 | Book Reviews by Brian Villa
"Winning Ugly" (1993) (Retail, $12.95. Brad Gilbert (Auth.), ISBN 0-671-88400-X)
Would you like to learn some techniques and tactics probably used in 19 year-old Andy Murray's recent straight set victory over Roger Federer? Then this easy-to-read book probably has something for you. Stressing the ability to recognize, analyze, and capitalize, Brad Gilbert, a former top twenty player on the ATP tour in the 1980's and 90's, provides guidance on how to beat various types of players, such as, among others, the "pusher" or serve & volleyer.He also gives insight on the "seven hidden ad points", and provides reasons why it's best to not serve first, as well as match preparation advice before, and during, play. Gilbert, of course, should also be remembered for coaching Andre Agassi's rise to the top, and for relating his keys to frequent victory against players such as Boris Becker - and even John McEnroe. Among certain tennis circles, this tome is considered a classic. Use it to be a "giant killer" yourself! "Serious Tennis" (2000) (Retail, $19.95. Scott Williams (Auth.), (ISBN 0-88011-913-6)
This oversized, illustrated book is perhaps one of the best all-in-one resources for the tennis player interested in being a serious one that is, BETTER. Fourteen chapters delve into playing with a system of "Tennis SMARTS", to groundstrokes and shot selection, as well as opponent analysis, playing under stress, limiting errors and becoming a "complete" player. Tommy Haas, Mary Joe Fernandez, and U.S. World Cup coach Bobby Banck provide support for this resource on the dust jacket.
"World-Class Tennis Technique" (2001) (Retail, $25.95. Paul Roetert, Jack Groppel (Eds.). (ISBN 0-7360-3747-0) Human Kinetics regularly publishes high-end tennis books and this one is no exception. Here, this amply illustrated product also provides instructional reference for various aspects of the game such as court surfaces, racquet strokes (including biomechanical commentary), tactics and techniques, and the ever-important mental aspect of the game. Also included is tennis-specific fitness training advice. Several pages of academic references supporting this work are also provided. If you need an easy-to-read, accessible, and illustrated 280 page book, this may be the one for you. "More Than Just The Strokes" (2005) (Retail, $22.95. Jack Beardsworth (Auth.). (ISBN 1-57197-434-2) Do you have inconsistency in your game? This book may be a remedy for a player like you. Geared towards club players, this book bills itself as a "common sense guidebook designed to assist the reader in reaching the apex of his or her tennis game." (Just remember, common sense isn't so common!) With six major sections such as shot-making, court defense and toughness techniques, among others, this narrative-esque book will hopefully serve as a guide to self-realization and confidence on the court through physical, practical, and psychological game characteristics for you to apply. Among those who praise this 278-page book are the father of sports toughness, Dr. Jim Loehr, the MIT men's tennis coach, and others associated with the top level of the game. |
