Quite a few goalkeepers have reached out to us recently via our website and social media to ask about book recommendations that could help them on their journey to success. We thought it would be a good idea to put together a list of the top five books that professional goalkeepers have recommended for years which helped them reach new heights. Check out some great reads below and take that next step in your career!
This is one of the first books that comes to mind when thinking about recommendations for goalkeepers. The title of the book says it all. The full title is "The Champion's Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive" and it was written by Dr. Jim Afremow. The book is a comprehensive exploration of the mental aspects of sports and high-performance athletics. Drawing from his experiences as a sports psychologist working with elite athletes, Afremow delves into the mindset, strategies, and techniques that set champions apart. He discusses the importance of mental strength, resilience, and focus, providing readers with valuable insights on how to develop the mental fortitude needed to excel in sports and beyond. The book offers practical exercises and real-world examples that help athletes, coaches, and anyone seeking personal excellence unlock their full potential and achieve peak performance.
This book is so vital for goalkeepers because the mental aspect of the position can make or break your career. Being able to mentally handle the pressure of being a goalkeeper is crucial to longevitiy at the position. This book is a compelling guide for goalkeepers to navigate the mental side of the game. It not only shares the wisdom and stories of world-class athletes but also provides a roadmap for harnessing the power of the mind to achieve success in various domains of life. With its emphasis on the mental side of sports and personal development, this book serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to gain a competitive edge, overcome challenges, and strive for greatness. Get your copy HERE.
If you're going to be successful as a goalkeeper, you're going to need a bit of grit. Author Angela Duckworth does an incredible job of diving deep into the meaning of grit and how it applies to athletics. "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" is a groundbreaking exploration of the qualities that drive success. Duckworth, a psychologist and MacArthur Fellow, delves into the concept of grit, which she defines as a combination of passion and perseverance over the long term. Drawing from her extensive research, including studies of high-achievers in various fields, Duckworth argues that innate talent is not the sole predictor of success; grit is equally, if not more, important. It is such an important book for goalkeepers as they look to navigate a path that is crowded with many motivated players aspiring to reach the highest level. This book helps to explain what differentiates the good from the great.
It explores the psychological traits and practices that allow individuals to develop and sustain grit, providing actionable insights for readers looking to cultivate their own grittiness and achieve their goals. Duckworth's work has had a significant impact in the fields of education, psychology, and personal development, and "Grit" is a thought-provoking and motivational read that encourages readers to embrace the power of perseverance. It challenges conventional wisdom about success and achievement. With compelling anecdotes and scientific evidence, she makes a compelling case for the role of passion and sustained effort in reaching one's full potential. If you're passionate about goalkeeping, this book offers a roadmap for those seeking to go beyond innate talent and unlock the transformative power of grit. It is a valuable resource for any individuals striving to overcome obstacles and achieve long-term success. See more HERE.
If you're a basketball fan, on top of loving soccer, then this is the book for you. This book gives you a behind-the-scenes look at some of the great athletes of all time and the work ethic they developed in order to reach the top. The lessons taught in this book easily translate to the goalkeeper position. "Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable" by Tim S. Grover is a no-nonsense guide to achieving greatness, whether in sports, business, or life. Grover, a renowned trainer and coach to elite athletes like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, shares his unique insights on what sets apart the very best from the rest. He introduces the concept of being relentless, which is a mindset and work ethic that goes beyond ordinary dedication. Grover argues that relentless individuals have a unique ability to maintain peak performance consistently, and they possess unwavering commitment, resilience, and a drive to win at all costs. This book provides a blueprint for readers to develop their own relentless mindset, break through limits, and reach their highest potential.
Setting yourself apart is one of the key aspects for goalkeepers. In a position where opportunities can be few and far between, making sure that you stand out is vital to future success. This book is a motivating and no-holds-barred exploration of what it takes to be truly exceptional. Tim Grover's direct and unapologetic approach challenges readers to embrace a relentless work ethic, unshakeable self-belief, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to reach their goals. If you're a goalkeeper striving for excellence, this book offers a unique perspective on how to achieve greatness and maintain an unstoppable drive to succeed in any area of life. Read it all HERE.
How many books do you read each year?
1-3
4-6
7+
I think you might be catching on to the theme with this list but in case you haven't caught on, the mental aspect of being an athlete requires consistent development and education. This book is no exception. "Mind Gym: An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence" by Gary Mack is a compelling exploration of the mental aspects of sports and peak performance. Drawing from his extensive experience as a sports psychologist, Mack offers a wide array of techniques and insights to help athletes enhance their mental game. The book covers topics such as visualization, goal setting, self-confidence, and handling pressure, providing practical exercises and real-life examples to guide readers in developing the mental toughness and focus required for success in sports and life. It serves as a valuable resource for goalkeepers looking to unlock their full potential and achieve excellence through mastering the psychology of performance.
Goalkeepers go through so many ups and downs throughout their career and often feel alone ina. position that has very few teammates who understand the position. This book is a must-read for goalkeepers seeking a competitive edge in their athletic pursuits or any area of life that requires mental strength and resilience. The book effectively combines sports psychology principles with relatable stories from the world of sports, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. Through Mack's guidance and actionable advice, goalies are encouraged to harness the power of their minds to improve their performance, set and achieve ambitious goals, and overcome mental obstacles. Check it out HERE.
The final book on our list is a professional goalkeeper favorite. Multiple players that have played professionally, both domestically and overseas, have recommended this best seller. "The Chimp Paradox" by Dr. Steve Peters is a compelling exploration of the human mind and the complex interplay between our rational, logical selves and our emotional, impulsive "inner chimp." Drawing from his experience as a psychiatrist and working with elite athletes, including the British cycling team, Dr. Peters presents a unique model for understanding and managing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The book introduces the concept of the "chimp brain," a metaphor for the emotional and instinctual part of our minds, and explains how this chimp brain can sometimes lead to irrational and counterproductive decisions. It is extremely intriguing to see the parallels between high-level athletes, including goalkeepers, across multiple sports.
Dr. Peters provides practical strategies and tools for readers to better understand and control their inner chimp, ultimately leading to improved decision-making, emotional well-being, and personal and professional success. The book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on how we can navigate the complex terrain of our own minds. Dr. Peters' model helps readers become more self-aware and gain mastery over their thoughts and emotions, leading to improved relationships, increased mental resilience, and enhanced performance in various aspects of life. This book is a valuable resource for goalkeepers looking to better understand themselves, manage their inner chimp, and achieve greater self-control and personal growth. HERE it is for your review.
These are five great books that can help you develop the mental fortitude necessary to be successful at the goalkeeping position. There are hours of reliable research done by expert authors who study the intricacies of success. Whatever book you read, make sure you take the time to understand the importance of the topics being covered and how they translate to the art of goalkeeping. Want to see a more robust list of books? Check out our full book list for goalkeepers HERE.
