johnny was 12 — and Coach Wooden carried the paper in his wallet for the rest of his life.
Joshua’s advice is simple enough. “Be true to yourself” and “Make each day your masterpiece” are neither original nor complex. The substance of the book is not the advice itself, but, rather, the examples of how John Wooden, and the people around him, made use of these guidelines. For example, when discussing helping others, Wooden talks about the importance of being unselfish in basketball. And, in the section on gratitude, there is a poignant story of Collin Powell (after retiring from government service) stopping at a shelter for homeless veterans simply to thank them for their service.
Unlike Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success: Building Blocks for a Better Life, which ties Bible study directly to Wooden’s coaching, this book is not explicitly religious. However, faith was important to father and son, and is a theme throughout the book. One of the elder Wooden’s pieces of advice is to “Pray for guidance and counsel” and another is to “Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible”. The book tells a variety of stories, about Wooden and his players, that show how faith played a role in his life.
It's easy to dismiss most inspirational books as mere schmaltz. But, Pat Williams has written a pleasant, readable book that serves a valuable purpose: it causes us to think carefully about the things we thinks we already know about living a good life. And, it reminds those of us who are parents that our children pay close attention to the advice we give -- and the examples we set.
Joshua’s advice is simple enough. “Be true to yourself” and “Make each day your masterpiece” are neither original nor complex. The substance of the book is not the advice itself, but, rather, the examples of how John Wooden, and the people around him, made use of these guidelines. For example, when discussing helping others, Wooden talks about the importance of being unselfish in basketball. And, in the section on gratitude, there is a poignant story of Collin Powell (after retiring from government service) stopping at a shelter for homeless veterans simply to thank them for their service.
Unlike Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success: Building Blocks for a Better Life, which ties Bible study directly to Wooden’s coaching, this book is not explicitly religious. However, faith was important to father and son, and is a theme throughout the book. One of the elder Wooden’s pieces of advice is to “Pray for guidance and counsel” and another is to “Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible”. The book tells a variety of stories, about Wooden and his players, that show how faith played a role in his life.
It's easy to dismiss most inspirational books as mere schmaltz. But, Pat Williams has written a pleasant, readable book that serves a valuable purpose: it causes us to think carefully about the things we thinks we already know about living a good life. And, it reminds those of us who are parents that our children pay close attention to the advice we give -- and the examples we set.
January 26, 2023
Pat Williams’ book “Coach Wooden: The 7 Principles that Shaped His Life and Will Change Yours” details these 7 principles and how they helped to shape the character and personality of Wooden, one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time. The principles were given to John Wooden by his father, the subject of the book’s first chapter.
Those 7 principles are: “Be True to Yourself; Help Others; Make Each Day Your Masterpiece; Drink Deeply from Good Books, Especially the Bible; Make Friendship a Fine Art; Build a Shelter against a Rainy Day by the Life you Live; and Pray for Guidance and Counsel, and Give Thanks for Your Blessings Each Day.” Each principle receives a chapter in the book.
The book contains quotes from John Wooden, people who played on his teams and others who embodied the values discussed in the book. Some of the quotes refer to John Wooden’s character; his coaching and teaching skills; different events from his life and the profound and enduring influence his father had on him. Not only was John Wooden a remarkable person, but his father was also an exemplary individual, whose advice made a strong difference in John Wooden’s character development, actions and philosophy.
As the book attests, John Wooden and his father, treated others well and had integrity. This integrity guided the decisions and choices that Wooden and his father made.
The author writes about the positive effect that John Wooden had on others, including the players that he coached. John Wooden’s commitment to these principles given to him by his dad helped him to become a better coach, teacher and friend to others.
The book is well written and has a positive and upbeat tone, which can be uplifting for a reader. The author seems enthusiastic about the career of John Wooden and the effectiveness of the seven principles.
I would recommend this book for anyone who wanted to read an uplifting and positive book. The book can add perspective to a person’s outlook.
Those 7 principles are: “Be True to Yourself; Help Others; Make Each Day Your Masterpiece; Drink Deeply from Good Books, Especially the Bible; Make Friendship a Fine Art; Build a Shelter against a Rainy Day by the Life you Live; and Pray for Guidance and Counsel, and Give Thanks for Your Blessings Each Day.” Each principle receives a chapter in the book.
The book contains quotes from John Wooden, people who played on his teams and others who embodied the values discussed in the book. Some of the quotes refer to John Wooden’s character; his coaching and teaching skills; different events from his life and the profound and enduring influence his father had on him. Not only was John Wooden a remarkable person, but his father was also an exemplary individual, whose advice made a strong difference in John Wooden’s character development, actions and philosophy.
As the book attests, John Wooden and his father, treated others well and had integrity. This integrity guided the decisions and choices that Wooden and his father made.
The author writes about the positive effect that John Wooden had on others, including the players that he coached. John Wooden’s commitment to these principles given to him by his dad helped him to become a better coach, teacher and friend to others.
The book is well written and has a positive and upbeat tone, which can be uplifting for a reader. The author seems enthusiastic about the career of John Wooden and the effectiveness of the seven principles.
I would recommend this book for anyone who wanted to read an uplifting and positive book. The book can add perspective to a person’s outlook.
November 3, 2022
YOU CANNOUT HAVE A PERFECT DAY WITHOUT HELPING OTHERS WITH NO THOUGHT OF GETTING SOMETHING IN RETURN.
FAILURE ISNT FATAL, BUT FAILURE TO CHANGE MIGHT BE.
Coach retired after the 74/75 season - 40 years as a head coach including 27 as head coach of UCLA Bruins. His career win-loss record was 885-203 (0.813) including a 149-2 record at home and 4 seasons of 30-0. He won 10 NCAA championships with UCLA including 7 straight from 67-73.
John Woodens Dad (Joshua) formulated seven life principles;
i) be true to yourself
ii) help others
iii) make each day your masterpiece
iv) drink deeply from good books
v) make friendship a fine art
vi) build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live
vii) pray for guidance and counsel and give thanks for your blessings each day
Coach described his Dad as a man who was physically powerful, morally upright and intellectually curious.
Blaming, cursing, hating doesnt help you, it hurts you.
If you are not maintaining self-control then you are not being true to yourself. You are letting your circumstances of your emotions or the actions of other people control you.
There are 2 kinds of people in this world; givers and takers. The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better.
Strong values and strong character give you the ability to make wise decisions in rainy day situations.
Its not hard to make decisions when you what your values are.
You must love the boys you coach to get the most out of them.
Coaches goal in life was to come as close to being the man his Father was.
FAILURE ISNT FATAL, BUT FAILURE TO CHANGE MIGHT BE.
Coach retired after the 74/75 season - 40 years as a head coach including 27 as head coach of UCLA Bruins. His career win-loss record was 885-203 (0.813) including a 149-2 record at home and 4 seasons of 30-0. He won 10 NCAA championships with UCLA including 7 straight from 67-73.
John Woodens Dad (Joshua) formulated seven life principles;
i) be true to yourself
ii) help others
iii) make each day your masterpiece
iv) drink deeply from good books
v) make friendship a fine art
vi) build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live
vii) pray for guidance and counsel and give thanks for your blessings each day
Coach described his Dad as a man who was physically powerful, morally upright and intellectually curious.
Blaming, cursing, hating doesnt help you, it hurts you.
If you are not maintaining self-control then you are not being true to yourself. You are letting your circumstances of your emotions or the actions of other people control you.
There are 2 kinds of people in this world; givers and takers. The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better.
Strong values and strong character give you the ability to make wise decisions in rainy day situations.
Its not hard to make decisions when you what your values are.
You must love the boys you coach to get the most out of them.
Coaches goal in life was to come as close to being the man his Father was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2020
"Coach" as he is known by his players, personal friends, and others familiar with his legacy is considered perhaps the greatest coach of all time. With his many accolades (championships, winning streaks, players gone pro, and other stats) John Wooden is perhaps known best for the way he lived his life. Coach had 7 principles that he lived by; these principles were taught to him by his dad Joshua Wooden. His life is more than championships and awards it was a legacy of investing in others and making those around him better. This is the second book I have read on/ about "Coach" and each one makes me wish that I would have had the opportunity to meet him. Each principle is not only explained but also easily seen exampled by "Coach" - with stories and testimonies from those who knew him best. This book is practically a biography however, there is so much more about him that could be shared. I do believe that this book focuses on what was important to him, his faith and the way he lived out his faith which in return influenced many.
March 20, 2018
This book was about the seven point creed that John Wooden's father gave him when he was young. These seven principles were:
1. Be true to yourself.
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live.
7. Pray for guidance and counsel, and give thanks for your blessings each day.
With each of these, the book goes in depth explaining each principle, along with including several real life stories of Coach and others about how each principle shaped their life to make them a better person. I really enjoyed leaning about the seven principles that made Coach who he was, and learning how others can implement them into their own lives to be the best they can be.
1. Be true to yourself.
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live.
7. Pray for guidance and counsel, and give thanks for your blessings each day.
With each of these, the book goes in depth explaining each principle, along with including several real life stories of Coach and others about how each principle shaped their life to make them a better person. I really enjoyed leaning about the seven principles that made Coach who he was, and learning how others can implement them into their own lives to be the best they can be.
January 31, 2022
It’s hard to not be in awe of Coach John Wooden. The guy won 11 NCAA basketball championships in a row. A feat that no one has even come close to replicating. I picked up this book in the hopes that I’d become a better coach and man from diving into the mind of a legendary coach.
This book focuses on the 7 principals John’s dad gave him at a young age. The book uses lots of Wooden stories and quotes of friends to solidify how the advice improved Wooden’s life. I found this read to be uninspired. The advice is strong and the stories are genuine, but it feels so repetitive. Help Other, here is a story about that, and another story…here is a quote, and another quote, wrap up. Now on to the next one: Read good books. Repeat. I loved seeing John Wooden as a gracious, religious, thoughtful man.
This book focuses on the 7 principals John’s dad gave him at a young age. The book uses lots of Wooden stories and quotes of friends to solidify how the advice improved Wooden’s life. I found this read to be uninspired. The advice is strong and the stories are genuine, but it feels so repetitive. Help Other, here is a story about that, and another story…here is a quote, and another quote, wrap up. Now on to the next one: Read good books. Repeat. I loved seeing John Wooden as a gracious, religious, thoughtful man.
July 29, 2024
I am SO grateful that somehow this book found its way into my life. My notes about this read are long. I've learned so much from this book and I know that I will learn even more the next time I read it. This title has become one of my favorites and it deserves its spot in my library. 5 stars from front to back. If you've never read this one then go find a copy for yourself. 2 thumbs way up! I wish I would've had the privilege to meet the great Coach John Wooden in person. Lucky for me I have this book to tap into his wisdom, plus I will be finding more books about Coach Wooden. This is this kind of book that you read, then re-read, then re-read it again and again. This is a great book so be sure to go read it for yourself.
April 7, 2018
I was not familiar with Coach Wooden. After reading this book I have to say he sounds like a very personable good guy! And an impressive coach as well.
Coach was given 7 principles by his father which he used to guide his life. The 7 principles are mentioned in other reviews so I am not going to mention them again. Basically he lived a life of Goodness influenced by Christ and he used his influence on the players that he coached to improve their lives. There are many words to live by in this book.
Coach was given 7 principles by his father which he used to guide his life. The 7 principles are mentioned in other reviews so I am not going to mention them again. Basically he lived a life of Goodness influenced by Christ and he used his influence on the players that he coached to improve their lives. There are many words to live by in this book.
August 18, 2018
John Wooden is an incredible man and the story of his faith and character is a great inspiration. The seven principles he lived by are just as applicable today, and it is a great testament to the impact a son can have on his father.
This book has a lot of good virtues and Woodenisms, but there wasn’t a lot of depth. It read a little bit like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. Wooden and his example courses through the book, but it doesn’t really feel like a book about him at times
This book has a lot of good virtues and Woodenisms, but there wasn’t a lot of depth. It read a little bit like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. Wooden and his example courses through the book, but it doesn’t really feel like a book about him at times
July 15, 2025
This was a great book. The perspective of this book really gave the readers a good grasp on how John Wooden became who he was morally.
This book is a great inspirational tale that motivated me to take action and make a difference in my own habits. The book also gave step by step guides to help apply his principles.
Easy and great read. Recommend for anyone but especially athletes it is inspiring and you may shed a few tears.
This book is a great inspirational tale that motivated me to take action and make a difference in my own habits. The book also gave step by step guides to help apply his principles.
Easy and great read. Recommend for anyone but especially athletes it is inspiring and you may shed a few tears.
April 29, 2019
This book was referred to me and sent to me by a good friend. What a great book cataloging 7 principles that are centered around valuing ourselves, serving others, and loving each day with the 2 great commandments. I highly recommend this book. John Wooden is a prime example of leaving a legacy beyond his existence.
October 7, 2025
I honestly did not know much about this coach before a friend handed me the book, but I wish I had. He sounds to me to have been an incredible person and friend and I love the 7 principles that his father shared with him. I am going to encourage my kids to read them and I would encourage anyone and everyone to pick this up and read it!
August 21, 2018
This was an account from Williams on the character principles that shaped the coaching philosophies and lifestyle of legendary college basketball coach John Wooden. Definitely inspiring, it was a completely worthwhile and enjoyable read!
January 29, 2019
An Amazing Book! I'ive writen the 7 principles in my mind and on paper so i can read it watever i want to. I love Pat Williams books. The way he writes , and teh way he gives us practical exemples based on true storys and testimonies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2019
Had to give up on this one. Although I very much appreciated his principles to live by, I just couldn't get through all the endless introductions of "others" whom he had impacted. Introductions and introductions.
December 29, 2020
I learned a lot about what a great man John wooden was and how we all can apply some of his principals to become better people. However, at times I thought the book to be a little too preachy. I guess that’s what happens when you read a book about a life philosophy.
November 23, 2021
Call him coach dub for a reason, a real winner on and off the court. Coach wooden is a certified gangster and guru. Would’ve loved to crack open a nice cold Dr Pepper and have a chat. We need more men like him
December 21, 2021
John wooden is an amazing man, but the book went on for too long about how great and noble he is. I feel the book could have been half the length if not for the redundancy of stories about John and his father who he emulated daily.
May 5, 2024
Wonderful book. One of the best books I’ve read on leadership. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to be the best person they can be and has a desire to be successful in life and their careers.
February 27, 2017
This was a really great and inspiring book. If only we could all hang on to the simple ideals and be grateful for everything and everyone in our lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews