As coaches, we spend countless hours developing athletes—but how often do we pause to develop ourselves? The best coaches are lifelong learners, always seeking new ways to lead with clarity, inspire their teams, and sharpen their edge.
Books offer a powerful opportunity to step outside the gym and into the minds of some of the world’s most successful leaders, athletes, and thinkers. Whether you’re building a high-performance culture, navigating the emotional complexity of coaching young athletes, or redefining what success really looks like, the right book can provide the insight you didn’t know you needed.
In this post, I’ve curated a list of 5 highly recommended reads for gymnastics coaches. These books have shaped the way I think about coaching, leadership, and long-term athlete development—and I believe they’ll do the same for you.
We’ll be adding to this list soon!
Let’s dive in …
1. Coaching with Heart by Jerry Lynch
This book offers a deeply holistic and human approach to coaching, blending sports psychology, Eastern philosophy, and practical coaching insight. Jerry Lynch—renowned for his work with elite athletes—guides coaches on how to lead with empathy, build character, and create a culture of trust and purpose. Coaching with Heart is especially powerful for gymnastics coaches looking to develop young athletes not just as performers, but as people. It encourages a shift from transactional to transformational coaching, where connection and inner growth are just as important as technical skill.
2. Legacy by James Kerr
Legacy dives into the culture of the New Zealand All Blacks—one of the most successful teams in sports history—to reveal what great leadership looks like. Through 15 core principles such as “sweep the sheds,” “follow the spearhead,” and “leave the jersey better than you found it,” Kerr explores how humility, discipline, and a sense of legacy can drive sustained excellence. For gymnastics coaches, Legacy is a blueprint for building a high-performance culture rooted in values, accountability, and team identity.
3. Will It Make the Boat Go Faster? by Ben Hunt-Davis & Harriet Beveridge
This compelling book blends Olympic experience with performance psychology, chronicling how the British men’s rowing eight transformed their mindset to win gold at the Sydney 2000 Games. The central question—“Will it make the boat go faster?”—becomes a powerful mantra for focusing on what truly matters. Coaches will find this book a brilliant resource for goal setting, decision-making, and helping athletes stay aligned with their purpose. It’s practical, motivational, and full of takeaways for everyday coaching.
4. The Long Win by Cath Bishop
Former Olympic rower Cath Bishop challenges the traditional view of success and offers a richer, more sustainable definition of winning. The Long Win explores how a focus on continuous learning, collaboration, and long-term development leads to better performance and well-being. This is a must-read for gymnastics coaches seeking to develop athletes over time—especially in a sport where early success can often overshadow personal growth and resilience. It’s a thoughtful, research-based book that prompts reflection on what we’re really striving for in sport.
5. Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court by John Wooden & Steve Jamison
John Wooden, legendary basketball coach, shares timeless wisdom that applies far beyond the court. In this concise yet powerful book, Wooden distills decades of leadership experience into short lessons on character, preparation, and integrity. His “Pyramid of Success” offers a practical framework for developing athletes who are not only skilled but grounded and self-disciplined. Gymnastics coaches will find inspiration in Wooden’s clarity, consistency, and values-driven approach to coaching.
We’ll be adding to this list soon!
