10 Tennis Coaching Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Insights from Emilio Sanchez, Paul Annacone, and Gigi Fernandez on mastering Tennis Coaching with proven strategies and player development

Updated on June 23, 2025
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What if the secret to coaching success lies not just in technique but in the mindset and holistic approach you bring to the court? Tennis coaching today demands more than drills—it requires understanding player development, mental toughness, and team dynamics. With competition intensifying globally, coaches who master these domains stand apart.

Emilio Sanchez, former Doubles World #1, emphasizes the balance of technical precision and mental strength. His endorsement of "Essential Tennis" reflects this synergy. Meanwhile, Paul Annacone, who guided legends like Roger Federer, highlights the practical guidance these books offer across skill levels. Gigi Fernandez, a seventeen-time Grand Slam Champion, praises these works for their relevance and impact on player growth.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, you might consider creating a personalized Tennis Coaching book tailored to your coaching style, player needs, and goals. This approach builds on expert insights with a focus shaped just for you.

Best for coaches and players mastering fundamentals
Emilio Sanchez, former Doubles World #1 Player, brings a unique perspective to tennis coaching, valuing technical precision and mental strength equally. After years competing at the highest level, he found this book captured "Technical, strategy, physical and mental pillars - The essence of tennis." His endorsement highlights how the book reshaped his appreciation of the game's fundamentals. Following him, Paul Annacone, who coached legends like Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, calls it "a must read" for players across all ages and skills, emphasizing its wide-reaching practical guidance.

Recommended by Emilio Sanchez

Former Doubles World #1 Player

Technical, strategy, physical and mental pillars - The essence of tennis.

2022·336 pages·Tennis Coaching, Tennis, Sports, Shot Technique, Mental Toughness

When Ian Westermann first realized that players often struggle not because of technique but due to their relationship with the ball itself, he crafted a fresh approach to tennis improvement. Drawing from over a decade running EssentialTennis.com, Westermann offers specific insights into stroke mechanics, strategic court positioning, and mental toughness—highlighting how your desire to hit perfect shots can ironically hold you back. The book breaks down groundstrokes, volleys, and serves with drills and progressions that help you hit stronger shots and reduce errors. Whether you’re a player aiming to sharpen your game or a coach seeking a holistic teaching framework, this book provides tangible methods grounded in real coaching experience.

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Best for coaches studying elite player development
Chris Lewit, a certified USTA High Performance Coach and Tennis Player magazine contributor, brings a rare insider perspective with this book. His extensive study of Spanish tennis academies and collaboration with Lluis Bruguera, a former Spanish Davis Cup captain and coach of French Open champion Sergi Bruguera, grounds this work in unparalleled expertise. Their combined experience offers readers an authentic look into how Spanish tennis training has crafted some of the sport’s top athletes.
The Secrets of Spanish Tennis book cover

by Chris Lewit, Lluis Bruguera··You?

2014·170 pages·Tennis Coaching, Tennis, Sports, Player Development, Training Methodology

When Chris Lewit first discovered the distinctiveness of Spanish tennis training, he unpacked methods that defy conventional coaching models focused solely on technique or fitness. Drawing on five years of immersive study and interviews with top Spanish coaches, this book reveals how elements like player development philosophy, mental toughness, and tactical understanding are integrated seamlessly. You’ll learn about specific training routines, academy structures, and coaching mindsets that have produced champions like Rafael Nadal. If you’re invested in deepening your understanding of player growth beyond drills and match play, this book offers insights tailored for coaches, players, and serious tennis students alike.

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Best for tailored coaching strategies
This custom AI book on tennis coaching is created specifically for your coaching background and goals. You share your experience level, the coaching styles you prefer, and the player development areas you want to emphasize. The book is then crafted to focus on the coaching fundamentals that matter most to you, providing tailored strategies and practical insights that fit your unique context. This personalized approach makes it easier to apply expert principles directly to your coaching practice.
2025·50-300 pages·Tennis Coaching, Player Development, Technical Skills, Mental Toughness, Training Plans

This personalized book provides tennis coaches with a tailored approach to mastering coaching fundamentals aligned with their unique style and player needs. It offers strategic insights into player development, technical skills, mental toughness, and team dynamics, cutting through generic advice to fit your specific coaching context. The content focuses on practical coaching techniques, individualized training plans, and performance analysis methods that align with your experience level and goals. By blending tactical instruction with psychological and organizational strategies, it delivers a comprehensive framework designed to optimize your coaching effectiveness and accelerate player progress through a personalized framework.

Tailored Blueprint
Performance Optimization
3,000+ Books Created
Best for coaches focusing on youth mental skills
Peter C. Scales, Ph.D., USPTA-certified and head JV tennis coach with extensive research in youth development, channels his expertise into this book. His unique blend of academic insight and hands-on coaching informs a mental training approach that emphasizes character and consistent effort. This background makes the book especially valuable for coaches focused on nurturing both the psychological and ethical aspects of young athletes' tennis performance.
Mental and Emotional Training for Tennis book cover

by Peter C. Scales, Dr. James Peterson, Cheery Sugabo··You?

2018·184 pages·Tennis Coaching, Tennis, Sports Psychology, Mental Training, Player Development

When Peter C. Scales, Ph.D., combined his decades of research in child and family studies with his tennis coaching experience, he crafted a focused approach to mastering the mental game in tennis. This book teaches you how to instill the core principles of Compete, Learn, and Honor to help players consistently perform at their best. You’ll find practical guidance on fostering mental toughness, humility in learning, and character development both on and off the court. Coaches and players aiming to elevate the psychological side of their game will find this a straightforward, accessible resource to build winning mental habits.

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Best for improving forehand technique quickly
Stephen Bourne is the founder of oneminutetennis.com, a leading tennis coaching portal. With a focus on simplifying modern tennis techniques, Bourne's innovative teaching methods have helped players of all levels improve their game. He wrote this book to cut through the complexity of tennis coaching and deliver clear, practical lessons that players and coaches can apply almost instantly.
2023·47 pages·Tennis Coaching, Tennis, Groundstroke Technique, Forehand Improvement, Blended Learning

When Stephen Bourne discovered how overly complex tennis coaching had become, he set out to simplify forehand technique into actionable, easy-to-grasp lessons. Drawing from his experience founding oneminutetennis.com, Bourne introduces a "blended learning" system that engages both mind and body, emphasizing how to translate words into feel during play. Through this approach, you can expect to hit stronger forehands, reduce errors, and gain an edge over opponents who may rely on traditional, cumbersome methods. This book suits players and coaches seeking straightforward, effective ways to integrate modern tennis techniques into their game without getting bogged down in technical jargon.

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Best for coaches developing female players holistically
Sandra Zaniewska, a former professional player and current WTA coach, takes a holistic approach to building talent and character in tennis players. Her experience coaching elite athletes drives the book’s focus on preparing players for success both on and off the court. Zaniewska’s insights stem from firsthand knowledge of the sport’s demands, making this manual valuable for coaches aiming to nurture well-rounded female players.
2020·160 pages·Tennis Coaching, Player Development, Mental Resilience, Character Building, Life Skills

What if everything you knew about coaching female tennis players was missing a crucial element? Sandra Zaniewska challenges conventional tennis coaching by emphasizing character development alongside athletic skill. Drawing from her experience as a former pro and WTA coach, she explores how nurturing the human factor — mental resilience, life skills, and personal growth — equips players for success both on the court and in life beyond tennis. Chapters delve into balancing competitive drive with emotional well-being, preparing players for diverse futures, not just Grand Slam glory. If you're a coach or mentor invested in holistic player development, this book offers a thoughtful framework that moves beyond drills and tactics.

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Best for rapid coaching impact
This custom AI book on tennis coaching is created based on your coaching background, skill level, and specific focus on rapid player development. You share your goals and the particular areas you want to emphasize, and the book is crafted to provide a personalized 30-day coaching plan tailored to your style. AI helps craft clear daily actions that fit your unique context, so you get practical guidance without wading through irrelevant information. This focused approach helps you improve your coaching impact and player results quickly and efficiently.
2025·50-300 pages·Tennis Coaching, Player Development, Daily Drills, Mental Toughness, Tactical Training

This personalized book offers a tailored approach to tennis coaching, presenting step-by-step daily coaching actions designed for rapid progress. It provides a structured 30-day program that focuses on effective drills, player motivation techniques, and tactical adjustments, aligning directly with your coaching style and player needs. By cutting through generic advice, it emphasizes actionable strategies that fit your unique context, ensuring efficient improvement in player development and coaching impact. The book integrates mental toughness coaching, physical conditioning tips, and match preparation to bolster holistic performance, making the coaching process both practical and targeted for fast, measurable results.

Tailored Framework
Performance Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for hands-on coaches tracking team progress
Elmer Reid is a dedicated publisher focused on sports coaching materials, providing resources for coaches to enhance their training methods. His background in creating tools for coaches inspired this book, offering a practical record-keeping solution tailored to tennis coaching. This resource helps you systematically track progress, plan drills, and scout opponents, making it a useful addition to any coach’s toolkit.
2021·120 pages·Tennis Coaching, Tennis Teams, Sports Training, Player Development, Game Strategy

Elmer Reid is a dedicated publisher who crafted this book to meet the everyday needs of tennis coaches seeking a practical way to organize their training sessions and game strategies. You gain a structured tool to track player progress, design drills, and scout opponents by noting factors like weather and court surface, which often influence play. The book’s 120 pages of diagrams and note spaces allow you to customize your coaching approach on the fly, making it ideal for hands-on coaches who prefer a tactile record over digital alternatives. If you’re looking for a simple yet effective notebook to sharpen your team management and tactical planning, this keeps things straightforward without unnecessary complexity.

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Best for high school coaches managing teams
Andrea K Kropp is a dedicated high school tennis coach who began her coaching journey in her early 40s. Driven by her passion for preparation and helping new coaches succeed, she developed this record book to streamline team management. Her firsthand experience navigating the administrative burden of coaching informs this practical guide, which covers everything from attendance to fundraising. This book reflects her commitment to supporting coaches with tools born from real challenges on the court and beyond.
2023·128 pages·Tennis Coaching, Tennis Teams, Tennis Record, Team Management, Attendance Tracking

When Andrea K Kropp first realized the challenges of managing a high school tennis team beyond just match scores, she created this record book to organize every facet of a season. You’ll find detailed sections for tracking line-ups, attendance, uniforms, fundraising, and emergency contacts—all tailored to the unique demands of high school tennis. This book offers practical templates and comprehensive records that save time and reduce administrative headaches, ideal for coaches juggling multiple responsibilities. If you’re a high school coach wanting a single, reliable tool to keep your team’s season organized and documented, this book delivers exactly that without unnecessary extras.

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Best for building competitive high school programs
David W. Smith is a renowned coach and 2019 inductee into the US National High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame. His years of experience coaching at the high school level inspired this book, where he shares the secrets behind his successful programs and training methods. His expertise in organizing practices and developing drills offers invaluable guidance for coaches looking to elevate their teams.
High School Coaching Mastery book cover

by David W. Smith··You?

2020·325 pages·Tennis Coaching, Tennis Teams, Team Building, Training Techniques, Player Development

What if everything you knew about building high school tennis programs was wrong? David W. Smith challenges conventional approaches by sharing insights distilled from decades of coaching experience and his 2019 Hall of Fame induction. You learn how to expand your team size, manage training for large groups effectively, and implement drills that develop player skills under resource constraints. Chapters cover practical organization methods and proven training techniques, making this a focused resource for coaches aiming to elevate their programs beyond basics. If you're involved in high school tennis and want to foster a thriving, competitive team, this book offers grounded strategies that reflect real coaching realities.

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Best for understanding coaching impact on champions
What makes this book unique in tennis coaching is its focus on the people behind the champions, revealing the coaching philosophies that shaped legends like Federer and Serena Williams. It explores the crucial role of coaching beyond technique, from temperament management to mental conditioning, offering valuable perspectives for anyone involved in tennis coaching. This book benefits coaches and enthusiasts seeking to understand how mentorship and strategy contribute to elite performance, addressing the often overlooked influence of coaches in the sport's greatest successes.
2022·212 pages·Tennis Coaching, Tennis Players, Tennis, Sports Psychology, Player Development

Unlike most tennis coaching books that focus purely on technique or drills, this book dives into the personal stories and philosophies of the coaches behind the sport's greatest champions. You learn not only specific coaching methods but also insights into how these mentors shaped the mental toughness and strategic thinking of players like Roger Federer and Serena Williams. The book offers a rare look at the human side of coaching, revealing how temperament management and individualized approaches play a crucial role. If you're interested in tennis from a coaching or player development perspective, this book gives you context and depth beyond the court skills.

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Best for coaches enhancing player mental toughness
Anthony Ross is a seasoned coach and psychologist with over 12 years of experience in the field. He specializes in mental toughness training for athletes, particularly in tennis. His insights are drawn from both his extensive coaching background and his analysis of high-stakes matches on the ATP/WTA tours. Ross's work focuses on helping players overcome psychological barriers to enhance their performance.
2015·168 pages·Tennis Coaching, Sports Psychology, Mental Toughness, Performance Anxiety, Athlete Development

When Anthony Ross first realized how deeply mental barriers affect tennis performance, he tapped into his unique blend of coaching experience and sports psychology to address these challenges head-on. Drawing from over a decade on the ATP/WTA tours and his own competitive background, he unpacks issues like choking and anger through detailed analyses of pivotal matches. You’ll gain concrete insights into how mental toughness operates in high-pressure tennis settings and practical ways to support players’ psychological resilience. This book suits coaches who want to deepen their understanding of player mindset and improve competitive outcomes through mental training.

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Conclusion

Across these ten books, clear themes emerge: the critical role of mental resilience, the value of holistic player development, and the importance of structured team management. If you're new to coaching, starting with "Essential Tennis" and "Mental and Emotional Training for Tennis" offers a balanced foundation in skills and mindset.

For those managing teams, pairing "High School Coaching Mastery" with the "Tennis Season Record Book" streamlines program growth and administration. Coaches seeking to deepen psychological insights will find "Coaching Mentally Tough Tennis" and "The Players' Box" invaluable for understanding the mental game and coaching influence.

Once you've absorbed these expert insights, create a personalized Tennis Coaching book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. Tailored guidance can sharpen your coaching edge and help your players thrive in today’s competitive tennis world.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Essential Tennis." It offers a solid foundation in technique, strategy, and mental toughness, recommended by top pros like Emilio Sanchez. This book suits all levels, helping you grasp core coaching principles before branching into specialized topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Tennis Coaching?

Not at all. Many, like "Essential Tennis" and "Mental and Emotional Training for Tennis," cater to beginners and experienced coaches alike, providing clear, actionable guidance without assuming prior expertise.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts like "Essential Tennis" and "Coaching 2.0" to understand player development basics. Then explore mental skills with "Coaching Mentally Tough Tennis," followed by team management books such as "High School Coaching Mastery."

Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?

You can definitely skip around. For example, if forehand technique is your focus, "One Minute Tennis Forehand Solution" delivers targeted advice without requiring prior reading. Choose books that address your immediate coaching needs.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"The Players' Box" and "Coaching Mentally Tough Tennis" lean toward coaching philosophy and psychology. Meanwhile, "I'm A Proud Coach Of A Freaking Awesome Tennis Team" and "Tennis Season Record Book" provide hands-on tools and practical frameworks.

How can I get coaching advice tailored to my specific players and goals?

While these expert books offer valuable insights, personalized coaching materials can address your unique challenges and objectives. Consider creating a personalized Tennis Coaching book to get targeted strategies crafted just for you.

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