Motivational books can have a profound impact on your performance on the basketball court. Whether it’s mental resilience, goal setting, self discipline, positive self talk, visualization, teamwork/leadership or overcoming fear, there are plenty of amazing reads out there that can help you. Basketball is a mental game, and reading quality self improvement books is a cheat code to developing a mental edge over your opponents. Some of life’s greatest lessons can be found between the lines! Here are 5 of my favourite mental performance books that have had a positive impact on my life, on and off the basketball court. 

• The Mindful Athlete – Secrets To Peak Performance: George Mumford

The mindful athlete is a great read to help improve your mental game and overall performance. This book is full of wisdom, strategies, and techniques to take your game to the next level. The author emphasizes the power of mindfulness, the importance of self talk, self motivation, and mental preparation. If you want to master the mental game and develop a mental edge on your opponents, read this!

• Mind Gym: Gary Mack with David Casstevens

A classic read and a great beginner book into how to build “mental muscle.”  The Mind Gym focuses on how your mind influences your performance on the court as much as your physical skill does. This book is an easy read and does a great job of providing applicable break downs and learning techniques/exercises. If you are experiencing mental blocks on the court, Mind Gym is for you. The author does a great job of unpacking performance anxiety techniques, eliminating negative self talk, and also has many greats quotes/pieces of advice to revert back to when dealing with doubt or confidence.

• Presence: Amy Cuddy

A great read not related to basketball but packed with techniques that will change your life, on and off the court. Topics include self trust, reframing, importance of body language, dealing with nerves and anxiety, positive psychology, confidence building, affirmations, and much more! Highly recommend. 

• Atomic Habits: James Clear

This book is a great read and provides an every day framework for daily improvements to reach your goals. Narrowing in on the importance of building good habits, Atomic habits shares many practical nuggets of wisdom that you can take with you on and off the basketball court. this book places a big emphasis on small daily improvements , getting 1% better every day and mastering small behaviours that can lead to big results. A must read!

• Relentless: Tim S. Grover

If want to master the art of mental toughness, read this. This author has worked with the world’s most elite athletes to dissect what it takes not just to succeed, but to be the absolute best at their respected sport. Some great topics include facing your fears, outworking your competition, demanding more of yourself and striving for excellence. An interesting, informative, and insightful read. 

• The Fighters Mind: Sam Sheriden

This book is an awesome collection of interviews with some of the world’s greatest athletes and coaches. The Fighters Mind is a great psychological look at what motivates us as athletes across all sports, ranging from MMA fighters to ultramarathon runners. Packed with lots of great stories and interesting insight into mental toughness, pushing past your limits, the power of determination, and the importance of conditioning the mind. An inspiring read! 

*Some of my other favourite mental performance books*

• Dialed In – Do Your Best When It Matters Most: Dr. Dana Sinclair

• Perform Under Pressure: Dr. Ceri Evans

• Train Your Brain Like An Olympian: Jean Francois Menard

• The Inner Game of Tennis: W. Timothy Galloway

Happy reading! 🤓📚