Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 796.342092
EAN num: 9780380787234
ISBN number: 0380787237
Label: Avon Books (P)
Manufacturer: Avon Books (P)
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 346
Printing Date: 1997-10
Publishing house: Avon Books (P)
Sale Popularity Level: 1393799
Studio: Avon Books (P)
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Rated by buyers 
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This has got to be the worst tennis book I have ever read. I've sat in on one of Nick's presentations at national symposiums, and it was such a waste of time. Like the book, he spends more time talking about how great he is and just because he's had some sucess luring top juniors who eventually made it big into his tennis training facility at the NBTA, this guy actually thinks he's helped them all reach the top of the game. The book totally shows what kind of a person he is, an egotistical weasel who takes credit for everything. He talks about his "elite pros" that eventually leave with his supposed prize students. I wonder why. It doesn't take a genius to figure out who really helps you out. He belittles Brad Gilbert, among many, but he's perhaps the best coach out there right now. To top it all off, this guy's been married at least five million times and he should be ashamed of himself for even mentioning this in the book. He admits to having a "friendly" relationship with his ex wives, but he makes marriage seem like just a walk in the park--kind of like "wham bam, thank you maam" attitude. But I do not recommend this book at all. It's horrible. I got to about Chapter 3 before I threw it away. What a waste of 8 bucks that one was. However, I do recommend the books Brad Gilbert wrote, especially Winning Ugly.
Rated by buyers -
Works better as a gosippy tell-all on the early lives of the players his brutal boot camp helped make famous than it does as anything else. At times Bolletteri's ego speaks a little too loudly and the pace of the book bogs down because of things like the printing of letters he wrote to his one-time students. The man many consider the greatest tennis coach of all time admits here that those who charged he pushed teenagers too far too fast in pursuit of champions, were probably right. He tells some funny stories, like one about Andre Agassi having a collection of empty whiskey bottles in his room, even though no one ever saw the teen drinking and he was monitered almost around the clock as part of the regimented curriculum: a mystery to this day. I used to imagine what it would be like at this famous camp but after reading this book I was so turned off by the military school-like atmosphere described that I'm glad imagining is all I ever did. I guess the jury will always be out on Nick Bollettieri's role in the rise to fame of so many of those who spent time at his Florida center. Some like Mary Pierce credit Bollettieri with making them their best; others downplay their former coach's contribution. This is Nick Bollettieri's chance to put in his two-cents worth, and he does...or maybe it's more like a dollar's worth.
Rated by buyers -
I had no interested in reading the letters he wrote to all his players.. boring. I wanted to read anecdotes etc from his life.. from his interaction with players etc. All that was missing. Could have been so much better.
Rated by buyers 
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Nick is simply telling you about his life. I expected the book to contain more information on specific tennis knowledge that could help a player improve his game, but I guess Nick does not have any. Or maybe he will not tell you about them unless you enroll in his expensive academy. However, Nick worked hard in his life and that is what you can hear about again, rather than learn, from this book - it takes hard work and dedication to be successful. If you are looking to improve your game, DO NOT buy this book. If you are trying to kill time or want to know more about Nick, buy it.
Rated by buyers -
I must begin this book review by saying I had no opinion of Nick Bollettieri prior to reading this book other than I was aware of who he was, that he had a tennis complex in Florida for young tennis players, and that he coached some the games biggest tennis players. After reading this book, I now feel I know much more about Nick Bollettieri...unfortunately, that is not a good thing.
Initially, I found this book to be only slightly annoying as it focused on "fluff filled" stories centered around Nick Bollettieri and how he "evolved" into a tennis coach. As the book continued, I became increasingly irritated as Nick described in great detail the reason he felt he was the driving force behind the sucess of Andre Aggasi, Jim Courier, Boris Becker, Monica Seles, etc. In addition, Nick complained about the lack of respect he received from all of these players (i.e. they didn't pay him enough for his total dedication to their careers). In the end, all of these players left Nick and every relationship ended badly with Nick describing in great detail why it wasn't his fault and that the player owed him money.
In summary, if you are looking for a book to learn something about how to play the game of tennis, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for an annoying, long-winded story about a man with an inflated sense of self-importance, you have found the right book.
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