Books can be a terrific gift. (Stick with me on this!) Throughout the years, I have discovered that books are enthusiastically received when grouped with additional items to maximize the impact. In that spirit, today’s post explores creating bundles centered around books that transform the experience from “OK” to “Wow.” This weekend, I am focusing on new worthwhile tennis books I reviewed in 2024.
Now is a good time to remind readers that Fiend At Court participates in the Amazon associates program and receives a paid commission on any purchases made via the links in this article. Details on the disposition of proceeds are available on the “About Fiend at Court” page. When you start your shopping through the links in this article, tennis benefits. Win-Win.
The Tennis Court: A Journey to Discover the World’s Greatest Tennis Courts
This beautiful coffee table book enumerates iconic tennis courts which is perfect fodder for building a bucket list of tennis experiences. (My full review of this instant classic was published earlier this year.)
This book can be combined with the gift of travel. For example, this could be combined with airline or hotel gift cards to get that person to one of the destinations. Alternatively, it could be paired with tickets to an event at one of these local venues. For the ultimate touch, consider including a personalized itinerary or a note highlighting must-see attractions near the courts featured in the book. This thoughtful combination transforms the book from a simple gift into an inspiration for once-in-a-lifetime tennis adventures.
The Art of Tennis Movement: Mastering Footwork for Every Player
This book encourages readers to commit to a steady and intentional improvement process to build the strong footwork foundation required for tennis. It is a vital resource for any player serious about improving their performance. It delivers a detailed and methodical approach to footwork, starting with the fundamentals and moving on to more advanced techniques tailored to the sport’s functional movements. (You can find my full review of this book here.)
This book can be combined with tennis footwork training gear such as Hexagon Agility Rings, a jump rope (or my personal favorite, a cordless jump rope for small spaces), or this awesome bundle that has a speed ladder, cones, and other essentials.
The Truth About Tennis: The Definitive Guide for the Recreational Player
The Truth About Tennis is a very good private tennis lesson, but it does not include advice on the mechanics of stroke technique. A player intent on starting a self-improvement journey could easily use this book as a resource to map out and execute a tennis improvement plan toward competitive mastery. It is a well-structured design-oriented approach to the game.
Since the book doesn’t include stroke technique, it would be best paired with a gift certificate for private lessons or ball machine time. You could also combine this with a high-quality tennis journal or make your own custom one using materials from the USTA Player Development Journal.
Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome (Venus Williams)
This book offers a candid and intimate glimpse into the mindset and strategies that have propelled Venus Williams to greatness on and off the tennis court. Her resilience journey is fueled by her STRIVE strategy, a holistic approach to wellness and performance. This book isn’t about building success on the tennis court but rather cultivating a healthy lifestyle filled with smart choices achieved through transformative habits and the pursuit of joy. It offers a blend of hard-won wisdom and an uplifting philosophy that inspires anyone looking to unlock their best life.
Since the recurring themes in this book are making good nutritional choices and self-care, this book is best paired with a gift certificate to a healthy foods store or a spa. This is another good book to pair with a wellness journal.
Naomi Osaka: Her Journey to Finding Her Power and Her Voice
‘Naomi Osaka: Her Journey to Finding Her Power and Her Voice‘ is a new biography written by tennis sportswriter Ben Rothenberg. This book unravels the layers of Osaka’s complex personality and life events up to this point in time. It sits in the gray area between an authorized and unauthorized biography, as Osaka was not involved in the production yet was credited by Rothenberg for her gracious openness and candor.
You can pair this book with a new Naomi Osaka Role Model Barbie, “The Way Champs Play,” which is a children’s book she authored, or any of the multitude of products she endorses including Yonex racquets, custom tennis gear, electronics, and cosmetics.
Books make wonderful gifts, and when paired with thoughtful, complementary items, they become even more impactful and memorable. Whether it’s inspiring travel to iconic tennis courts, enhancing training with practical gear, or encouraging wellness with tools for self-care, these bundles offer more than just a gift—they create experiences. This holiday season, consider these curated combinations to delight the tennis enthusiasts in your life. Remember, when you shop using the links provided, you’re not only giving meaningful gifts but also supporting the growth of tennis. Happy gifting!
Fiend At Court participates in the Amazon associates program and receives a paid commission on any purchases made via the links in this article. Details on the disposition of proceeds are available on the “About Fiend at Court” page.
