Athletics Books

I began this book with some trepidation as Yogi has always been looked upon as somewhat of a clown. Someone to be enjoyed, yet not one to be taken too seriously. This book proved my expectations to be far from the truth. Although he is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and utilizes the sport as a metaphor to represent life, it goes into various aspects of Sports and shows how they are applicable in daily life. He writes about issues such as ones attitude, charisma as well as the ability to work together as a team. Much of what is written in this little "gem" of a book is applicable to the business setting and appears to come out of Business 101. When he writes about the effect of Parents upon Children, this hits Home and this is a superbly done book.

This little book is a great read and full of down to earth ideas that will be usefulto the readers in their everyday lives.We have all heard of the one-liners attributed to Yogi.Even if you are still up in the air whether he actually said all these things;you'll really see the thoughts behind these statements.
It's hard to believe that there was ever any other Baseball player who had more love for the game,and that was from the days when he and Joe Garagolia played pick-up ball as kids in St.Louis,all the way through the major leagues,and now in his retirement years.Not only that,you'll see from this book that nobody appreciated more the privilege he had to make a wonderful life and living "playing a kids game".
Yogi tells us the things that helped him through life and he explains the principles as well as any professionally trained person could do.
Most of all,he doesn't preach. he just tells us what has worked for him and should work for anyone ,through his years of observing life.In his own words,he sums it all up with:
"You can observe a lot by watching."
Thanks,Yogi,for all the enjoyment and fun you have given so many of over the years;and also for putting your thoughts in this terrific little book.

Read and enjoyed Yogi Berra's WHAT TIME IS IT? YOU MEAN
NOW? . . . the book, written with Dave Kaplan, is subtitled
ADVICE FOR LIFE FROM THE ZENNEST MASTER OF THEM
ALL . . . it contains 26 chapters, one for each letter from A
to Z, that has me believing that Berra was not only a great
baseball player--he's also quite a guy.

Although I have my doubts as to what he wrote vs. what
Kaplan did, I nevertheless enjoyed the thoughts on such
varied topics as family, competition and living in New York City.

Naturally, I also chuckled at a bunch of quotes that have
been attributed to Berra--although he admits that he did not
say them all . . . among them:
Little League is good because it keeps parents off the
streets and the kids out of the house.

It's so crowded nobody goes there.

If you ask me questions I don't know, I'm not going to answer.

You saw DR. ZHIVARGO? Why? Aren't you feeling well?

There were several other parts of the book that I liked; most notably:

I'm Lucky that Carm is a very upbeat, positive person and doesn't dwell on this stuff either. One time, though she did ask me where I should be buried. Our families are from St. Louis, where I grew up; my career was in New York; we live in New Jersey. I told Carm, "I don't know, just surprise me."

If I'm buying a car, I'll leave my wallet home the first time and just ask questions. What are the payments? What kind of warranty? What's the downside of the car? The right questions can help you make the right decisions.

It's no big secret-winning makes you feel better about everything, and losing doesn't. Everybody wants to win, who doesn't? Winning is important, that's why you keep score, but I think maybe overall it's gotten too much so, especially in kids' sports where there's too much stress on winning and not enough fun. I guess that's what's happened as sports have gotten so big in our country. Instead of asking their kids after a soccer or a Little League game, "Did you win?"
maybe the parents should ask, "Did you give it your best?" or
"Did you have fun?"

When it comes to the wit and wisdom of Yogi Berra you have to realize that are two types of Berraisms that you have to keep separate. First there are his classic examples of logic, where they sound wrong but they make sense, such as "Ninety percent of this game is mental and the other half is physical" and "It ain't over `till its over." For example, the latter works because "over" has two different meanings in that sentence, which reflects the fact that baseball does not have a clock. Second there are those that are simply the man misspeaking, such as "I want to thank everybody for making this night necessary" and "You saw Dr. Zhivago? Why? Aren't you feeling well?" Do not mistake the two forms because there is a major difference. The first category is the important one because it proves that while he was uneducated Lawrence Peter Berra was one of the smartest people to ever walk on a baseball diamond. You be sure to distinguish between the two types of sayings that serve as the basis for this book "What Time Is it? You Mean Now?: Advice for Life from the Zennest Master of Them All." (The title would fall in the second category for my money.)

All of this, of course, assumes that Yogi actually did say any particular comment in the first place (we give the man the benefit of the doubt although he admits he did not say everything he has said). There are twenty-six of these sayings, arranged in alphabetical order using the most liberal of standards¸ each with a black and white illustration by Alan Dingman. We are then provided with several pages of reflections and commentary by Yogi, which work in stories from his family life and baseball career. I wonder whether Yogi was actually given these sayings and then proceeded to hold forth on this thoughts or whether Dave Kaplan interviewed the Hall of Fame catcher and then cut and pasted them into this volume. Not that it makes much of a difference, but I am curious. The main thing here is not the recycled sayings, most of which I have heard before in my consumption of all things Yogi (in the fourth grade there were three of us with the same name and I had a catcher's mitt so I was actually called "Yogi" for a year), but to hear what he has to say about the mysteries of time, the meaning of community, and the omnipresence of hope in the direst circumstances (and you thought this would just be light reading). Smart move of Yao Ming in one of his first commercial to team up with Yogi, the most loved and loveable sports figure in the United States today.

This book is like many of Yogi's books. It goes into his childhood, his upbringing and his values. In a short space the little stories tell a lot. Often the players of today are compared with those from Yogi's era or those from his childhood. Aside from talent the key to success as a baseball player and maybe in life too is modesty, unselfishness and the willingness to help others. Yogi exhibits all these qualities.

I bought a few copies as early Christmas gifts because I know my dad and brothers are big fans. After flipping through just the first few pages of photos and text, I knew I made the right choice. The author really covered his tracks. The photos are fantastic! There's no better time in the midwest than fall -- and this book seems to bring out the best of that season.

Touchdown! This book drives the length of the field to take the reader on a journey through small towns and big cities who live and die for football. The tradition of Ohio High School Football is second to none and Butler's brilliant narration mixed in with interviews from coaches, players, parents and fans captures what Friday night in the fall is all about - a social gathering of sorts where football is the main focus. Rothchild's photography allows the reader to experience every facet of Friday night football from the star quarterback to the mom selling programs to raise money for the band.

Across Many Fields is a must for anyone who loves high school football.

I hesitated to buy this book because I had read some negative things about it on some Ohio high school internet sites. Then I browsed a copy in a local bookstore and realized how foolish I was to wait. This is one of the finest books on high school football I've ever seen (and I own many).

Across Many Fields is about football with capital "F". Having read it now (which I suspect some critics have not), I realize the authors were looking for the whole picture and that people unhappy with it were upset because their team wasn't represented. Well, this book isn't about one team or another. It's about all the teams in Ohio that strap on the helmets each season and all the people who support these young men (and a few women).

The pictures are tremendous, glorious and the writing is smooth and creative. For any football fan, for anyone who has relished the crisp autumn air on a Friday night in a local football stadium, this book is a can't miss. You'll be transported!

This book took me back to my high school years. I was a 320 pound offensive lineman. The 4 years I played high school football were the best of my life. I can never get them back, but with this book I was able to bring back all my memories. Chris and Jen have provided ex-jocks like me something to hold on to. I reccomend this book to anyone who wants some way to recall those glory years of high schoo.
Giles Powell.

While Across Many Fields chronicles the 2001 Ohio high school football season, this book is to be enjoyed by all -- regardless of the reader's geographic location. Across Many Fields goes well beyond statistics and X's and O's to explore the very essence of high school football; whereas a Friday Night Lights exposes the darker side of a big-time high school program, AMF is a celebration of the sights, sounds, athletes, and communities that make autumn evenings special for so many. From big-time rivalries to small town tradition, this book explores high school football with a depth and passion that make it a captivating read.

Handsomely photographed and insightfully written, Across Many Fields is a timeless tribute to a uniquely American institution.

I found the book easy to read and understand. I have applied some of the things I read in the book and found them useful and I feel over time the new approach to bowling will improve to my good.

When ever you buy a book containing psychology, you think to say "I knew that!", but this book pinpoints the essens of bowling psychology. I've focused on several things that for sure will make me a better bowler.

I purchased this book to help with my bowling, since as a novice bowler,
I was dismayed by my embarrassing performance when bowling with friends.
I would bowl a strike and then have a string of gutter balls.

I found this book really helpful, not just for bowling, but for achieving excellence
in other sports. I was able to apply the lessons to other challanging areas in my life.

The book gives a comphrehensive overview of this incredibly popular sport. The writers have laid out a step by step mental
plan of action that accounts for most contigencies and can used when someone has to psychologically prepare
onself to perform at a high level.

The use of acronyms such as RALLY ( react, accept, learn, lean, yes )and the examples
of positive self talk particularly useful.

I think this is one of the most up to date and detailed bowling books to date. It dives into the mental game aspect of the game and just helps you with the skills that most bowlers will need to take their game to the next level.

Very in depth book on all facets of bowling not just the psychologoical aspects. Has good drills and if the drills are performed, your average will go up.

The 1920's are famous for grandiose stunts and promotions. One of the most arduous was the great bunion derby of 1928. Brainchild of promoter Charles C. Pyle, this was a foot race from California to New York, spotlighting the newly laid Route 66. This grueling race attracted trained athletes from across the United States and beyond. But most participants were amateurs, ill-suited to the trial before them. They came for the glory, or the thrill, or perhaps the $25,000 prize. Of the 199 starters an ama zing 55 men completed the race.

Kastner's account follows African American, Ed Gardner, through the torturous ordeal. This is history that reads like a novel - absorbing and well-paced. Kastner brings into sharp focus the motivation, the perseverance, the will, the grit that made Gardner a hero of his day.

This is a beautifully written and well-researched story, and to that extent it is a good book. Chuck and Mary Kastner are friends, and frequent visitors to our Bed & Breakfast, so I won't say any more about the book than "Buy it" you won't be disappointed!

The story on the other hand belongs not only to the book, but to American History. The racers formed a cross-section of American society, with some fascinating foreigners thrown in for good measure. The trials and tribulations of all the runners amazed me and their sheer persistence could not help but become fodder for the story. But more than that the story is of ordinary people whose characters and personalities were forever changed by their phenomenal efforts. When the leaders of the race cross into New York State, there is a gesture by the leading racer which brought tears to my eyes. I leave it to you to buy the book and read the story, and admire these Bunioneers.

Whether you're interested in running, history, or African American studies, you'll find this book fascinating. Well written and surprisingly well researched and referenced, Bunion Derby presents the story of the first footrace across the United States. Among the different elements of the footrace Kastner brings to life, the most intriguing is the story of Ed Gardner, an African American competitor from Seattle.
As ultra distance running becomes increasing popular in contemporary times, Bunion Derby reminds us that such feats of endurance and will have been part of the American fiber since well before the term 'ultramarathon' was heard of.

Ostensibly a book about running - it is concerned with the cross country foot race from Los Angeles to New York in 1928 - it is so much more. It is a slice of American history, our pride and our shame. Runners and walkers from all over the globe were competing for a $25,000 prize - a vast sum in those days. Many who entered did so for the money and what it might do for their families. It didn't matter that so many of these men lacked the training, the support people, and the proper attire for such an endeavor. C.C. Pyle, the promoter of the race, and all the attendant side show foolishness that capped most days of competition, promised food and housing along the way. (The eleven-foot tall coffee pot fastened on a truck chassis, a famous curiosity of the day, followed the racers and served the runners and staff 90 gallons of coffee a day).

The reality was this: The food Pyle provided was inadequate to such an arduous venture. Lodging was minimal - tents or boxcars barely serving to keep runners out of the worst of the weather. When one of the front runners persisted in publicly complaining about Pyle's lack of sufficient attention to the men, he received a telegram stating that his wife had died. She had, in fact, died several years earlier; the idea was that he would rush home and forget about the race.

The Black runners fared as well, or as poorly, as the rest of the pack until they ran smack into the Jim Crow South. There they were harassed and threatened. Their treatment was referred to by the international runners as "the most disgraceful thing they ever knew anything about."

Kastner has illuminated what was great and what was wrong with America as it was in 1928. Despite the scorching heat of the Mojave, the sleet, the wind, and the altitude of the mountains, the filthy, sweat-soaked clothing and ill-fitting shoes, and threats and humiliation aimed at the Black athletes, 55 men completed the 3,400-mile trek. These men rose to a challenge and would not be daunted. Why did so many put themselves through such an ordeal? As one racer put it, "Every man who finishes such a race is a winner. He has shown strength of heart and purpose, which should uplift him with pride and uplift his children after him."

I found this book to be intriguing and inspirational. It is a book that anyone who is interested in the history of distance running should read. It tells the story of the 1928 footrace across the United States and the stories of the brave men who competed in the race. I couldn't put this book down. It was extremely well researched, and the stories of competitors were inspiring. I strongly recommend this book.

For amateur "weekend warrior" coaches such as myself this is a topic that is far to often barely touched on if talked about at all. Telling kids to concentrate, focus and be mentally tough without teaching it like any other skill is like giving them a bat with no instruction and telling them to hit. Some will pick it up better than others due to their own make-up but all can get much better with a coach teaching them. The mental game can be taught as a skill the same as any physical skill we teach them.

This book is one that has the authentic "been-there-done-that" feel to it. It's well organized with great real world examples and has multiple lists at the end of each topic on how to make our athletes aware of the mental game and how to practice getting better at it.

This is a book you will read and re-read if you're truly interested in being the best coach you can be. It's one of those books where you can just open to any page and pick up a great idea or tip.

This is the 4th time I bought this book. I have given three away and the last one is worn out. Trying to make the most out of a player's ability is not complete until the mental aspect is addressed and this book helps with that approach. If you coach baseball, you need to have a copy.

The most useful book you will find on the mental game, and was very easy to ready. Great organization. A must read for any coach.

Harvey Dorfman is a no-BS kind of coach and his latest book is a great tool for coaches, teachers, managers, or anyone who wishes to get the edge. As a former basketball coach at various levels, I wish this book was available 15 years ago because it would have saved me a lot of trouble and mistakes!

Coach Dorfman covers three vital areas in the book: The Coach as Leader, Communicator, and Teacher; Impact Terms for Coaches, and Impact Terms for Athletes. He provides real life examples from professional, college, and high school coaches and athletes that are easy to relate to.

361 Pages Hardcover

ExerptPage 70 Coaching is teaching. The best coaches have something else. They have the good sense to instruct, then get out of the way. They are pedagogues not demagogues.

Table of contents
Section 1 The Coach as leader, Communicator, Teacher
Chapters:
1. Leadership & Power(s)
2. Leadership style
3. You, the leader-the coach
4. The substance of leadership
5. The coach communicates, one way or another
6. Communication: Considering the process Itself
7. Communication: The when, where, how, why-and who!
8. Coaching is teaching.
9. Learners: the Coach and athlete
Section 2 The mental game alphabet: Impact terms for the coach.
Section 3 The mental Game, A to Z: Athletes' impact terms.
Appendix A Leaders list
Appendix B "The guy in the glass"
Appendix C we learn what we've lived
Appendix D A winning way
Appendix E The final word on the mental game

Buck Willis has written an excellent text on orthopedics, one which should occupy the library of every general practitioner and pediatrician. Do yourself a favor and make space for this tremendously useful textbook."

Reading this book was very refreshing because Mr. Willis has also woven his empathetic experience into the book. It is nice to see a person write both from his experience and from his academic learning. I appreciated his dedication page too, and I think that this book would benefit most orthopedic patients.

Most MD's won't take the time, or they don't comprehend how to explain what Willis does, as to why certain exercises or cardiovascular training programs are so good for Preventing and Healing people's injuries!

Willis' writing style made it an interesting, enjoyable read and because of that, this book is a winner!

This method of providing information, clearly reflects the knowledge gained from injuries (Dr Willis) has personally sustained and helps the reader identify, recognize and make decisions about how to recover from a variety of joint traumas. The specific nature of these injuries is presented clearly and briefly.

*** 'Effective Orthopedic Rehab' is a solid introduction for the layperson, a young professional working with injured athletes or a freshman undergraduate at college studying athletic training or kinesiology.

When I learned of this book, I was skeptical and thought it might just be an ordinary "home-grown" rehab book, but IT WAS MUCH MORE! This book and the author's references promote the same components that I learned in my Master's program in Physical Therapy.

This book grew from the author's experience and his doctoral education, and THIS BOOK has SOLID ROOTS in clinically proven rehabilitative protocols. I'll recommend that many of my patients read this book which will help them understand that recovery is not a switch that they can quickly turn on. GOOD BOOK!

For those of you scratching your heads in despair as you contemplate the cost of your young'uns' college, Nancy Nitary has one solution you will certainly want to consider.

According to this book, two-thirds of all colleges in the United States offer some type of athletic scholarship program. According to this book, there are 3200 men and women varsity basketball programs, over 1,100 soccers programs and 1400 collegiate baseball and softball programs. The book is also broken down into types of sports, colleges and opportunities, depending on your child's goals. Does he want to play and doesn't care in which division (there are four)? The book covers that. Does he want to be in the Big Leagues? Nancy tells you how.

It was interesting to see a sample of the resume a student athlete should put together. It reveals coach contact information, the child's birthdate and more. While these details aren't typically suitable for the job market, they're one way a college scholarship and admissions committee can determine the student's status.

Personally, I'm thrilled to have such a well-written reference guide in the event one of my kids gets the wild idea of wanting to attend college in the States! Play ball! would take on a very different meaning, indeed. Thanks to Nancy, I have little to fear.

Christine Louise Hohlbaum, author of Diary of a Mother: Parenting Stories and Other Stuffand Sahm I Am: Tales of a Stay-at-Home Mom in Europe lives near Munich with her husband and athletic kids.

I have finished it cover to cover several times and have enjoyed the detailed information that is suitable for every athlete. I am in my 11th year of coaching high school and club water polo and will no doubt recommend this book to every one of my athletes. I had yet to find a book or resource outlet that I could recommend to all my players to help guide them on their college path; now I have one. From academics wise, to contacting a collegiate coach to what you should be doing each year you are in high school to prepare for college this book has it all! Each chapter is very informative and is a wealth of information for both players and parents. No high school student athlete should be without this book.

With the cost of a college education today, my wife and I felt like we'd have to mortgage our future to help put our kids through school. We've got three...two boys and a girl. All are student athletes: soccer, baseball and track. This book really was a God-send. It put things into instant perspective for us and gave us a definite plan of action. Before we were just guessing. We heard some things from other people and thought we knew some things ourselves. Boy, were we wrong. Ms. Nitardy is a real pro who knows all the ins and outs of wooing college coaches and maximizing any money you can get for your kid's education. It's not just what you say; it's how you say it. The book is easy to read and understand and truly covers all the bases. Everytime we had a question, the book seemed to answer it. We loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone who has student athletes who are seniors, juniors, even sophomores. Get paid to play? Why not our kids? It may be the only way they can get a college education and we can retire some day!

Get Paid to Play: Every Student Athlete's Guide to Over $1 Million in College ScholarshipsThis may be the best book we have in our home and the most important. Nancy Nitardy really opened our eyes with this book. Our son is a student athlete that was undecided about playing football in college because we and he did not know how to achieve that goal. After reading this book he has become more confident in his decision to play. Nancy dispels the mystery surrounding the recruiting process through step-by-step directions, explanations and examples that are clear and easy understand. Although he is starting a little late in the process, this book has renewed our son's hope. I recommend this book to anyone whose child is interested in post-high school participation in any activity that requires prior approval (athletics, the band, drill team, cheerleading, etc.). Both the child and the parents must read this book!

Nancy Nitardy has poured her extensive knowledge as a collegiate athlete, coach and recruiter into this wonderful book. I have had the opportunity to attend a couple of her seminars. This book follows her presentations and organizes the information into an easy guide to help you through the whole college recruitment process and beyond.

This book is a must-read for any athlete with the goal of playing sports in college, as well as their parents. Nancy points out the vast amount of opportunites available for athletes and how to go about living their dream.

If you are a golfer who has some physical problems -either with your back or legs,this book we help you improve your golf swing and your body preperation to play better golf.

This is just what a 50 year old golfer with a lower back pain needs. Quite brilliant and a must have for all golfers to avoid the pain they may get in the future!

Taking care of your body will ensure many more years of good golf. This book is a great start, with a simple 15 minute program to keep you (and your game) in good shape!

Unlike many such books, this one is excellent and serious. Follow Dr. Vad's strictures and you may yet live to shoot your age!

I wish I'd read this book 45 years ago, when I started playing golf. If you're a serious golfer -- one who wants to play your best, and works toward that goal -- you have a choice: get into a good flexibility and strengthening program, or be prepared to spend some really painful time in bed, not playing golf in beautiful weather.
This book provides what you need to lower the likelihood of encountering the pain and misery of golf-related back problems. There are no guarantees in life, but it has transformed golf for this 67-year old.

The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because I thought it contained full stories (like the ones in the Chicken Soup series)and not simply quotes, which by the way are sometimes moving. I liked to read how famous people remembered their teachers, we don't usually get to know that information.

A former student of mine sent me this book with an inscription that made my day -- make that, my year! After reading the personalized inscription a dozen times, I started reading Mr. Shribman's book. What a delight. The book made me remember why I became a teacher.

I picked up I REMEMBER MY TEACHER because I liked the cover. I bought two copies because once I started reading it, I had to send copies to the college professor and the high school coach who inspired me. This book was the perfect opportunity to thank them after more than 15 years for the support and advice that still means so much to me.

Perfect book to make teachers feel good--and to make students remember why they loved their best teachers. There is something here for everyone--from the A student to the less successful, from college mentors to grade school inspirers. The famous and the more common former students share their reminisces with humor, with pride, but mostly with thanks. A great gift and a great read.

Part anecdote, part declaration, "I Remember My Teacher: 365 Reminiscences of the Teachers Who Changed Our Lives" will bring back the memory of your own teachers: what they said, what they did and who they are.

It caused me to remember back to my own fifth grade teacher, who, upon completing the year, wrote me a quick note which encourages me to this day. You, too, will think about your kindergarten teachers and learning your letters, or the guy who taught you the software used in your job.

Shribman uses examples from celebs galore, but the important part is learning about the teachers who helped mold the leaders of today. Tomorrow's leaders are sitting in a third grade classroom across the world, and a great teacher is guiding him or her.

Teachers can read this and be encouraged and excited that what they do does matters. Students will read this and see that their teacher's unorthodox ways and persistence in teaching makes a difference.

I fully recommend "I Remember My Teacher: 365 Reminiscences of the Teachers Who Changed Our Lives" by David M. Shribman.

Anthony Trendl

This was one of the most life changing books I have ever read.
Highly recommend it.

Dan Millman pulls valuable concepts from a variety of disciplines. This book does not delve into specific training methods, but rather expounds a philosophy of training. The author integrates concepts from sports psychology, physiology, and the martial arts. The Inner Athlete contains several enlightening perspectives on different aspects of athletic training. I have been following his suggested modifications for stretching exercises for about two weeks, with excellent results. This book will be valuable for any athlete, regardless of level of attainment.

What a great book...I am interested in all kinds of sports and have always believed that sport should be more than just physical training and with this book I found someone who shares my thoughts....

From the book: Dedicate your training to your life and not your life to your training...

When you read this book you will realize that the truth has always been in you, you just did not see it. Learn to see and let your heart lead the way. I love this book.

I finished the book and instantly wanted to start reading it again. Dan has helped me with my own nemisis by reminding me that being stuck on a skill is a result of not having developed the requisite skills and strengths. But the concept that I love the most and has been that of building strength by relaxing the opposing muscles so you spend less time fighting yourself. As we all learn about life through sport (well, many of us anyway) I have discovered that it is not just in athletics that I tense all the wrong muscles. I have begun seeing how in my life I fight myself and by just relaxing the right areas of my life I have been able to handle much greater degrees of stress with a peace and equanimity this book helped me to realize.

This is one of those books I'll read over and over again and gain something new from each and every time. And my poor friends are all sick to death of having me quote it to them as they come to me with their struggles.

This book is an easy read, as are all of Dan Millman's books. I read the first edition of The Inner Athlete 6 years ago at the age of 20. It inspired me to enrol in a beginner's gymnastics class for adults, probably because I wanted to be just like Dan. It proved to be a life-changing decision. I had retained some of Dan's advice, such as the Law of Accommodation - how our body more readily produces results when we don't place demands or set goals. I stuck to practicing the fundamentals, and was satisfied with doing handstands and simple drills that I understood were the foundations of talent. Those who had started the class at the same time as I had began practicing handsprings after only a few weeks.

After a year, my classmates were still struggling with their handsprings. It didn't look like much fun, as they were sprawling on their butts half the time. Those who felt discouraged moved on to working on back-flips. In the meantime, I was getting better at handstands and my muscles were growing more supple. I would watch my classmates intently during practice. I paid close attention to the instructors who tried to help them, but I stayed on the sidelines and flirted with girls. When I wasn't doing that I stuck to my drills, stretching, and handstands, which I also incorporated into my morning exercise routine at home.

Then one day a guest instructor from Russia who was impressed with my ability to do handstands insisted that I do a handspring. I declined at first, but he insisted. Not wanting to be rude, I went through the motions for about 10 minutes with him. Finally, he sent me flying in a handspring that had me airborne for what seemed like an eternity. I was astonished and after a few tries I managed to do it without help. Within a week I was turning handsprings as well as the instructors. I was utterly amazed. My classmates were less enthused. Two of them quit shortly afterward. I bumped into one of them a few months later. She said she was "too busy" to come to practice. She had worked really hard, and I felt bad because I think my sudden improvement had discouraged her. Little did she know that my new-found ability was a natural result to having applied Dan's advice on Developing Talent.

I think anyone who applies the wisdom in Dan's book will develop wonderful results over time. Some people attribute such success to patience and persistence. That may be true, but that is to oversimplify. You need knowledge of how the process of skill-learning works and you need a good teacher. The Inner Athlete provides you with helpful keys that you can apply to almost any endeavour that involves skill training.

Thanks to the simple logic in this book, I have unlocked a world that had been closed to me for so long. I cherish the memories of the times when I moved like a total spaz. If only you had seen me at my first piano-lesson, my introduction to jazz-ballet or on my first day at swim school. I now enjoy a high level of skill in these areas, and to me the process seemed effortless.

With a back injury I incurred in an accident 2 years ago I am now confined to swimming, but that is no obstacle. The Inner Athlete deals beautifully with how to cope with setbacks. I work on the areas that I can, and have recently become a valued member of a swim team. So far, no medals, but the coach doesn't have to drag me out of the pool anymore.