Welcome to the Coaching Roots resource hub — the spot I send coaches when they ask “Where do I even start?” or “What should I read next?”
Everything here is stuff I’ve personally used, tested with teams, or gone deep on so you don’t have to waste time on fluff. I’ll keep adding sections as I vet more tools, books, checklists, and gear.
Quick start for new coaches: Read the first book below tonight and try one idea at tomorrow’s practice.
Top Books for the Mental Side of Coaching
These changed how I coach — ranked by how immediately useful they were on the sideline.
| Book & Author | Why It Matters for Coaches | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| The Inner Game of Tennis — W. Timothy Gallwey | Explains why athletes choke and how to quiet the inner critic. | Pressure situations, focus |
| Mindset — Carol S. Dweck | Growth vs fixed mindset — changes how you praise and correct. | Feedback, building resilience |
| The Culture Code — Daniel Coyle | How real belonging and safety build winning teams. | Team culture, locker room dynamics |
| Coaching the Mental Game — H.A. Dorfman | Directly for coaches: the 4 C’s (concentration, confidence, composure, commitment). | Daily mental tools |
| The Talent Code — Daniel Coyle | How deep practice actually builds skill (mental + physical). | Practice design |
Coming Soon to Resources
- Printable mental prep checklists & drill sheets
- Honest gear & app recommendations (whiteboards, Hudl alternatives, etc.)
- Coaching software & certification quick-guides
- Free mini-courses & email challenges
Pro tip: Bookmark this page. I update it every time I find something that actually moves the needle for coaches.
All recommendations are based on real sideline use — nothing sponsored or untested. Head back to the homepage for more.