Brad Gilbert Teaches You How to Win, Not Just Play

Winning Ugly is a classic approach to winning that covers the other things you can do to win besides having the best strokes.  Gilbert is a master at winning through persistence, game strategies, and preparation.

The day Gilbert Beat Mac

His first story about McEnroe made the book worth the read all by itself.  He had me enjoying his victory over Mac probably as much as he did.  You could tell the win always brings a smile to face when recounted.

Preparing to Win

Gilbert gives you a course in mental preparation, combines it with the physical aspects of preparation that includes your equipment and your warm-up process.  Pre-match methods that he outlines give you a jump on your opponent early in the contest.

Using Your Mind

His section on "Mind Games, Psyching, and Gamesmanship," that he relates from his time on the tour  is a great add-on for preventing a loss due to antics from an opponent or conversely how to give yourself the edge by getting under their skin.

Though the book is dates back to 1993, it is a perfect primer for match play.

Highly Recommend