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Best Basketball Books [2019 Buyers Guide] – Top 15 Books For Players, Coaches and Kids


Best Basketball Books For Players, Coaches and Kids Buyers Guide

By Ball Till We Fall, Last Updated March 24, 2022

Category: Basketball Clothing & Accessories, Basketball Products

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION OF BOOKS FOR LOVERS OF BASKETBALL


Do you love the game of basketball and are looking for your next book to read? Or perhaps you are on the hunt for a basketball themed gift for a loved one.  

If you would love to read more about the game of basketball and learn more about the personalities within it, please check out our following list of the 15 best basketball themed books for players, fans, coaches and kids

Best Basketball Books Buyers Guide For Player and Coaches

 “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” – Jim Rohn


IN A HURRY? HERE ARE OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR THE BEST BASKETBALL BOOKS OF 2019


BEST FOR PLAYERS

Runner Up Basketball Book

Kobe Bryant (M,M)

  • Dive into the mind of Kobe 
  • Revealing...beautifully captured...candid - LA Times

BEST FOR KIDS

Runner Up Kids Basketball Book

The Boy Who Never Gave Up

  • inspiring true story of NBA superstar Stephen Curry
  • #1 Bestseller

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LIST OF THE 15 BEST BASKETBALL BOOKS FOR PLAYERS, COACHES & KIDS 


Our team has sifted through hundreds of books to ensure we find you the very best basketball books suitable for players, coaches and kids.

Some of these books cover a range of topics such as basketball IQ, strategy, and personal development.

Most are written by professional basketball trainers, players, or coaches who are well respected in the basketball industry.

We selected critically acclaimed books that we believe will inspire readers to become a better basketball player or coach.

Other books on this list are purely for entertainment. These books contain intriguing stories about the personalities within the professional game.

Find your perfect book about basketball below!

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TOP 5 BOOKS FOR BASKETBALL PLAYERS


Do you want to take your basketball game to the next level?

Books can be a great tool to help you not only become a better basketball player, but to also help train your mind to be able to function and compete at the optimal level.

If you want to level up your mental game I'm sure you will find our list of the top 5 books for basketball players helpful and inspiring.

#1. The Hoops Whisperer: On the Court and Inside the Heads of Basketball's Best Players

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What this book is about...

The Hoops Whisperer offers a rare glimpse into the basketball lives of some of the best athletes such as Kevin Durant, Stephan Curry and James Harden, to name a few.  It shares a fascinating story of how one man, Idan Ravin, engaged, inspired and challenged some of the best basketball players to improve their potential and better their game.


#2. The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to The Sports Guy

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What this book is about...

Extremely entertaining and ESPN.com sports guy Bill Simmons tells all on the past, present and future of the NBA in this comprehensive, controversial and comedic book.  Read about how he re-evaluates the Hall of Fame, questions which team was/is truly the best of all time and who some of the best basketball players of all time actually are.


#3. Basketball (and Other Things): A Collection of Questions Asked, Answered, Illustrated

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What this book is about...

Basketball (and other things) takes readers on a journey through the history of Basketball with a set of pivotal and ridiculous questions and arguments and answers. What season was Michael Jordan the best version of Michael Jordan? Who's in The Disrespectful Dunk Hall of Fame? What's allowed and absolutely not allowed in a game of pickup basketball? Incredible art work by Arturo Torres will engage you in all the stories and be a book you can't put down.


#4. The Mamba Mentality: How I Play

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What this book is about...

​Take a dive inside the mind of one of the best basketball players of all time in this book - The Mumba Mentality.  In this book, Bryant shares his vast knowledge and insights into the game of basketball.  Readers of this book will uncover how he read his opponents, stayed motivated and passionate and persisted through injury and mental hardship.


#5. The Sixth Man: A Memoir

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What this book is about...

The sixth man, a memoir by Iguadala, traces his journey through life, from childhood to the NBA.  Gain insight into his life both on and off the court.  This book will teach you about leadership, accomplishment, glory and success.

Best Coaching Books Basketball

 Do you coach? Learn the tricks of the trade from the Zen Master himself


TOP 5 BOOKS FOR BASKETBALL COACHES


Books can be a great resource to help teach basketball coaches about philosophy, leadership, teamwork and on-court techniques.

If you want improve your coaching skills checkout the following 5 best basketball books for coaches below.

#1. Coaching Basketball For Dummies

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What this book is about...

Whether your new to the world of coaching or looking for some new tricks and tips, Coaching Basketball For Dummies is one of the best basketball books on the market to meet your coaching needs.  This book delivers a crash course on the rules and regulations of the game as well as numerous offensive and defensive drills and tips to help your team perform at its best.


#2. Leading with the Heart: Coach K's Successful Strategies for Basketball, Business, and Life

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What this book is about...

​This is an inspiring read for any coach wanting to take their team to the next level and aim for championship status.  What better advice could you get than from back to back national championship coach with over 20 years experience - Mike Krzyzewski.  Coach K talks about leadership, trust and communication as integral to his teams successes.


#3. You Win in the Locker Room First: The 7 C's to Build a Winning Team in Business, Sports, and Life

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What this book is about...

You Win in the Locker Room is a must read book for any coach wanting to explore the best principles for effective teams.  This book will provide coaches with a strategy for building a successful team organisation and will provide a framework with the tools required to instil a positive culture, teamwork, strong relationships and a team with a champion mindset.


#4. Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success

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What this book is about...

It's no wonder that Eleven Rings: The soul of Success is in the top 5 best basketball books for coaches.  There couldn't be anyone better to learn from than Phil Jackson, a coach who has won more championships than any coach in the history of professional sports.  Full of revelations, this book talks of championship player personalities and mentalities, motivation and competition at the highest levels and what it takes to bring out the best in ourselves and others.


#5. The Leadership Lessons of Gregg Popovich: A Case Study on the San Antonio Spurs' 5-time NBA Championship Winning Head Coach

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What this book is about...

Greg Popovich shares insight into how he was able to adapt the direction of his coaching in a unique way.  Hear about his inspirational stories in The Leadership Lessons of Greg Popovich.  Gain a number of key lessons such as maximising players potential, earning respect, creating team expectations and building culture.


TOP 5 BASKETBALL BOOKS FOR KIDS


Books can be a great source of inspiration for kids who dream of one day playing in the big league.

The following kids books provide a fun way for kids to learn how to play the game of basketball plus develop fundamental skills and some valuable life lessons.

The following 5 basketball books hit the mark and would be a great gift for any kid who loves both basketball and reading.

Remember “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” – Emilie Buchwald

#1. Stephen Curry: The Children's Book: The Boy Who Never Gave Up

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What this book is about...

This is the inspiring true story of NBA superstar Steph Curry.  This unique picture book biography will inspire kids to follow their dreams.   Read about how Steph overcame critics who told him he was too small and weak to play basketball.  Against all odds, he followed his dreams and became an NBA superstar.


#2. Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream

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What this book is about...

A great book for kids with hoop dreams. Kids can learn about how patients, determination and hard work are invaluable skills for anyone chasing their sporting dreams. This heartwarming and inspirational story of Michael Jordan is a great read.  


#3. LeBron James: The Children's Book: The Boy Who Became King

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What this book is about...

The Boy Who Became King is a inspirational story of NBA superstar Lebron James.  For children aged 8-12 this book tells the story of a young Lebron who with the help and support of his coaches and family became the star he is today.


#4. Slam Dunk!: Top 10 Lists of Everything in Basketball (Sports Illustrated Kids Top 10 Lists)

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What this book is about...

Kids who love basketball will love reading all of the top 10 lists of everything basketball found in this book.  This book is comprehensive, making it a good read, but also fun filled with exciting action photos, to help kids stay engaged.  Complete with both trivia and facts, this book will be the definitive kids book on pro basketball.


#5. Basketball's Greatest Players (Step into Reading)

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What this book is about...

Young baller fans will be jumping at the chance to read about their favourite basketball players in this book.  This is a great book for young readers who are confident enough to enjoy longer text but also still crave the excitement of colourful pictures.  



FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST BASKETBALL THEMED BOOKS OF THE YEAR


The truth is that most kids these days don't like to read due to the fact that their attention is absorbed by other media distractions. Older heads know that knowledge is power and that books are a major source of valuable knowledge.

Becoming a better basketball player requires not only a strong body, but also a strong mind.

What better way enhance your basketball IQ than to learn directly from the legends of the game through the power of written word

These words can be turned into your weapons on the court.

Reading Books About Basketball

 “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller

CURRENT 3 BESTSELLING BOOKS ABOUT BASKETBALL ON AMAZON

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If you are a parent of a young child, the kids basketball books in the list above provide the perfect way to develop, inspire and promote your child's "hoop dreams".

The kids basketball books listed above are sure to inspire them to live their best lives on and off the court. They can read about players like Steph Curry or Lebron James and stories about how they overcame the odds to reach great heights.

Whether you are a child or parent, player or coach, young or old, if you love the game of basketball I'm sure you will find a book on this list that will be perfect for you.

We hope you enjoyed this list of the best basketball books. We frequently update this page with the latest books about basketball so be sure to check back in soon.

Let us know what your favorite basketball book of all-time by leaving a comment below.


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About the Author

Our goal is to provide basketball enthusiasts with free access to the content, skills, and gear they need to level up their game, basketball I.Q and on/off-court swag. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the game or if you’ve been ballin' out for decades, we have everything you need to get your basketball fix.

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