Playing sports is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and this entry in the Mind vs. Muscle: The Psychology of Sports series (6 titles) describes how important sports psychologists are in helping basketball players develop the mental toughness to win. They teach goal setting and affirmations, which help athletes perform effectively as a team. The book covers basketball basics, overall team strength, the role of the coach, and the mental strategies, such as visualization, that players use to psych themselves up for game day. Different coaches and NBA players are profiled, and the book contains a glossary, a further-reading section, color photos of players of both genders, and an index. Although the topic isn't covered in great depth, there's much here that will appeal to young, aspiring players.