ZEN TENNIS: Playing in the Zone

by Joseph Parent, Joe Parent, Bill Scanlon

From the best-selling author of ZEN Mastering the Mental Game and the tennis champion and world record holder of the Golden Set comes the most innovative and powerful book since The Inner Game of Tennis. Combining deep Eastern wisdom and practical tennis expertise, ZEN TENNIS will help you get out of your own way and into the Zone.

Genres: Sports

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2015

Reviews

[K.G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It gives you a vivid description of what it is like to play in the "zone" or in a state of "flow." This experience is not limited to sports but all endeavors in life. Having played a lot of tennis at a decent level years ago, I can relate to the wonderful feeling one experiences when one is in the zone. The experience is that of effortless action. I've had this experience in business, in relationships, practicing tai chi chuan push hands, meditating and doing yoga.

Buy this book even if you don't play tennis. It will give you a different understanding of what performing at your peak involves and it is not what you think.

[Brian Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently picked tennis back up after more than 20 years away from competitive play, and I picked up this book hoping it might help. While it doesn’t offer technical tennis strategy, it delivers something arguably more valuable: practical mental strategies. Honestly, I wish I had this book back then—I think it would have made a huge difference in how I approached the game.

Tennis is unique in that it’s largely a game of errors; most points are won or lost because of mistakes rather than winners. Zen Tennis dives into Bill Scanlon’s mindset and provides a lot of useful insights on positive self-talk, emotional control, and staying mentally centered. The frequent references to The Art of War were interesting too (note to self: add The Art of War to the TBR list).

Although this book is clearly written with tennis players in mind, easily 99% of it applies far beyond the court. It’s the kind of guide you could listen to on audiobook whenever you need help staying “in the zone” during challenging moments—whether in sports or everyday life.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifelong tennis player, this offers some great advice and mental tips to playing tennis in a competitive setting. Scanlon offers real life examples against all-time greats in the sport of tennis, and practical solutions to controlling emotions and a guide to playing with a positive attitude. I also enjoyed his examples attributed to Zen philosophy in Japan and Catholic European monks. Any aspiring tennis player should read or listen to this advice, as tennis is just as mental as it is physical.

[Kaden Briley-Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlocks and understands the zone in learning and mastery

If you want to make a change and do more with yourself, you need to be in the zone and tell yourself. And this is the book to help you unlock the zone.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful

[Chris Schaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really milks the "perfect set" he played for all its worth, but who can blame him? A lot of good tips. I don't know so much about the verbal self affirmations. good book.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would recommend as an audiobook for those looking to fall asleep in 10 minutes