12 best basketball books

Books about basketball cater to a diverse audience, ranging from children to adults. These books can cover various aspects of the sport, including its history, biographies of players, coaching techniques, and even fictional stories set in the basketball world. Here's some information about basketball books in the context of activities, crafts, games, children's books, and general books:

  1. Children's Books: There are numerous children's books that introduce young readers to the world of basketball. These books often feature engaging stories, colorful illustrations, and simple language to make the sport accessible to kids. They may cover topics like teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship.

  2. Biographies: Many basketball books focus on the life stories and achievements of prominent players and coaches. These biographies offer insights into the careers, struggles, and successes of athletes like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and coaches like Phil Jackson.

  3. Instructional Guides: Basketball instructional books are valuable resources for players of all skill levels.They provide tips on shooting techniques, defensive strategies, dribbling drills, and coaching methods. These books are often used by coaches and players to improve their skills and understanding of the game.

  4. Histories and Encyclopedias: Some basketball books delve into the history of the sport, chronicling its evolution and key moments. Others serve as encyclopedias or reference guides, offering detailed information about players, teams, championships, and records.

  5. Fiction and Novels: Basketball-themed fiction books and novels use the sport as a backdrop for storytelling. These books may feature characters who are basketball players, and the plot may revolve around their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs both on and off the court.

  6. Photography Books: Coffee table books with stunning basketball photography capture the energy and beauty of the sport. These books showcase iconic moments, memorable games, and the athleticism of the players through high-quality images.

  7. Youth and Coaching Manuals: Books aimed at youth players and coaches often provide age-appropriate drills, practice plans, and strategies for developing basketball skills in young athletes.

  8. Sports Psychology: Some basketball books explore the mental aspects of the game, offering insights into the psychology of athletes, motivation, and strategies for mental toughness on the court.

  9. Basketball Crafts: Craft books for children may include basketball-themed projects like creating mini basketball hoops, designing team banners, or making basketball-themed decorations.

  10. Activity Books: Activity books for kids can include puzzles, coloring pages, and interactive games related to basketball, providing an entertaining way for children to engage with the sport.

Basketball books cater to a wide range of interests, from those who want to improve their skills and knowledge of the game to those who simply enjoy reading stories set in the world of basketball. Whether for education, inspiration, or pure enjoyment, these books offer something for everyone with an interest in the sport.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best basketball books on the market
  

NBA 75: The Definitive History

Firefly Books

Based on 45 reviews Check latest price

Product features

NBA 75: The Definitive History

Celebrate the NBA with stories that capture the association’s larger-than-life players and jaw-dropping events. The world’s greatest basketball league, all 75 years, is chronicled in this beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written volume. This collection covers the biggest moments and greatest superstars, with over 75 stories ranging from Jerry West’s 33-win streak Lakers, through Jordan’s repeat three-peat Bulls, to Steph Curry and the 73-win Warriors and beyond. This retrospective doesn’t shy away from controversy, covering the league’s struggles with racial bigotry, Magic Johnson’s HIV diagnosis, Len Bias’s tragic draft-night death, and the cocaine-fuelled late seventies when the Finals were broadcast tape-delayed.

Each compelling story is illustrated with over 150 archival images that cover the best dunks, shots, dribble drives, and cross-overs since the league’s tip-off. Wilt, Russell, Bird, Kareem, Kobe, Lebron, KD, and MJ — they’re all here. From the association’s early barnstorming days to the multibillion sports industry it is today, NBA 75 is the definitive guide to the history of the NBA — perfect to learn more about the game you love or catch up on what you’ve been missing.

God x Basketball: An Athlete's Playbook to Navigating Life with God's Word

Lucid Books

Based on 63 reviews Check latest price

JR. AND HIS BASKETBALL DREAMS

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to The Sports Guy

ESPN

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

The Ultimate Basketball Trivia Book: 600 Questions for the Super-Fan

Sports Publishing

Based on 268 reviews Check latest price

I Came As a Shadow: An Autobiography

Henry Holt and Co.

Based on 643 reviews Check latest price

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play

MCD

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Product features

The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant

“When it came to basketball, I had no fear.” —Kobe Bryant

The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant

“From the beginning, I wanted to be the best.” —Kobe Bryant

The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant

“From day one, I wanted to dominate.” —Kobe Bryant

The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant

“It’s just me and the basket, the court and my imagination, dreams.” —Kobe Bryant

Walk-On Warrior: Drive, Discipline, and the Will to Win

Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Based on 208 reviews Check latest price

Legends: The Best Players, Games, and Teams in Basketball

Puffin Books

Based on 657 reviews Check latest price

Bigger Than Basketball: The Dayton Flyers' Greatest Season

Based on 61 reviews Check latest price

KG: A to Z: An Uncensored Encyclopedia of Life, Basketball, and Everything in Between

Simon & Schuster

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

NBA All Stars 2020-21: The Ultimate Basketball Coloring, Activity and Stats Book for Adults and Kids!

Based on 75 reviews Check latest price

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