Great Books Every Sports Coach and Player Should Read

Books written by legendary athletes and successful coaches offer invaluable insights into leadership, motivation, teamwork, and the mindset needed for success. Whether you’re a coach looking to refine your leadership approach or a player aiming to sharpen your mental and physical game, these books provide invaluable lessons.

Great coaches and players don’t just train hard—they learn from the best. Learning from the best can help you push boundaries and elevate your performance in sports and life.

Here’s a list of must-read books for sports coaches and players across different sports.

1. Legacy – James Kerr

A deep dive into the culture of the New Zealand All Blacks, focusing on leadership, accountability, and the importance of character in building a winning team. Kerr examines the team's rituals and values, showing how they can be applied to leadership in any field.

2. Leading – Sir Alex Ferguson

The legendary Manchester United manager shares leadership lessons from his decades of success in football. Ferguson reflects on his management style, handling egos, and the importance of discipline in creating a championship-winning team.

3. Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court – John Wooden

John Wooden, one of basketball’s greatest coaches, shares his philosophies on leadership and personal excellence. His insights on character, integrity, and coaching philosophy continue to inspire athletes and leaders.

4. The Score Takes Care of Itself – Bill Walsh

Former San Francisco 49ers head coach Bill Walsh discusses how building a strong culture leads to sustained success. He outlines his “Standard of Performance” approach, focusing on preparation and process rather than results.

5. Belichick: The Making of the Greatest Football Coach of All Time – Ian O’Connor

An in-depth look at the coaching journey and philosophy of Bill Belichick. This biography explores how his strategic mind and adaptability made him one of the most successful NFL coaches ever.

6. Eleven Rings – Phil Jackson

Phil Jackson, the coach behind Michael Jordan’s Bulls and Kobe Bryant’s Lakers, shares his Zen-inspired approach to coaching. He explains how mindfulness and trust helped him lead his teams to 11 NBA championships.

7. Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable – Tim S. Grover

Michael Jordan’s former trainer explains what separates elite athletes from the rest. The book explores the mentality of “cleaners”—those who refuse to settle for anything less than excellence.

8. Play Their Hearts Out – George Dohrmann

A behind-the-scenes look at youth basketball and the pressures young athletes face. Dohrmann exposes the dark side of grassroots basketball, including exploitation by coaches and sponsors.

9. Quiet Leadership – Carlo Ancelotti

One of football’s most successful coaches shares his approach to leadership and team management. Ancelotti emphasizes the power of calmness, adaptability, and relationships in coaching.

10. Soccer Tough – Dan Abrahams

A sports psychology book specifically for soccer players, focusing on mental toughness and confidence. It provides practical techniques to improve game-day performance.

11. Win Forever – Pete Carroll

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll shares his philosophy on building a championship culture. He discusses how positivity, competition, and personal development fuel success.

12. Pep Confidential – Martí Perarnau

An inside look at Pep Guardiola’s coaching methods during his time at Bayern Munich. Perarnau details Guardiola’s tactical genius and how he inspires his players.

13. The Inner Game of Tennis – W. Timothy Gallwey

A classic on the mental aspect of sports performance, relevant to athletes across all disciplines. Gallwey teaches athletes how to quiet their inner doubts and perform at their best.

14. Netball Heroes: Secrets to Success from the Stars – Various Authors

A collection of insights from top netball players and coaches. It covers skills, training, and the mindset required for success in the sport.

15. The Carolina Way – Dean Smith

Legendary college basketball coach Dean Smith outlines his leadership and team-building principles. He emphasises teamwork, discipline, and personal responsibility.

16. Ivan Cleary: Not everything counts but everything matters

Ivan Cleary’s rise to becoming one of rugby league’s top coaches, sharing his coaching principles and leadership strategies. It explores his calm and methodical approach to team-building.

17. They Call Me Coach – John Wooden

More insights from the legendary UCLA basketball coach on his principles of success. Wooden emphasises values like humility, effort, and character.

18. Beyond Winning – Gary M. Walton

A book on ethical leadership in sports and how coaches can shape young athletes beyond just winning games. It promotes a long-term approach to player development.