First Ball To Last: Emotional Intelligence For The Competitve Tennis Player Paperback – March 21, 2026

First Ball To Last is a powerful and original exploration of the emotional side of tennis—the part too often overlooked, yet central to everything. In a sport defined by pressure, isolation, momentum swings, high expectations, and constant self-management, emotional intelligence is not a luxury. It is essential.Drawing on a lifetime in tennis and a deep understanding of the player, parent, and coach experience, Barry Buss offers a fresh framework for navigating the game from the inside out. This book goes beyond mechanics and match results to examine the emotional realities that shape development and performance: fear, frustration, anger, doubt, confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and the pursuit of flow.With insight, honesty, and a deep love for the sport, First Ball To Last shows how tennis can become more than a game. It can be a training ground for composure, perspective, discipline, empathy, and growth. Whether you are a junior player chasing goals, a parent trying to better support your child, a coach guiding development, or a lifelong tennis player seeking a healthier relationship with competition, this book provides a smarter and more human way forward.At its core, First Ball To Last is about building stronger athletes and better people. It is about learning how to compete without losing yourself, how to handle the emotional demands of the sport, and how to create a tennis experience that is healthier, more meaningful, and built to last. Read more