Playing the Game: Lessons from a Life in Tennis

Bill Schillings

Book cover for Playing the Game: Lessons from a Life in Tennis
Book cover for Playing the Game: Lessons from a Life in Tennis

Playing the Game: Lessons from a Life in Tennis

Playing the Game: Lessons from a Life in Tennis

Bill Schillings

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Description

Following up on his first book, Sports Parenting, North Carolina-based tennis coach Bill Schillings shares a lifetime of experiences from the sport of tennis in Playing the Game. In this book-part memoir and part manual-Bill outlines the stages of development that defined his tennis journey: ignition, mentorship, environment, professionalism, and humility. He recounts his experiences as a Division 1 college athlete, life in the minor leagues of pro tennis, sharing the court with a young Michael Chang and Jim Courier, what he learned working with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Jim Loehr, and much more.

Critical Reviews

"Bill uses a series of entertaining stories to motivate and coach us in the sport of tennis while also passing along excellent advice for the sport of life. Playing the Game is an important resource for athletes, coaches, and parents. It includes perspective on training, dealing with the ups and downs of competition, and is particularly helpful with advice on the mental side of the game." - Tim Wilkison, former top 25 ATP player


"Weaving personal stories into the lessons learned from a life in tennis made for a powerful and inspirational message. I have the utmost respect for Bill as a coach and person. I could hear his voice coming off the pages." -Peter Ayers (former ATP pro; All-American at Duke University; current coach of WTA player Emma Navarro)


"Bill Schillings has nailed it with Playing the Game. Somehow, he has put into words the steps needed to become a better tennis player, while keeping you smiling along the way with anecdotes from his personal experience. I watched him grow into an outstanding college player and now understand how he was able to make such significant strides. This is a 'can't miss' read for anyone who plays or coaches tennis. I couldn't put it down." -Bob Bayliss (former men's tennis coach at Navy, MIT, and Notre Dame; fifth on all-time career wins list for Division 1 men's tennis; author of Crosscourt Reflections)


"Bill Schillings is a classic case of a person who earned success in the tennis world through preparation, perseverance, and competitive spirit. This book is a roadmap for players, parents, and coaches as they deal with the mental, physical, and emotional challenges of sports." -Peter Daub (former men's tennis coach at William & Mary; three-time Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year)


"I remember meeting Bill at the Penn State tennis courts in the fall of his freshman year. He might have weighed 145 pounds soaking wet, but on the court his will to win and desire to improve was apparent from day one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Bill's stories in Playing the Game. His 'lessons learned' on the court often transcend to 'life lessons' off the court. Playing the Game is just like Bill's tennis game: direct, hard-hitting, and straightforward." -Tim McAvoy (former Penn State #1 player; seven-time platform tennis national champion; partner, Coho Partners)


"The lessons that unfold within Playing the Game are fantastic. I took notes because there's much I want to incorporate in my life, and much I want to share with others." -Pender Murphy (former ATP player; three-time All-American at Clemson University; founder/director of TLA Tennis)


Publishing Information

Publisher: Starling Press
Pub date: 2024-04-23
Length: 160 pages

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