The Zen of Tennis: A Winning Way of Life [Paperback]

Nancy Koran (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2002

This is a reference book filled with ideas and techniques including quotes and stories from over 50 tennis greats and celebrities. Learn about the importance of etiquette and the proper mind-set which will help you achieve your fullest potential as a player and reshape your life forever.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nancy Koran

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Koran (August 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967979684
• ISBN-13: 978-0967979687
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,418,376 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Coaching > Tennis

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book, September 30, 2007

By 

Amy J. Silberman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Zen of Tennis: A Winning Way of Life (Paperback)

I began this book thinking that I would learn all about how I could beat my mom at Tennis, but by the end of the book I learned much more. I learned that technique and practice is important but also having an optimistic outlook and good etitique is too. I learned how to be a classier person and how when I lose or win what to say to the other person and also to myself. Additionally, it was the positivity in my game that helped me beat my mom for the first time ever! This book really changed my life, I think more constructively and encouraging than I ever have and recommend it for people who want to change not only their thoughts on the Tennis Court but also for people who want to change the way they think about everything!

2.0 out of 5 stars You Cannot Be Serious..., February 19, 2012

By 

H. Lyon "Me Monster" (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Zen of Tennis: A Winning Way of Life (Paperback)

This book seems to have gleaned a perfect review rating and while I don't like ruining it's streak, I must protest. I was looking forward to reading this book so much. It seemed promising as I have been searching for a book about the deeper aspects of the game and how they parlay into ones overall quality of life. But I was incredibly disappointed to find out that it's more like an outdated How To guide and sad Q&A for yokels going to the country club and people who aren't familiar with using the Google machine than it is anything deep and resembling self improvement, especially for the player. Anything in The Zen of Tennis can be found easily online from a variety of trusted and much more contemporary sources. How can this book be from this century when it reads like its from the 80s and the cartoons are perhaps from Weimar-era 30s. There is a stark use of unfunny snobbery in the content and imagery; I know they are cartoons, but there's always a grain of truth even in humor. They just reminded me of dirty cocktail napkins from the 70s. NOT at all what I'd equate to a classy game and it doesn't help that they are all over the book.

I couldn't believe what I was reading at times. The examples of what is proper etiquette and what's not are ludicrous. If you don't know to cease play when your opponent bends over to tie their shoe and think you are entitled to aces while they're crouched over, you have a problem and might not even be mentally sound. Anyway, just go to Wikipedia and read the rules, then come back and try again. But you don't need this book! Or, if you don't know what to wear, definitely don't read this book or you'll end up looking like Regis Philbin in 1992 in all whites with knee socks and short-shorts. And in the book it actually has a part in the Q&A about "can I wear my regular panties or do I need tennis panties?" Seriously? Again, if you need to ask about things like underpants, don't get this book. Just go online and visit a storefront which sells tennis gear - see what we're wearing out there, and watch tennis and see what dudes like Ferrer and Nadal are wearing, and what girls like Azarenka and Schiavone are wearing, and you'll be fine.

Anyway, besides the set up and let down of the content and corny cartoons, the main and underlying problem with this book is that it's sadly outdated. Things have changed and it's not all for the worse. It's not all about whites anymore unless you're playing Wimbledon or at snooty, expensive clubs which this author seems to suggest we all play at, and that tennis is still a rich, white sport (thanks, but I don't want to play at the clubs the author describes). I resent that as I've never paid an entrance fee and still manage to play with amazing people at beautiful public courts. You just need a good racket, some balls, and some good people to play with. At the end of the day, tennis is a game of respect and etiquette, and it is as much mental as it is physical. I do live my life by the same guidelines that I approach the game with, but I will keep looking for a book which has more to offer in the way of personal development and respect for the game.

The two stars are for the parts of the book contributed by former tennis greats. There are some redeeming qualities of this book found in the insights they offer but that's only a shred of the overall work.

5.0 out of 5 stars Zen of Tennis will help your game, January 18, 2008

By 

suzy soo "tennisbackboard" (new jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Zen of Tennis: A Winning Way of Life (Paperback)

I have been playing tennis all my life but never considered the nuances of the sport and the total effect it had on my life. I read this book before a match and it helped me to focus on what is important about my playing, besides the winning and competing, how it is the shared experience of both of us or the four of us trying to be considerate and polite, yet still trying to win. I am a more relaxed player and person now that I know the unwritten rules of the game.