Toughness: Developing True Strength On and Off the Court

This book was a combination of a trip down memory lane and an exciting educational piece from which both adolescent and adult readers can benefit. First, the sharing of his personal and family life helps the reader appreciates his own values and work ethic. His high school experiences in dramatics and his memorable teacher gave him a confidence that continues to serve him well in the adult roles he plays today. Bilas makes the case for toughness using the topics of trust, preparation, courage, communications, self-evaluation, persistence, and resilience. And he uses coaches and athletes who are worthy role models for his subject, toughness: Bill Self, Tom Izzo, Mike Krzyzewski, Grant Hill, Steve Kerr, and Curtis Strange. Bilas uses himself throughout the book as a moving "toughness-target", freely admitting how he was not always tough enough and has kept growing in this regard. The stories the author brings to print are not just instructive, many are emotionally memorable and inspiring. The tough aren't always the physically strongest, as noted by the young, tenacious brain-cancer-surviving, fourth grade teacher and her doctor who both live "hope" daily. I am a Durham, NC native, an ACC basketball fan, Blue Devils fan, Jim Valvano fan, and Dean Smith fan! I remember the 80s teams of Bilas, Alarie, Henderson, Amaker, and Dawkins, but I never knew how driven and talented the individuals were. Personally, I thought is was cool that Mark Alarie only wanted to focus on the positive, that he did not want to be shown video of his screw-ups, which Coach K is famous for. Alarie was extremely tough on himself and had hugely high self- expectations. I enjoyed Jay's conversational style, his sense of humor, and his modesty. Even when he cited his talents or accomplishments, he never exaggerated them. This book will contribute to many, many future successes that otherwise would never have happened, because individuals and/or teams would never developed the kinds of toughness that this book illustrates and inspires!!

Read this with my huge dreaming athletic son. Excellent values, mindset and practical tips for this generation that seeks instant gratification. This book offer substance. All youth athletes and coaches should read.

Really a nice read. Brings back a lot of memories.

"Toughness" presents so many different perspectives on the word that one can't help but be affected in a positive manner. This book began as a sports-related story but quickly morphed into a story in all facts of life. The title includes "On and Off the Court," and I found the nuggets, the lessons, woven throughout undoubtedly apply to just about every aspect of life. Thank you, Mr. Bilas, for sharing a bit more of your story with your readers and helping put a different perspective on what it means to be tough.

I have liked Jay Bilas as a college basketball player and as a TV commentator. Now I like him as an author. Toughness refers to mental toughness so it applies to everyday life as well as athletics. It is an inspiring book with many many real life examples from Bilas's athletic career and quotes and advice from well-known coaches and his broadcast contemporaries. My husband and I both enjoyed the book and sent copies to our 2 sons. Now our 11 year old grandson is reading it. It is a book for all age groups

As a high school tennis coach for 30 years I am always looking for material and Mr. Bilas's book is a gold mine of coaching and motivational insight. While using basketball examples of toughness, these concepts easily adapt to any sport and speak directly to today's athlete. These concepts are universal and much needed today. If you coach a sport other than basketball, ask your players to read and then ask them to write about or discuss how toughness is demonstrated in their sport. Great exercise in work environment as well. Don't overlook this book!

I should give this book a five star rating, because it does have great advice on the subject of toughness. The only reason I didn't (get ready for the blasphemy) is that I am not a big basketball fan. My daughter is however, so it did give me something to talk to her about. My favorite concept was that of the "next play." He says, "you have to be tough enough to move on whether the last play was good or crappy. It takes real mental toughness." Of course that applies to all areas of life. And this is what makes this book maybe even better than "OK." Every concept he discusses can be applied to everyday life. You want a strong mind? You want to be mentally tough? Apply these concepts.

As a former amateur athlete, I find this book relevant in all aspects of life! I was reading it on a trip while waiting in the Airport and I cannot put the book down. This is a great book with lots of insights and lots of side stories that reminded me of my training days with my teammates and coaches. I had to call my College coach to share the book with him. To the young athletes looking for a great motivational and inspiration book, you are looking at the right stuff. Download the e-book version so it will be easier to carry around.

I don't read much at all, but this book is an easy and very interesting read! I'm glad I picked it up! I'm a coach and I'm learning a lot from this book

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great book for coaches and who enjoy reading books to improve yourself !! I would like to get this book in Spanish so people can have the opportunity to enjoy it!!!

Li recentemente o livro de Jay Bilas "Toughness" e fiquei completamente impressionado. Como alguém que não é um grande fã de desporto, eu inicialmente hesitei em pegar o livro, mas estou muito feliz por tê-lo feito. O estilo de escrita de Bilas é envolvente e fácil de seguir, e ele faz um excelente trabalho de pesquisa e conselhos práticos para criar uma leitura verdadeiramente perspicaz e inspiradora. Fiquei especialmente impressionado com a forma como ele define dureza - não apenas como força física ou resiliência, mas também como uma combinação de força mental, emocional e espiritual. Uma das coisas que mais apreciei no livro é que ele não é apenas para atletas. Embora certamente tenha relevância para qualquer pessoa envolvida em desporto, as lições e princípios discutidos por Bilas são aplicáveis a qualquer pessoa que busque desenvolver verdadeira força em qualquer aspecto de sua vida. Em geral, recomendo vivamente "Toughness" a qualquer pessoa que procure melhorar a sua resiliência mental e emocional, quer seja atleta ou não. É uma leitura estimulante e fortalecedora que eu acredito que irá beneficiar qualquer um que a pegue.

Top read. Great stuff. Prompt delivery Really brilliant coaching asset