Coaching for Life: A Guide to Playing, Thinking and Being the Best You Can Be

by Paul Annacone, Nick Bollettieri (Introduction), Pete Sampras (Foreword)

Coaching for Life is an autobiographic journey into the mind and heart of a remarkable man. In his own well-chosen words Coach Annacone describes his life as player, coach and the friend of many who love and work in the field of tennis. This exceptional story is full of anecdotes and exciting passages of dynamic play and deep concentration from Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, to name only two of the many intimate portraits revealed here.

194 pages, Hardcover

Published July 3, 2017

Reviews

[Mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

While driving, I listened to a radio interview with Paul Annacone discussing Coaching for Life. I enjoyed his anecdotes, insights, and understated manner so I decided to read his book.

And I was disappointed. Though Annacone offers a wide range of suggestions about personal development and achieving goals, his ideas didn't resonate with me or move me to behavioral change. I recognize my response may be due to self-imposed inertia, not flaws in his book; nevertheless, the book didn't work for me. What's more, I expected granular detail explaining how Annacone tutored Roger Federer and Pete Sampras; the book's description of Annacone's involvement with them seemed a step removed from his specific coaching techniques.

I don't think I'd ask Stephen Covey for advice on how to improve my tennis game so perhaps I shouldn't expect Annacone to help me with personal development. Strangely, I didn't learn much about tennis development either.

[Lara Panfilov · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book describing what a proper champion’s mindset is. This book provides tools that are useful for overcoming any challenges life faces and is not only tennis related. I do have to say that some aspects of the book were a bit vague (some statements that are a bit too general). And I would have liked to read a bit more about Paul’s personal tennis career and what challenges he faced as a player. Other than that a beautifully edited book with lots of great pictures and nicely formatted chapters.

[Katie Aviv · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book to read if you are interested in what it takes to be a champion on the court as well as in life. Full of amazing anecdotal nuggets from his career as a coach to the absolute best in tennis and a competitive player himself, Paul Annocone writes in an accessible, entertaining and inspired way that makes this both a fun and thoughtful read. Am gifting the book to all my athletic pals who enjoy healthy competition as much as me and strive for greatness in life - Highly recommend.

[Marin Vallikivi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book, both about life and tennis. About setting goals and achieving them.

I love Paul Annacone and actually would have liked more, the book to be longer. And of course would love his memoir as a tennis player and as a coach!

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic account of a monumental tennis coach. This is a must-read for everyone who has a deep interest in tennis.

[Rose Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a tennis player you must read this book. If you’re not you probably should too. Insightful, clear, and entertaining.

[Olivia Annacone · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book about both life and tennis. I want more !!!

[Casey Nicoletti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book - such a great read for players, coaches or just general fans of the sport.

[Liz Vidoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Very insightful

[Nicole Nour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being able to hear the perspective of someone with so much experience in tennis. Would love to read more from Paul Annacone.