Best Basketball Coaching Books of 2025

'Shoot Your Shot: A Sport-Inspired Guide To Living Your Best Life' is a book that identifies the key principles applied by some of the world's most elite basketball players to help readers navigate through life, accomplish goals, and realize dreams. Vernon Brundage Jr., a former standout basketball player, provides an entertaining and unique reading experience while equipping readers with proven tools for success. This book is suitable for everyone regardless of age, gender, background, or standing in life. Overall, 'Shoot Your Shot' is an excellent read, and its unique approach to success principles makes it stand out from other books in the same category.

The Buzzer Beater is a children's chapter book about T.D. Lake, a talented basketball player who is on the verge of breaking the school record for the highest scorer. However, his arrogance and unexpected events in his life teach him a valuable lesson about teamwork. The book is a great read for children who love sports and teaches them about the importance of humility and working together. The story is engaging, and the characters are relatable. Overall, The Buzzer Beater is a unique and enjoyable book that will leave a lasting impression on young readers.

Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson is a captivating memoir that provides a rare insight into the mind of one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. Jackson's approach to leadership is based on mindfulness, authenticity, and selfless teamwork, which he developed through his exploration of humanistic psychology, Native American philosophy, and Zen meditation. He shares his experiences of managing and inspiring some of the most talented players in the world, including Michael Jordan, to embrace selflessness and trust in one another. This book is an excellent read for anyone interested in sports, leadership, and personal growth.

The book "Old School Grit: Times May Change, But the Rules for Success Never Do (Sports for the Soul)" by Shamrock New Media, Inc. is a motivational self-help book that encourages readers to develop grit and persevere with passion and purpose. Through the voice of legendary basketball coach Bob Flanagan, the book provides 15 unbreakable rules for achieving success and happiness in life. Flanagan's letters to his grandchildren serve as a rallying cry for toughening up and building grit, urging readers to embrace the values of faith, family, courage, and character. Overall, this book is a great read for anyone looking to develop the type of old school grit that will get them through anything.

Every Moment Matters is a must-read book for coaches at any level who are looking to improve their leadership skills and build high-performing teams. Author John O'Sullivan has compiled insights from top coaches, sport scientists, psychologists, and athletes to create a blueprint for success. The book emphasizes the importance of being intentional in every moment, from designing practices to inspiring players. Whether you're coaching a youth team or competing for an NCAA championship, this book provides practical tools and strategies to become the coach your athletes need. Overall, it's an inspiring and insightful read that will help coaches bring out the best in their teams.

The Culture System by J.P. Nerbun is a practical guide for coaches who struggle to develop a strong team culture. The book shares a proven process that helps coaches create a customized Culture System for their team and implement it layer by layer. Based on the latest research in motivation, behavioral psychology, and neuroscience, the book provides practical strategies and real examples to empower coaches to establish, support, and enforce high standards. Overall, The Culture System is a valuable resource for coaches looking to build an extraordinary team culture.

This book is a must-read for young athletes looking to develop their mental toughness and confidence. The author, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, provides practical strategies to help athletes become more resilient and adaptable, able to turn setbacks into breakthroughs. The book covers topics such as regulating emotions, being a coachable athlete, building a support team, and stopping self-criticism. With its emphasis on mental strength and the champion's mindset, this book is an essential guide for any young athlete looking to take their game to the next level.

Leading with the Heart by Coach K is an inspiring book that shares valuable strategies for success in basketball, business, and life. The author, Mike Krzyzewski, uses his experience as a captain in the U.S. Army to lead his team to peak performances. He has received numerous awards for his leadership skills and has coached many players who have gone on to become NBA stars. The book is a genuine gift for those who want to learn how to lead with heart, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and respect. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to any business leadership bookshelf.

Wish It Lasted Forever: Life with the Larry Bird Celtics is an entertaining and nostalgic retelling of the Boston Celtics' glory years in the 1980s, featuring the legendary NBA star Larry Bird. The book, written by award-winning Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy, takes readers inside the Celtics' team and captures the camaraderie as they dominated the NBA. Shaughnessy shares his personal experiences with the athletes, providing unprecedented access to the players as real people. Fans of the Celtics and the NBA will enjoy this trip down memory lane, reliving the magical years when the Boston Garden rocked and the team was at their peak.

A Game of Extremes: 25 Exceptional Basketball Stories is a must-read for basketball fans and enthusiasts alike. The book shares inspiring and thought-provoking stories about the game and its players, both on and off the court. The stories cover a wide range of topics, from the history of basketball to the best team you've never heard of. The book is well-written and engaging, making it a perfect addition to any basketball fan's collection.