Top 10 Books for Athletes, Coaches and Leaders
In line with my March 30-day challenge, I have put together a list of my 10 favorite books. This was quite a task, as I really enjoy reading and have enjoyed so many books that have increased my knowledge, created greater awareness of my surroundings, and have allowed me to gain more perspective throughout my life. From my library of over 300+ books, here are the ones that I would suggest for any parent, athlete, or coach who is looking for added growth.
Coaching/Basketball
- Stuff! Good Players Should Know, by Dick DeVenzio – STUFF! is filled with special terminology used to cement crucial concepts in players’ minds so they can never be forgotten.
- Five Point Play, by Coach K – Duke’s Journey to the 2001 National Championship
- Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court, by John Wooden – ‘I’m just a common man who is true to his beliefs.’
Leadership
- Think Like a Champion, by Dick DeVenzio – 112 short sections on situations that athletes commonly encounter. This is a valuable guide for student athletes who want to excel at their chosen sport.
- 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, by John C Maxwell – Follow Them and People Will Follow You
- How to Make People Like You, In 90 Seconds or Less, by Nicholas Boothman – Learn to read body language, synchronize behavior, and make warm, meaningful connections
Personal Development & Life Lessons
- The Go-Giver, by John David Mann and Bob Burg – “Most people just laugh when they hear that the secret to success is giving … Then again, most people are nowhere near as successful as they wish they were.”
- The Fred Factor, by Mark Sanborn – How Passion in your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary
- The Secret, by Rhonda Byrnes – “You’ll begin to to understand the hidden, untapped power that’s within you, and this revelation can bring joy to every aspect of your life.”
- The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch – A remarkable story of how a man lived his life by the simple quote, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand”
What are some of your favorite books to read on coaching, leadership and personal development? Let us know in the comments section below.
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