Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else

by Jon Gordon

Training Camp is an inspirational story filled with invaluable lessons and insights on bringing out the best in yourself and your team. The story follows Martin, an un-drafted rookie trying to make it in the NFL. He’s spent his entire life proving to the critics that a small guy with a big heart can succeed against all odds. After spraining his ankle in the pre-season, Martin thinks his dream is lost when he happens to meet a very special coach who shares eleven life-changing lessons that keep his dream alive―and might even make him the best of the best. If you want to be your best― Training Camp offers an inspirational story and real-world wisdom on what it takes to reach true excellence and how you and your team (your work team, school team, church team and family team) can achieve it.

Genres: Self Help, Leadership, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Business, Sports, Audiobook

176 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2009

About the author

Jon Gordon is an American business consultant and author on the topics of leadership, culture, sales, and teamwork.

Jon Gordon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been put to the test by numerous NFL, NBA, and college coaches and teams, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, hospitals and non-profits. He is the author of The Wall Street Journal bestseller The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, Training Camp, The Shark and The Goldfish, Soup, The Seed and his latest The Positive Dog. Jon and his tips have been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Fox and Friends and in numerous magazines and newspapers. His clients include The Atlanta Falcons, Campbell Soup, Wells Fargo, State Farm, Novartis, Bayer and more.

Jon is a graduate of Cornell University and holds a Masters in Teaching from Emory University. He and his training/consulting company are passionate about developing positive leaders, organizations and teams.

When he's not running through airports or speaking, you can find him playing tennis or lacrosse with his wife and two "high energy" children.

You can find him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jongordonpage

Reviews

[Matthew Bynum · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a religious book disguised as a business book.

[Tina Klinesmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever read anything written by Jon Gordon, you know that he often writes in fables. Training Camp is no exception and the first book that I am recommending to my children. Both of my boys are football players and this book is a great playbook for life.

A personal development book disguised as a fiction tale of Martin Jones, a young football player attempting to be drafted by an NFL team in training camp. When what could be disaster strikes and an injury sidelines him, he’s stressed, scared and unsure of what to do next. When the team trainer and a coach taken him under their wing and begin to train his mind first, he learns that to be the “Best”, he has a lot more to learn off the field. What he learns from Coach Ken are the eleven lessons that he passes on to players so that they can be successful on and off the field, forever.

I have read several personal development books over the years and there is always something new to take in. This one is no different. Most of the “lessons” that Martin learns are things I have heard and learned from other book, some of it quotes from the very books I’ve read (like one from Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life) but because it’s in a fable, it’s a lesson that you see applied and is, as a result, easy to apply to your own life and remember.

Lessons like “The Best know what they truly want” or “The Best make everyone around them better.” The one thing that Training Camp had that most personal development books don’t was a very poignant, was it’s attention to a “greater power than themselves.” There is a very obvious and appreciated spiritual aspect to Training Camp that is often ignored or blatantly avoided in best-selling personal development books. It was nice to see one embrace religion in an open, unobtrusive way.

The one thing worth noting is that the language and style of the book is very basic (and not always grammatically correct). It’s written at a middle school grade level (in my opinion) which makes it a very quick and easy read. I easy breezed through most of it while waiting to be called for jury duty in only a couple of hours. But, because of this, I feel its something that pre-teens and teens, boys specifically, would be willing to read. Too many personal development books are dry and boring so the lessons our children need to learn early are tossed aside. This book makes it easy for kids to learn the lessons and be entertained. I would definitely recommend this book for pre-teens, teens (boys especially since they are the least likely to read) and adults. For the price, you can’t beat it.

[Eliza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Doesn't really say a lot that I don't get from reading blogs on the internet. The bits about God lacks nuance, and I never really appreciate it when someone tries to imply people who lack God in their life are missing something or are broken. This is especially the case because nothing said here really requires an explicit mentioning of God or religious faith just a belief in something larger than one's self (and I think most sensible people have an understanding of that).

Also, the whole thing of styling this as a fable is a good idea but very poorly executed. The dialogue is basically just pure exposition and feels unnatural. The actual plot is kind of silly. The structure is frustrating (the chapters are like 2 or 3 pages long). This is basically a self help book embedded in a series of plot devices and the two do not mesh well.

This all said. I think most of the rules in this book are decent and it might be good to give this book to a religious teenager or freshman in college who feels like they want to start giving their life some structure. It also is a light read - took me like three hours and I'm a fairly slow reader.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read! Not just for athletes, but for anyone pursuing greatness and searching for purpose in their everyday life. It is so motivational, and I hope the message gets through to other members of my team who are also reading the book. The author is so positive and inspirational. It is a quick and easy read, but the message is long-lasting and life-changing. Some great quotes can be taken away from this book. Definitely read it if you're interested in self-improvement.

[Caitlyn]

Probably my favorite quote (I took too many to really know;), “The fact is, if you knew who walked alongside you, with all the love in the universe, and you knew who carried you through all the challenging times in your life to where you are right now, you wouldn’t know fear. You wouldn’t be afraid. You would accept and receive this love, and it would cast out your fears—big and small. Love casts out all fear!” Page 118/119

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Luckily, the main points were emboldened, so I did not have to read closely to find them. This is more of the same that I've read in other business/management/leadership books, but with an additional sports metaphor that did not appeal to me at all.

One interesting piece from chapter 32: "The best tap into a power greater than themselves" and "In fact, if you asked the people throughout history who changed the world, they would all tell you that they tapped into the greatest and ultimate power." So, I agree, but the sassy part of me still wants to ask him, "oh yeah, did you talk to them all and find out that's what they would say?" and I also don't think it's nice to spring God onto people who think they might just be reading a regular old self-improvement book.

[Gregg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great message with a strong and plausible backstory…until it jumps the shark. Like his other works, the anecdote eventually crosses into the absurd and becomes a religious text. This is frustrating when the initial portions of the book were about mindset, free will, determination, etc. In fact, this format or multi-theme attempt is almost incongruent. This book needed only one central theme and narrative. Is this a fringe athlete that finds God and faith and perseveres? Is this a long shot NFL candidate that seizes his moment? Is this a book of sheer determination? Or is this a book about a coach and a mentor that brings out the best in someone? Any one of those would be a good book—this attempts all four.

[Robert Chapman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really get anything new from this book. What it does have going for it is that it's a relatively quick read and if you have not read a lot on the topic then there are some good takeaways to be had. Although I am not a football fan, the football setting did work well to convey the message.

The reason I gave it such a low rating is that towards the end of the book it turned into a hard sell on religion and how God is the answer. I'm open to any point of view, but this was very much unexpected and it was over the top.

[Carsen Drennen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book if you play any sport you should read this book.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am never disappointed by a Jon Gordon book. This is a must read!

[Joseph Pepe · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable fictional short read on an undersized, underdog's journey to overcome adversity to make an NFL team. The simple lessons from this book can be summarized as follows:
1. The Best know what they want.
2. The Best want it more
3. The Best are always striving to get better. "Game Day Principle" = 5% of a person's life is made up of performance on game day while 95% is preparing, practicing, and waiting to perform
4. The Best do ordinary things better than everyone else (think of getting 1% better every day).
5. The Best zoom focus
6. The Best are mentally stronger
7. The Best overcome their fear
8. The Best seize the moment
9. The Best tap into a power greater than themselves
10. The Best leave a legacy
11. The Best make everyone around them better

[Shelby Gee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was highly recommended and seemed promising, I’m thankful it was only 3 hours because it was a complete waste of my time.
The story telling narrative was pleasant and gave a good foundation. The plot meandered as Martin progresses through the “lessons”. The lessons themselves are good but it doesn’t show how Martin implements them - he was just accepts and immediately changes? The book then takes a Christian turn and a good chunk is spent on having faith in God and giving up fear. Also throw in a few references to eastern medicine but leave them half baked. Overall, a weird hodgepodge of concepts and no advice on implementing them.

[Charmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Pay the price to be the best.

2. If you were called to be this role, commit to your best.

3. Growth is the process of discomfort.
Be humble and hungry.

4. The best have to re-commit after they’ve been successful.

5. Greatness is dirty hard work.
- Hours dedicated to preparation for the minutes of performances

6. 10% better:
- A little better at 100 things.
- Zoom focus action: execute on the mastering the little things. Fundamentals are boring and ordinary.

7. Expose your fear.

8. Leave a legacy to better others. You were meant for more.

9. The best make everyone around them better.

[Michelle Hoelscher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring story about being one's best. It's a very straightforward, easy read. The ideas in this book are not new or secret. However it lays out steps to take to improve and become better than one was before.

[Morgan Ezbia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Think 5 Am Club but from the perspective of an Athletes mindset. However ultimately it heavily underlines “Relationships with God”. If you don’t mind reading through it, it’s good. If you’re not really religious and want something more objective this may not be for you.

[Alli · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too Jesus-y for my taste, especially since Jon Gordon is typically writing business/leadership books. I'm realistically NOT going to have my team members "surrender" before they can "truly" achieve excellence. Disappointing.

[Heather Rusch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A leadership parable book that does deliver. Real simple messages that can easily apply to all areas of life. The story is written with short segments that keep things moving and intertwine the messages of the book well. I'm interested to read more by the author.

[Casey Richbourg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon Gordon is one of my all time favorite authors because his writing is inspiration, relatable, and overall a bundle of emotions. I really enjoyed "Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else" because the main character, Martin, was such a relatable figure that could be compared to any aspect/person in your life. To be quite honest, I would have never picked any of these Jon Gordon books up if it weren't for my dad. My dad always has some sort of motivational, money-making, self-help book up to his noise, and wishes I would do the same.

Finally, after weeks of telling him I was "too busy with homework," I dove into on of Gordon's books to see what my family's rage was all about. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I love his style of writing. As an athlete, I could relate to almost every word, quote, or phrase that was spilled throughout the pages.

Another element that I enjoyed about this book was that it was a "quick-read", which by no means is a bad thing. I am not saying that I wanted the book to end actually I wanted the opposite, but I appreciated the fact that Gordon keep his writing sharp and condensed. Even though this book feel right below 200 pages in length, it packed a very powerful punch. In fact, my phone screensaver is now the "11 Traits of the Best of the Best" which is heavily referred to throughout the story. Whenever I turn on my phone, I am reminded of the hard-work it takes to become the best, and I always ask myself if I'm up for the challenge (answer is always YES!).

All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a little pump-up in life. After finishing the last page, I was more motivated in life than ever before, and I hope more people will feel the same way. Although Jon Gordon's writing is more geared towards athletes, I think anyone can somewhat relate to his lessons. If you're interested in this book... Give it a try, I promise you won't regret it!

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Training Camp" by Ben Gordon is indeed an insightful book that mixes the journey of a football player trying to make the team with valuable life lessons. The coach’s playbook serves as a pivotal element, offering guidance that transforms the protagonist’s approach to challenges both on and off the field.

### Key Highlights

1. **Twenty Ways to Mentally Toughen Up**:
This chapter is particularly impactful, focusing on strategies to build mental resilience. It emphasizes the importance of mindset in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. Techniques may include maintaining a positive attitude, setting clear intentions, and learning to embrace discomfort as a path to growth.

2. **Eleven Traits of the Best of the Best**:
These traits outline essential qualities that contribute to success. They encompass discipline, work ethic, integrity, and teamwork, among others. By embodying these traits, individuals can improve their performance in various aspects of life.

### Implementation in Everyday Life

The lessons from "Training Camp" can be highly beneficial if applied regularly:
- **Mental Toughness**: Practicing the techniques for mental resilience can help in managing stress and setbacks, whether in personal or professional contexts.
- **Character Development**: Embracing the eleven traits can guide daily interactions and decision-making, fostering stronger relationships and a sense of purpose.
- **Goal Setting**: Applying the principles of discipline and focus can enhance productivity and motivation in achieving personal and career goals.

### Conclusion

Overall, "Training Camp" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental strength and character development. By implementing the lessons learned from the book into everyday life, readers can cultivate resilience, improve their mindset, and ultimately lead more fulfilled lives. It’s a valuable resource not just for athletes but for anyone seeking personal growth and success.

[Mike Kauffeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book before passing it along to my daughter, who plays D1 volleyball, and I couldn’t have chosen a better time to share it with her. This book is filled with many little lessons that are crucial for anyone striving to push past their limits, whether in sports, life, or personal development.

Each chapter serves as either a new revelation or a timely reminder of principles we sometimes overlook in the heat of competition or daily challenges. It was exactly what she needed when she needed it—a source of motivation, grounding, and perspective.

What makes this book stand out is its ability to speak to the athlete's mind, addressing both the physical and mental hurdles. It reinforces the importance of mental toughness, perseverance, and self-belief, which are invaluable in sports and beyond. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone looking to better themselves, this book offers relevant takeaways.

[Jonathan Titzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Training Camp is a well written, interesting story, which makes it a quick read. Gordon does an excellent job developing the characters in a way that makes the reader cheer for Martin Jones and care for Coach Ken. The life lessons and 11 traits are universally sound for everyone’s life regardless if they’re in sports, business, or just want to improve. The lessons that resonated the most with me are continuous improvement and how the best are always striving to get better. I also appreciated the keys to proper focus: top 3 priorities for each day, stop scattering energy and wasting time on trivial things, and tuning out distractions. My favorite lesson from the book came from chapter 28 where it asks what type of move your life is: drama playing a victim, an inspirational tale as a hero, or another story.

[Brenda Yoho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon Gordon never disappoints in delivering a powerful guiding message to capture the attention of his readers. I believe in one of his podcasts; he was asked what book was his favorite he wrote. He answered with, Training Camp. After reading, I understand why.
The story takes you through the life of Martin as he goes through the struggles in his life journey and the support systems he has in place to encourage him to continue in his quest. He is providing a glimpse into how to find solutions, changing your mindset, becoming the standard, finding your faith, and focusing on what it takes to live the best life.
This is a book I would recommend for a book study with teens. The reading level is appropriate, and the concept is real life for them. I agree with Jon; this is my favorite too!

[Elijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Training camp by Noah Gordon was such an amazing book from the first page to the last I couldn’t put it down. The book shows you the life lessons that come through hard work and to never give up. Martin the main character has great strength in his fight to make the nfl. Through your the book Martin is going through tough times. His mother had a heart condition that needs surgery he suffers an ankle injury but with the help of his coaches and perseverance Martin was able to excel. I recommend that everyone reads this book because it provides great information on what you need to do in order to become the best.

[Scott Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coach Ken’s playbook is really solid. Would definitely want my teams to read this in some form. Perhaps the most helpful aspect of the book for me is how it speaks against the myth that a lot of teenagers/young adults believe today—being successful and being the best mainly requires a desire yet only willing to put in little work to receive the highest reward—they want instant gratification. Dabo Swinney says it as “they don’t put championship rings on smooth hands.” Everyone wants the ring few are willing to do what it takes. However, Jon explains beautifully well how much action and physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual investment, growth, and discipline is required.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon Gordon does it again. He takes a fictional story that not only grabs your attention but its one that you can relate with. He captivates you with the storyline and the characters meanwhile teaching you truths and character building. This storyline deals with doing your best. It's not necessarily about being more gifted but rather having a desire to do YOUR best. I believe this story goes so well with what Coach Wooden said "make each day your masterpiece." Definitely worth more than 4 stars but no quite 5 stars. Really good book with good principles about doing your best and leaving a legacy. Simple. Encouraging. Character building. Enjoy!

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This summer i read the book, “Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else,” by Jon Gordon. The book is all about how a football player who is trying to make the NFL, but gets injured during training camp. He has help from the coach, Coach Ken, and learns a lot about himself, and how to be better on the field and off of it. I liked this book, because i myself am an athlete and i feel i learned a lot from reading this book. Also it was very well written and uses good literary elements.

    I liked Training Camp for two reasons, i can relate to the main character, because i am an athlete. Also i liked how the book was well written, and used many literary elements. In the book it says, “Expecting Martin to get crushed by the opposing tacklers, they were pleasantly surprised when he made a one-handed catch, broke two tackles, and outran the final defender into the endzone for another touchdown. Now everyone noticed Martin Jones.” This reveals he is a great athlete, which really makes me interested in the book, because i love sports. That is why i love this part of the book. The other reason i like this book is because of the literary elements at use. In the book Coach Ken takes Martin on a fishing trip, but the fishing trip has a symbolic meaning, it’s more than just a fishing trip. Coach Ken uses this trip to ask Martin what his biggest fear is. Martin must know what it is, in order to overcome it. Those two reasons are why i enjoyed Training Camp.

    “Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else,” by Jon Gordon, i enjoyed reading. The book related to me, because i am an athlete just like Martin, also the author used literary elements throughout the book. Training Camp is a good book in my opinion.

[Meg S.]

The book was really motivational. It was about a rookie football player who goes to the training camp for the big leagues. He meets a coach that helps him prepare for training camp along with his injury he faces. The protagonist takes these tips to do better than everyone else, and it rewards him in the end. I overall really liked the sports aspect and the motivational lot that keeps the reader intrigued with the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes sports, leadership, and motivational ideas in books!

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jon Gordon is definitely hit or miss. I hope I still have some hits left...because, unfortunately, this book misses the mark. Like his book, The Seed, this book is corny and filled with cliches and platitudes.

Work hard, be positive, focus on what’s important, overcome your fears, be a better person, and lead others. There, now you don’t have to read the book. Just imagine those principles within a corny story.

Spoiler: here are some of the great lines from this book....”The best are mentally strong” and “Seize the moment.”

[John McPhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coach Ken rocks ...

Here’s the scoop ...
Eleven Traits of the Best of the Best
1. The Best know what they truly want. 2. The Best want it more. 3. The Best are always striving to get better. 4. The Best do ordinary things better than everyone else. 5. The Best zoom-focus. 6. The Best are mentally stronger. 7. The Best overcome their fear. 8. The Best seize the moment. 9. The Best tap into a greater power than themselves. 10. The Best leave a legacy. 11. The Best make everyone around them better.

[Juan Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! Great story on focusing on the process and not the outcome. To face your fears and strive to achieve something greater than yourself. So many great talking points. My favorite being the analogy with fishing. You have to be patient but ready when your opportunity comes. To become a fisherman of men. but if that man is not ready and you try to pull him in, you will lose him.

Jon Gordon has a gift of intertwining lessons in stories. Highly recommend.